Trailers are everywhere. Roads, parking lots, campsites, backyards, cornfields, boat docks &#; wherever you are, you can probably find a trailer nearby. However, as you&#;ve likely already noticed, not all trailers are the same, and the differences between them can range from discreet to dramatic.
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In this blog, we will take a look at the different types of trailers and what each of them has to offer in terms of purpose, features, and size. Whether you are hoping to become the proud owner of a trailer yourself or just want to brush up on your trailer trivia skills, this guide can help.
Road trains typically consist of a tractor and a trailer combination, which can be divided into two main categories: trailers and semi-trailers. What distinguishes them from each other?
The key difference is that a trailer&#;s weight is supported entirely by its own wheels. In contrast, a semi-trailer distributes its weight between its own wheels and the wheels of the tractor unit, resting on the back of the tractor.
Beyond this, there are additional classifications where the differences between trailers and semi-trailers are also evident. For example, based on the type of cargo, trailer equipment is categorized into three main groups: passenger vehicles, cargo vehicles, and specialized vehicles.
The first group includes public transport (buses with trailers and tractor units with semi-trailers) and personal vehicles (cars with cargo trailers, minibuses).
The second group features road trains with open cargo platforms (with or without sides, and with or without an awning) and cargo vans.
The third group consists of specialized vehicles designed for transporting specific types of cargo, such as bulk or liquid goods, perishable items, indivisible heavy loads, cars, livestock, and more. This group also includes pole trailers for long loads like pipes, logs, etc. Notably, the pulling force for a pole trailer is transmitted from the tractor unit through both the drawbar and the cargo itself.
Regarding cross-country capability, road trains are classified into three groups: those with non-four-wheel-drive tractors, those with all-wheel drive, and those with drive wheels on the trailer. The third group of vehicles matches or exceeds the off-road performance of individual all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Finally, trailers are also classified by the number of axles. Based on this classification, all transport vehicles are divided into single-axle and multi-axle categories. Dolly trailers, which can quickly convert single- and double-axle semi-trailers into double- and triple-axle trailers, can also be included in the single-axle group.
Road trains with semi-trailers and trailers differ in several key aspects. One of the main differences is their specific load capacity, which is the ratio of load capacity to unladen weight. This ratio is lower for road trains with semi-trailers because a semi-trailer&#;s frame is longer than a trailer&#;s. To maintain equal strength, the semi-trailer&#;s frame must be reinforced, which makes it heavier.
Road trains also differ in specific platform area, which is the ratio of the floor area to the load capacity. This ratio is slightly lower for road trains with trailers compared to those with semi-trailers.
Another difference lies in their dimensions: a road train with a semi-trailer, despite having the same load capacity as one with a trailer, is noticeably shorter.
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Semi-trailers can feature a lowered deck height to increase volume capacity. In these cases, they have a raised front section positioned directly above the fifth wheel coupling.
One operational advantage of a road train with a trailer is that in situations where only a small consignment of goods needs to be transported, or when road conditions temporarily worsen (e.g., due to ice or mud), the tractor unit can operate without the trailer. On the other hand, road trains with semi-trailers benefit from the ability of a single tractor unit to service multiple semi-trailers in succession. While one semi-trailer is being loaded or unloaded, the tractor unit can retrieve another, thereby reducing downtime during loading.
In terms of driving characteristics, a road train with a semi-trailer has better stability when moving in a straight line. This is because it has only one pivot point in the fifth wheel coupling, whereas a road train with a trailer has two: one in the coupling and another in the turning hinge at the trailer&#;s drawbar. For the same reason, a road train with a semi-trailer is better suited for maneuvering in reverse. However, when maneuvering forward, the advantage goes to road trains with trailers.
However, a road train with a trailer has a drawback: when moving at a decent speed (40-45 km/h) with a two-axle trailer, the trailer can start to &#;sway&#; noticeably.
It&#;s also important to note that a semi-trailer performs better on rough roads. Lateral and vertical accelerations from bumps on uneven surfaces are less pronounced than in a trailer. Overall, in challenging road conditions, a road train with a semi-trailer offers a higher average speed.
It&#;s worth noting that companies producing trailer equipment are constantly striving to improve their products and create fundamentally new, innovative models.
Efforts are being made in various areas, with one of the most significant being aerodynamic improvements. Better aerodynamics reduce fuel consumption, thereby enhancing environmental performance. Weight reduction is also a major focus, along with increasing the reliability of road trains. Telematics is being increasingly integrated, and overall fleet ownership costs are decreasing.
A prime example of these advancements is the aerodynamic curtainsider semi-trailers from the ECO Generation family, produced by one of the leading manufacturers in the field&#;Schmitz Cargobull.
This semi-trailer boasts an innovative, top-tier design. Its aerodynamic roof comes in three versions: the first is fixed, the second is adjustable at the rear, and the third features variable angles at both the front and rear. The angle is set using a special hydropneumatic pump, and the inner height is adjusted on the stanchions.
Let&#;s talk more about the aerodynamics of this semi-trailer. Unlike traditional designs, the spare wheels are not mounted openly but are housed in specially designed, aerodynamic storage boxes, reducing air resistance by 3%.
Another standout feature of this semi-trailer is the Power Curtain system, which includes sliding curtains on both sides. This design eliminates the need for support laths, making the structure lighter and speeding up loading and unloading operations.
It&#;s worth highlighting that one model of this semi-trailer even comes with the Trailer Connect proprietary telematics system as standard. The most significant advantage of this semi-trailer is its operational efficiency. By using the adjustable roof for just half the working time, you can save around 1,000 euros on fuel annually. Additionally, CO2 emissions are reduced by 2.3 tons.
In conclusion, trailer equipment remains crucial in road freight transport. Among the leading European manufacturers, alongside Schmitz Cargobull, we should also highlight companies like Krone, Koegel, Kässbohrer, Wielton, Feldbinder, Fliegl, Fruehauf, Goldhofer, and others.
You can find trailers and semi-trailers from these and other manufacturers on Autoline. With the site&#;s convenient filters, you can select equipment to meet any need and fit any budget.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of container semi trailers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.