Why stainless steel?

What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a generic term for a group of corrosion resistant steels containing a minimum of 11% of chromium. All stainless steels have a high resistance to corrosion due to their chromium content. Properties include:
  • Resistance to aqueous corrosion
  • Excellent hygiene and cleanability
  • Good high temperature mechanical strength
  • Excellent fabrication properties
  • Ability to develop high strength and hardness through cold forming and heat treatment
  • Excellent wet abrasion resistance
  • Durable aesthetic appeal
  • Excellent polish-ability to achieve a range of finishes

Why are all Desert Wolf trailers manufactured from stainless steel?

The advantage of using stainless steel for off-road trailers is that stainless steel is extremely durable. The Desert Wolf maintains its attractive appearance despite rough conditions such as deflected sand and stones, thorny shrubs, hail storms and rough waters. Maintenance of the stainless steel Desert Wolf is limited to a wash after the trip.

If any custom built accessories, such as additional brackets for emergency tools, are required, the addition process is simple: the bracket is designed, welded onto the trailer and the vehicle is ready to go in hours. The welding and stainless steel are rust-resistant, and therefore require no further treatment following the assembly.

General information about Stainless Steel and the various grades available.

Different grades of stainless steel are derived from differences in composition of different alloys of steel, but the family of stainless steels can simply be broken down into relatively few basic branches. The choice of a specific grade of stainless steel is determined by the application and conditions under which it will operate.

Which grades are used on Desert Wolf trailers?

Grades 304 & 316 stainless steel (from Columbus) are used for the main body of the trailer.

The chassis is manufactured using Columbus’ revolutionary 3CR12, which prevents any serious wear and tear that is characteristic of most trailers after rough trips. 3CR12 conforms to the European grade for the stainless steel, type 1.4003 included in specifications EN 10088. The following properties of 3CR12 is specifically advantageous:

  • Corrosion resistance
  • Ability to resist abrasion/corrosion in wet conditions
  • Its strength, ductility and toughness
  • Heat-resisting properties
  • Low Maintenance
  • Economy and ability to be fabricated and welded by conventional techniques   

All the flat Stainless Steel used by Desert Wolf are supplied by Columbus Stainless the only Stainless Steel mill in Southern Africa.

Stainless Steel is promoted by the South African Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA)