Rear Underride Guard: Advanced Protection for Drivers and the Public
When it comes to trailer safety, Stoughton has consistently led the industry by engineering solutions that go beyond compliance and truly protect lives. One of the most significant advancements in recent years is our patent‑pending rear underride guard, a feature that has become standard equipment on all Stoughton Dry Van Trailers since November 2016. This guard was designed with one clear mission: to provide greater protection to motorists in the unfortunate event of a rear‑end collision with a trailer.
Unlike traditional underride guards that often fail under real‑world crash conditions, Stoughton’s design was developed through extensive research, engineering innovation, and rigorous testing. The guard resists compartmental intrusion when an automobile impacts the rear of the trailer at overlaps ranging from 30% to 100% of the car’s width. This performance meets the demanding testing protocol established by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and complies fully with all applicable U.S. and Canadian safety regulations.
To validate its effectiveness, Stoughton subjected the underride guard to a battery of evaluations — both internally and through independent agencies. Crash tests conducted at the IIHS facility confirmed that the guard performs exceptionally well under severe impact scenarios. The industry took notice: in 2017, this innovation earned a place on Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine’s Top 20 Products list, a recognition reserved for the most impactful advancements in trucking technology.
Key Benefits of Stoughton's Rear Underride Guard
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Integrated Strength:
All four supports are built directly into the guard bar and fastened to a robust undercarriage, creating a unified structure that resists deformation.
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No Added Weight:
The design achieves superior protection without increasing trailer weight, ensuring fleets maintain fuel efficiency and payload capacity.
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Aerodynamic Neutrality:
Unlike bulky retrofits, the guard integrates seamlessly into the trailer’s body, preserving aerodynamic performance and reducing drag.
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Cost Efficiency:
Because it is standard equipment, fleets benefit from enhanced safety without incurring additional costs or aftermarket modifications.
Beyond the technical specifications, the underride guard represents Stoughton’s commitment to driver safety and public responsibility. By engineering a solution that blends seamlessly into the trailer’s design, we’ve created a system that not only protects but also enhances the trailer’s overall appearance with a sleek, modern rear profile.
For fleet managers, this means peace of mind: every Stoughton trailer you add to your lineup comes equipped with one of the most advanced safety features available today. For drivers and the motoring public, it means an extra layer of protection that can make a critical difference in the event of a collision.