The Expandable Trailer: Let's take a closer look

The Genesis of Expandable

Expandable was founded because our owner Michiel Becx wanted something that wasn’t available on the market – a movable space that is easy to operate, affordable, and with a short lead time. Needless to say, he succeeded at that. The motivation to found Expandable has been the driving force of our company ever since. To be specific, the desire to keep reinventing ourselves to stay ahead of the market, and keep filling in the gaps between what the market has to offer and what the customers want.

Our latest product line, highlighted by the Expandable Touchdown, is the poster child of this mentality. But in order to prevent others from running away with this technology, we had to act. In this newquest, we partnered with Patentwerk to secure the patent needed to stay in control.

Ingenious technology

Thanks to an ingenious technique, the wheels roll out from under it, after which the Expandable lowers almost to the ground. The low step makes the space easily accessible and more attractive. Previously, the wheels either retracted into the unit (Hybrid Trailer), remained under it (Trailer), or were connected to a separate vehicle (Container).

However, there never was a patent, and with all the time and work we put into the design, it would be a real shame if a competitor ran away with it. But this time, we decided to grab the bull by the horns and work together with, in this case, Saskia Schildkamp of Patentwerk. “Our main task is to describe the crux of the invention”, she says. “If the description is too broad, you risk the patent not being granted. If the description is too specific, the competitor can easily work around the patent.”

Securing innovation

Having a strategic partner in the patent application process, we were able to keep focusing on production and development, safe in the knowledge that a technically and legally correct patent application was being made. Not to mention time being spent needlessly on something outside our field of expertise.

“We submit the patent application to the Dutch Patent Office, which is authorized to issue the final patent”, continues Schildkamp. “For obtaining patent protection internationally, we take a different route. Patent granting procedures can take several years. It is important to start before the product is on the market and possibly even before there is a prototype. In the meantime, the company can continue development.”

Dotting the i’s, crossing the t’s

This two-way collaboration resulted in the successful development of a unique product alongside a decisive patent application process that is still continuing. “We are now in the process of having patent protection for the invention applied internationally”, continues Berrie. “Once a savvy person knows how it works, it is relatively easy to recreate. That's precisely when a patent is advisable; it helps you keep a grip on your invention. This patent is yet another step that will help us become even more of an option in today’s industry.”

Why choose Expandable?

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* Versatile – You can use them for all kinds of purposes at a convention, from showroom to meeting room to conference hall.

* Mobile – Designed with portability in mind. They are easy to move with an ordinary truck. No crane or special vehicle needed!

* Spacious – On location but also on the move. Their unique construction makes them compact when retracted, but with a surprising load capacity.

* Unique – Our state-of-the-art mobile spaces are unique and inviting, based on a cleverly designed mobile concept combined with attractive, trendy and luxurious design.

* Affordable – Compared to other convention stands, our units are a cost-effective way to make a big impact.

* Quiet – Escape the noise of the convention floor in a virtually soundproof venue to talk to people or hold presentations.

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Set-up: 1 person, 15 minutes

You don't need to be a techie to operate and set up an Expandable. The user-friendly hydraulic system is easy to use with wireless remote control. The result? In just 15 minutes, anyone can set up an Expandable. In the blink of an eye, the floor area of an Expandable doubles.

What our customers say

"Our business is all about trust. We know we can trust Expandable", says Serge Blommaert of Xtreme Concepts, a roadshow organizer. "They will always play an important role for us." He knows what a good roadshow needs, and what it is that Expandable provides to make that happen.

"I see Expandable as a partner, not a supplier", says Marsden Proctor, CEO at Facilities by ADF, one of UK's largest partners for tv and film productions. Not necessarily working in the roadshow business, Proctor is very familiar with the importance of being mobile, movable, and adaptable. "Expandable delivers high-quality products", he continues. "That allows us to set the bar high in our field."

However, Theo van Essen of Van Essen Catering & Events is familiar with the roadshow side of things: receiving guests and catering to their needs. "When guests walk in, they are immediately amazed at how nice and smooth the Expandable is," says Van Essen. "It's nice and warm inside, and well-lit, too – much better than a flapping tent."

And if you really want to go out of your way to make something memorable, take a page out of the book of Wim Noorman, head of Eurotech Sports & Events: "I am always looking for innovation – how to do something faster, smarter, cheaper, better. Eurotech and Expandable share a common goal; to deliver a unique and optimal experience."

Make your next convention a success

Are you ready to make your mark at your next convention? Contact us today to find out more about how Expandable can help you achieve your goal.

Why connect Expandable?

Let’s start by answering the first question you will probably have – why you would want to connect multiple Expandable when you can set them up side by side just the same? Sure, you have more space, but you also have more space when you put two trailers next to each other without a connection. So what gives?

Connecting Expandable creates a space you wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s like that famous calculation: 1 + 1 = 3. It allows you to do things that two separate units cannot achieve. Furthermore, two connected trailers feel more spacious together while also still allowing for smaller spaces to exist within those.

Two connected units offer your floor plan more freedom and help you create the perfect setup with ease. Today we take a look at how to connect Expandable in width.

Connecting

You can connect two trailers with their longitudinal sides. By inserting a floorboard and roof panel, you create one continuous space that still feels like the conjunction of two separate rooms. And you can do so in just four steps!

1. Put them next to each other (between 90 and 140 centimeters), longitudinal sides perpendicular, and lower them
2. Remove the side walls to create openings in both units
3. Expand their sides and floors
4. Use the connecting parts to secure the two Expandables together

Markets

The result is a space that feels connected, but can also offer some privacy if needed. The biggest difference with two separate trailers is that they remain connected. This means fewer doors opening and therefore less warm or cool air escaping, or getting wet when it rains. There are a lot of markets where connecting multiple Expandable can come in handy.

Differences and additional requirements

While you need a specific type of Expandable to be able to accommodate expansion in width, each separate unit is still equipped to be able to operate on its own. In other words, if you need two connected ones in the same location, you can; if you need two of them in different locations, that works too.

In conclusion

Expanding in width is only one piece of the puzzle that Expandable offers. Your options multiply exponentially when you take into account the fact that you can connect trailers! Just think of the possibilities.

We hope we have given you some food for thought; if nothing else, you now know you need not limit your thinking to just one trailer.

Meet the Expandable Pod

With Expandable, meticulously furnished rooms are no longer bound to their location just because they happen to be between four concrete walls. Take your experience on the road and do what you always do, not restricted by location. Visit fairs and exhibitions with the confidence that your company can be the best version it can be.

What makes the pod different from other models is that it isn’t bound to a specific vehicle. It can be put on any normal truck, secured with four twist locks and lashing straps. Don’t let its compactness fool you though – that dissipates as soon as the pod is fully expanded. The Expandable Pod comes in three sizes: 25 feet (7,6 meters), 30 feet (9,1 meters), and 44 feet (13,4 meters). When fully expanded, the number of square meters more than doubles. Within a mere 15 minutes, the Expandable Pod turns from cargo load into a full-fledged room. Truly, this is the definition of movable spaces.

How to set up the Expandable Pod

You might wonder how a Expandable Pod goes from a semi-trailer to a stationary position on the ground – and back. No, you don’t need a crane. All you need to do is follow this six-step procedure to set up the Expandable pod. You don’t need anything else: just your trailer, the Expandable Pod, and one human being to control the process. Let’s jump in!

• Step 1: park your truck at a secure location. A level surface is nice but not necessary (more on that later).
• Step 2: lower and slightly expand the Expandable Pod so its hydraulic legs can lower to the ground, raising it completely off of its wheels.
• Step 3: when the Expandable Pod is completely free, you can safely drive the truck out from under it.
• Step 4: now you can fully lower the Expandable Pod to the ground.
• Step 5: push the button for auto-leveling and the Expandable Pod will be leveled horizontally.
• Step 6: fully expand the left side of the Expandable Pod, simultaneously lowering the left side part of the floor. Repeat for the right side.

How about you?

Each Expandable Pod is just a glass wall with two sliding doors away from an attractive and representative exhibition room. Being fully customizable, Expandable Pod is not limited by options but just by the boundaries of your imagination. We offer the tools – it’s up to you how you use them.

Check out our configuration page to see examples of all the various options we have to offer.

The Expandable Touchdown is as flexible and easy to transport as any trailer, yet it retains a low step-in height and compactness. Today, we take a closer look at the Expandable Touchdown – a new era in mobile technology.

Meet the Expandable Touchdown

The Expandable Touchdown ushers in a new era in movable spaces. because it managed to solve a crucial question. How can a mobile unit fully lower to the ground (thereby creating a low step-in for visitors) without compromising on interior space? Using new and patented technology, the Expandable Touchdown is the first of its class that manages to do both without compromising on either. It truly is a unique player on the market. And it's still easy to set up as well!

How can the Touchdown have wheels, yet still have a height of only 35 centimeters off the ground? That is because of a little feature called the axle box. This is where the wheels disappear into as the hybrid lowers to the ground. From the inside, it looks like a metal box that can be used for various purposes – a bar, a table, or perhaps even a desk. It’s a feature, not a bug, that can be incorporated into the interior design of the hybrid trailer.

• Simple and quick setup, just 15 minutes for 1 person;
• A low and inviting entrance;
• A compact design, yet spacious when fully set up;
• Transportable by a normal or low-deck truck;
• Modular design with options to pick from like electric door(s), single/double hinged door(s), harmonica doors, glass side panels, roof terrace, air conditioning and heating.

How to set up the Expandable Touchdown

• Step 1: lower the front legs, raising the Expandable Touchdown so the truck can drive out from underneath it.
• Step 2: lower and slightly expand the Expandable Touchdown so its rear legs can lower to the ground, raising it completely off of its wheels. You can now manually raise the side skirts.
• Step 3: slide the rear axle bogie slides to the back, picking up the rear bumper and sliding further to the rear so the wheels fully retract to the back of the Expandable Touchdown.
• Step 4: with the wheels at the back, lower the Expandable Touchdown fully to the ground.
• Step 5: fully expand the left side of the Expandable Touchdown, which simultaneously lowers the left side part of the floor. Repeat for the right side.
• Step 6: draw the curtain over the rear bumper to cover the rear axle bogie, and attach the stairs to the Expandable Touchdown.

How about you?

The Expandable Touchdown is a versatile and efficient trailer that can help you expand the capabilities of your company. Its design, versatility, ease of use, and durability make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications.

Check out our configuration page to see examples of all the various options we have to offer.