Introduced in 2014, the FLOE Cargo Max XRT 8-57 multifunctional trailer keeps stirring the utility trailer pot. Unrivaled in its construction and function, the game-changing trailer, if the competition isn’t careful, could render the archetypal, antiquated steel-frame and wood-box trailer obsolete.
FLOE, a savant company when it comes to manipulating aluminum, has merged the core properties of aluminum with the most progressive use of highly impact- and UV-resistant polymers. (As an aside, the rotary thermoforming machine in FLOE’s latest 40,000 square foot facility addition is the largest of its kind in the world. A true testimony to FLOE’s progressive thinking and elite engineering.)
Enough talking, let’s start chalking, or let a Cargo Max owner sing the trailer’s praises. “The FLOE Cargo Max is the Swiss Army Knife trailer,” says outdoor writer and father of three, Jim Edlund. “Goes from ATV hauler to use around the cabin or food plot with ease.
“Rugged but lightweight. Love the fact that I can back out the ATV and then hook the Cargo Max behind the machine for transporting kids and gear on the ice or acreage … It’s perfect for just about any task I throw at it, like transporting my Old Town canoe and kayak down logging trails and into hard-to-reach waters!”
Another outdoor communicator, and heavy-duty kayaker, Noel Vick, gives the Cargo Max an A-1 rating. “It takes an aircraft carrier to haul a warship, and the deck is clear and strong for my boat to land, and haul across the country. I’ve pulled the Cargo Max from Minnesota to the Everglades, Arkansas, southern border of Texas and all points in-between.
“It pulls like a dream wears like the dark knight.”
On one particular excursion, Vick’s Cargo Max carried a pair of mountain bikes, cooler and luggage, in addition to the warship kayak.
The bed continues to be the real story. Formed from high-molecular-weight resins, the finished polymer bed is amazingly impact resistant…and strong. At 8-feet long, with the support of FLOE’s professional-grade aluminum frame, the Cargo Max XRT 8-57 yields a monstrous 1,800 lb. carrying capacity. “That’s enough capacity to tow any ATV, not to mention deer stands and a couple big bucks to go with it,” says FLOE President Don VanderMey.
The strength of the bed not only comes from its premium polymers, but also its intelligent design. The base of the bed is critically structured with longitudinal ribs to maximize strength and durability. And tucked in the depressions between those ribs you’ll find a series integrated, collapsing tie-downs that connect directly to the Cargo Max XRT’s robust, extruded aluminum frame.
From frame-strength, the conversation shifts to suspension. Whereas the garden-variety utility trailer offers only feeble leaf-springs, the Cargo Max features full rubber torsion independent suspension to keep your driving pleasures peaked even when towing with a small car.
Beyond its raw muscle, the Cargo Max XRT offers a wealth of carefully considered features. For one, commercial grade LED lights are standard. LED’s burn brighter, cooler and won’t pop when they get wet. To that, the wiring harness, which is protected inside the frame, is molded – no shoddy tape-job or exposed wires. A large diameter wheel and tire combination stays cool over long distances. And the grease-hubs are easily juiced without disassembly.
Admittedly, it’s more fun to talk about the recreational aspects of FLOE’s Cargo Max XRT. But honestly, it’s a great workhorse as well. Building treestands and cutting shooting lanes is work, right?
SPECS:
Trailer weight: 290 lbs.
Load capacity: 1800 lbs.
Max. tongue weight: 125 lbs.
GAWR: 2090 lbs.
GVWR: 2140 lbs.
There is a growing number of retailers offering the innovative Cargo Max. The utility trailer can be found at select retailers such as Home Depot, L&M Supply, Thiesen’s, Rural King, as well as many Powersports dealerships and trailer specialty stores.
Find your nearest dealer on the FLOE website: http://www.floeintl.com/cargo-max-dealers/
ABOUT FLOE
It all started in 1983 when Wayne Floe, at the age of 19, designed his first boat lift. The company’s original name was United States Boat Hoist and Dock Company. This first lift was unlike any other on the market. It had a roller bunk bed on a twin winch vertical lift. This lift allowed you to literally drive the boat up and out of the water. Once out of the boat all you had to do was crank the rear winch up and out of the water. This first lift was used for over a decade and is still functional and now on display at FLOE.
Since that time, change has been a part of the winning formula. One thing that has remained the same is FLOE products are always designed and produced with innovation at the core. Some examples of this innovation include FLOE’s exclusive VSD boat lift drive train, Easy-Level legs on docks and boat lifts, highly impact resistant thermoformed Cargo Max trailer bodies, the alumagrain decking finish on our top selling dock systems, and the FLOE CRAFT Ace which transforms faster than the weather so boaters can enjoy the water more often and with a longer season. Most recently FLOE has installed the largest rotary vacuum thermoforming machine in the world, along with two additional thermoforming machines, for producing FLOE branded products as well as offering thermoforming capabilities to OEM partners.
Throughout the journey and going forward, FLOE always has and will stay true to delivering only innovative products and services that deliver exceptional value. All of us at FLOE appreciate your interest and welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and business.