Regal Trailers had a unique introduction to the world of trailer building. The manufacturer, initially a 25-person operation based in Deer Park, Victoria, was once an entirely different logistics endeavour.
Helmed by Director, Jasmeet Johal, and her husband, Sam, Regal Trailers first entered the industry as a transport company. It originally specialised in the movement of general freight and even expanded into other states before a consistent operational issue became apparent.
“The company started with one ute and grew over time,” Jasmeet explains. “We built it up to a point where it was a legitimate transport outfit. But it became increasingly difficult to buy and use trailers from other manufacturers while running the business.
“We were using different brands, so there wasn’t much consistency in our combinations. We also faced a monopoly in the market which was charging very high prices for low-quality equipment. After a certain point, it wasn’t viable for us to keep buying them anymore.”
While Jasmeet continued to run the transport company, Sam undertook the task of manufacturing its trailers himself. This transition eventually led to the creation of Regal Trailers, a move made to service the market and high demands caused by supply chain shortages from Covid-19.
Regal Trailers’ first custom-built curtainsiders were manufactured with equipment which struck an imperative balance between high quality and affordability. This primarily included Fuwa K Hitch KF22 drum brake axles and KI25K air suspensions.
“We consulted the industry, and Fuwa K Hitch was recommended to us many times,” Jasmeet explains. “Fuwa K Hitch seemed as committed to quality and fair pricing as we were, so we decided to begin using its products for our equipment.”
Regal Trailers has since adapted its Fuwa K Hitch suspension spec by introducing the MBS-V1 air suspension range. The European engineered and manufactured MBS-V1 is a distinctive highway suspension option among Fuwa K Hitch’s product range. It features a lightweight 146mm beam with nine-tonne axle capacity – an innovative design that is engineered with a unique axle-to-suspension clamping mechanism as opposed to U-bolts or welded beam seats on the axles.
Additionally, the suspension kit includes a precision cold-rolled groove in the beam paired with a wide clamping-surface trailing arm and a forged locating key which locks into the groove and is secured firmly with three bolts.
“The trailing arm’s tail piece accommodates airbag offset positions of zero, 25, 50, 65 and 90 millimetres, eliminating the need for left- or right-specific components,” says Fuwa K Hitch Major Accounts Manager, George Hartman. “Designed for versatility and fleet efficiency, the MBS-V1 also offers common hangers, shocks and airbags for both under- and over-slung configurations.
“This standardisation significantly reduces the spare parts inventory required by fleet operators.”
These characteristics deliver a robust, weld-free connection onto the trailer. The MBS-V1 interface also reduces torsional stresses, making the suspension kit particularly well-suited for vehicles with a high centre of gravity.
Fuwa K Hitch’s KF22 drum brake axles and MBS air suspensions have become essential components across Regal Trailers’ expansive range of curtainsiders, drop decks, flat tops, skels, custom builds and dollies. The durable options are also extremely integral to Regal Trailers’ lease-to-buy business model.
Fuwa K Hitch’s collaboration with Regal Trailers has expanded beyond the supply of products. The axle and suspension manufacturer now provides Sam and Jasmeet’s growing pool of staff with training on the fitment of all trailing components being used as well.
“Fuwa K Hitch has always treated us like legitimate manufacturers,” Jasmeet says. “The service we’ve received has been amazing.
“Fuwa K Hitch has provided us with reliable and durable products and has been patiently training our team on how to fit them. This has been crucial to developing Regal Trailers’ skills as a trailer manufacturer, as well as creating a great culture among our employees.
“Our staff have become very comfortable at building trailers because they love handling Fuwa K Hitch axles and suspensions. This, in turn, has allowed us to be much more efficient.”
Regal Trailers, upon evaluating the industry and its reaction to its product offering, believes customers are well-pleased with the continued inclusion of Fuwa K Hitch components.
“If you don’t hear from a customer, it means you’ve done something right,” says Regal Trailers Engineer, Thai Quyet. “We don’t have any customers complaining, and that’s a good sign to keep doing what we’re doing.
“We use high-quality parts to make high-quality trailers. Customers do their part by looking after the trailers in the right way, such as getting the crucial first service done and having trailers serviced within the required timeframes. They also make sure all relevant components are greased, bolts torqued up, ride height settings checked and more.”
As Jasmeet navigates Regal Trailers’ continued development, she regularly highlights the fact that the fundamental visions it shares with Fuwa K Hitch are aligned. She believes the two companies are propping up industry operators considerably together.
“Fuwa K Hitch and Regal Trailers are helping the sector in similar ways,” she says. “Our costs are low and our products are intuitive to handle.
“Fuwa K Hitch helped us to start our manufacturing business, which in turn has supported many transport outfits over the last four years. They keep us productive and we keep the industry productive.”
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