Patent attributes
A trailer includes front and rear ends and a cargo area. A rear bolster extends transversely to a longitudinal direction at a bottom rear edge of the cargo area. A rear impact guard includes a bumper having opposing distal ends spaced laterally across the trailer. A pair of distal end supports connect to the distal ends of the bumper, each including a diagonal truss member and a vertical stabilizer. The diagonal truss extends along an axis in a forward, inward and upward direction from the bumper. The vertical stabilizer members are separate from the diagonal truss members and extend upwardly from the bumper to the rear bolster. The vertical stabilizer reduces an offset component of buckling load on the diagonal truss member upon rear impact. At least one inboard post extends between the bumper and the rear bolster at a location between the pair of distal end supports.
