Trailers can be divided into full trailers and semi-trailers. What is the difference between them? What are their characteristics?
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1. Definetion of trailers, full trailers and semi-trailers
1) Definition of trailers
Trailers means a vehicle towed by a tractor/truck/car without its own power drive. A tractor/truck/car can tow one or more trailers. The truck or tractor is called the master vehicle. The towed section is called a trailer.
The combinations of a tractor/truck/car and a trailer/trailers are the important vehicle transportation type in modern society, which is very effective and simple means to improve economic benefits. It has the advantages of rapidity, mobility, flexibility and safety.
2) Definition of semi-trailers
Semi-trailer is a trailer whose axles are placed behind the center of gravity of the vehicle (when the vehicle is evenly loaded) and is equipped with a coupling device (king pin) that can transmit horizontal and vertical forces to the tractor. Part of the total load of the trailer is borne by the tractor.
3)Definition of full trailers
Full trailer is a kind of trailer which has no power, the vehicle body is equipped with front and rear axles, and can independently bear its own load.
In addition, there is a full trailer with one or two axles at the middle or rear of the vehicle body, and there is a jack to support in the front of vehicle body.
2. There are four main differences between a semi-trailer and a full trailer
1) The connection mode and stress characteristics of the trailer body and the tractor are different
The full trailer is connected with the tractor(heavy towing truck) through a simple hook. The tractor/truck does not need to bear the trailer load, just only provides dynamic tension to help the trailer overcome the road friction resistance. Therefore, the stress characteristic of the connection is mainly the tensile force in the horizontal direction.
The semi-trailer needs a support point provided by the tractor（heavy towing Truck). In addition to providing power, the tractor also needs to bear about half of the load of the semi trailer. Therefore, the force at the coupling(king pin and fifth wheel) of semi-trailer is not only the tensile force in the horizontal direction but also the supporting force in the vertical direction provided by the tractor. Therefore, the special tractor generally has more than two axles.
2) Upright (independent parking) mode is different
The full trailer is generally in a two axles layout. The axles are distributed at the front and rear of its body, so it has the ability to stand upright (park independently) relying on its own tires.
The axle of semi-trailer is generally composed of multiple axles and concentrated in the rear of the body. It must rely on the front landing gear to achieve its own upright (independent parking) state.
3) Different components
Full Trailer: it is composed of a complete set of chassis, body, towing device, steering device, suspension, walking system, braking system and signal system.
Semi Trailer: compared with full trailer, there is no steering device, but king pin is added; there is no axle in front, but the front support device (landing gear) is added. The front structure is relatively simple, so that the frame floor can be arranged lower and has the advantage of low center of gravity.
4) Different usage scenarios
The full trailer is mainly used for short-distance transportation in farms, factories, families, companies, ports, docks, warehouses and other fields.
Common full trailers are as follows :
boat-trailers, livestock trailers, cargo trailers, RV trailers, travel trailers, utility trailers....
The semi trailers are mainly used for long-distance transportation of goods.
Common semi trailers are as follows:
Skeleton semi trailers , flatbed semi trailers, fence semi trailers , dumping semi trailers, van semi trailers, lowbed semi trailers , warehouse grid semi trailers , fuel tank semi trailers , bulk cement semi trailers, car transportation semi trailers....
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Believe it or not, full trailers and semi-trailers are different.
If you’re looking to buy a trailer, the variety of options and technical details are probably overwhelming you.
What makes them different? What is each one used for?
A comparison between a semi-trailer vs full trailer may help you select which trailer to pick.
With a clear understanding, you will be better equipped to decide whether a semi-trailer or another type of trailer would be more appropriate for your specific business needs.
A semi-trailer is a truck and trailer combination without a front axle. When detached from a vehicle, semi-trailers typically have legs to support them. A substantial percentage of its weight is supported by a road tractor unit.
The trailer’s brakes are automatically applied when it is detached. So, the only device that may release the brakes is the air pump on the truck. This trailer’s length cannot go over 53 ft on the interstate; however, if necessary, special permits are readily accessible.
A semi-trailer truck is favored in the trucking industry for hauling freight for long distances.
In contrast, a semi-truck trailer is frequently utilized to deliver a full load to a single location. This also implies that a semi-trailer vs full trailer can carry greater sized loads.
The pros of using a semi-trailer are:
The cons of using a semi-trailer are:
A full trailer vs semi-trailer has both a front and a rear axle. A full trailer cannot be detached because they are a fixed part of the truck. A drawbar is found on a full trailer truck meant for pulling or towing.
The majority of commercial full trailers have a length of about 40 ft. A full trailer truck may move vertically by adjusting the front axle’s direction in reference to the towing vehicle. When compared to a semi-trailer, a full trailer doesn’t carry as much weight to the towing vehicle.
Businesses who need to deliver goods to multiple sites, where just a portion of the cargo is unloaded, frequently use full trailers. They are primarily utilized for transportation over shorter distances to factories, warehouses, and ports.
The pros of using a full trailer are:
The cons of using a full trailer are:
Due to their popularity, semi trailers have an advantage over full trailers in this comparison. However, each has benefits and drawbacks. The following examples are the five main differences between a semi-trailer vs full trailer:
Semi trailers don’t have front axles. Therefore, it’s crucial to disperse the proper tractor-trailer weight on each axle in order to remain compliant. They sustain half of the weight of the vehicle by being on the back portion of it.
The back of the truck supports the remaining half of the weight. The key to preventing overweight difficulties on a semi-trailer is understanding how to distribute the weight.
In full trailers, the front and rear axles support the entire trailer’s weight, so they don’t have this issue.
The kingpin of the semi-trailer is what attaches it to the semi-truck. It’s the device that secures the trailer to the truck.
The front hook of the truck is used to attach a full trailer to it, securing it to the tractor’s hitch.
The dimensions of a semi-trailer is:
Weight Threshold: 80,000 lbs
The standard dimension of a full trailer is:
Weight Threshold: 26,000 lbs
Long-distance transporting is done with semi trailers. They are quick to load and unload, easier to handle, and easier to move. They are also utilized to carry bulkier and heavier cargo.
Short-distance freight transportation to factories, ports, and warehouses typically uses full trailers. Most of the time, they deliver at various locations while unloading merchandise at various drop-off spots.
If you have just started a business that involves transporting goods and products, buying or renting a semi-trailer is a reasonable option.
A semi-trailer is all about efficiency in relation to a full trailer. If you need a trailer with maximum versatility, a semi-truck is more popular in fleet lineups.
Think of your needs first before you make your purchase. If you need trailer types like a car carrier, flatbed, or container truck, go with a semi-truck.
If you need a trailer that’s more like a box van, dump truck or tow truck, a full trailer will suit your needs best.
Both offer great opportunities to yield high earnings and get the job done for your growing customer base.
Full trailers have their own commercial cargo capacity because they feature a cab, but a semi-truck requires a road tractor to be used as a cargo vehicle. A semi-trailer is easier to maneuver than a full trailer because of the smaller turning circle it possesses.
For example, a common semi-trailer truck is an oil tanker while a common full trailer truck is a dump truck.
Since it doesn’t have a front axle and is therefore distinct from a trailer, which does, we refer to it as a semi-trailer.
This means that the weight of this sort of trailer and its contents is supported in part by its wheels and in most cases the tractor pulling the trailer.
Some different semi-trailer types include:
A freight trailer that, when connected, is supported at its front end by the truck tractor’s fifth wheel mechanism makes it a semi-trailer.
Before you select a trailer, check in with our experts at Hale Trailer. We have the experience needed to point you toward your desired trailer. Our selection of trailers are ready for the long haul whether you’d like to purchase or rent. Browse our line-up online or at one of trailer rental locations if you want to learn more about how we can work for you.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Semi Trailers.