IV.

HEAVY TRUCKS



Heavy trucks have the largest frames and are usually powered by large diesel engines. They
have multispeed transmissions, with as many as 18 gears, for pulling heavy loads. Most semis
or tractor-trailer trucks have two rear drive axles, called dual tandems, each of which has dual
tires on each side. Trucks with this arrangement are nicknamed 18-wheelers because of the
total number of wheels under the truck and trailer.
When a heavy truck is assembled, the type of engine, transmission, brakes, axle arrangement,
and other equipment used are usually specified by the individual or company that is ordering
the truck. Almost all heavy trucks have power steering, cruise control, and air brakes. Air
brakes use compressed air, rather than brake fluid, to activate and release the brakes. An air
reservoir in the truck supplies air to the brakes through air hoses. The constant supply of air
keeps the brakes released. Pressing on the brake pedal decreases the air pressure and applies
the brake. If the brake system malfunctions or if the air hoses become punctured, the brakes
apply themselves automatically as a safety precaution.
Most heavy trucks are designed for hauling goods over long distances, known as over-the-
road hauling, although some are also used for local deliveries. The truck cab may be
positioned behind the engine and hood or located directly over the engine. The latter is called
a cab-over design, and it reduces the overall length of the truck-trailer combination. Cab-over
trucks are hinged to tilt forward when engine access is necessary for maintenance or repairs.
Most long-haul heavy trucks have a sleeper compartment, behind the cab, that contains a bed
for the driver. The sleeper compartment is the truck drivers home away from home and may
be equipped with a television, a microwave oven, and a refrigerator. Most heavy trucks are
also equipped with citizens band radio for communication. Some truck fleets use satellite
tracking equipment to monitor their trucks, so the fleet operator or dispatcher can know a
trucks location at any time.


V.
TRAILERS
The large trailers pulled by semi tractors have their own rear suspension and wheels, with the
front of the trailer being supported by the fifth wheel on the tractor. Semi trailers also have
folding supports under the front that are lowered when the trailer is detached from the tractor
and parked. The brakes on the trailers axles have air hoses that attach to the tractors brake
system, so the tractor and trailer brakes work together. Trailers have their own signal, tail,
and brake lights, all of which are powered by the tractors electrical system.
Trailers come in many different designs, depending on the intended cargo. Enclosed, or
standard box-type trailers are used to haul a wide variety of goods and merchandise. Double
trailers are often used on roads that have sharp turns. Double trailers resemble two smaller
trailers linked together and can maneuver through tight turns more easily than standard
trailers can. Size and weight restrictions apply and vary from state to state. In the United
States, tractor and single trailer combinations generally must be less than 16 m (53 ft) in
length and are limited to a maximum weight of 36,000 kg (80,000 lb). Separate weight limits
apply to trailers with single or tandem axles and to double trailers. Maximum trailer height
and width are dictated by state law and vary from state to state. For most states, the maximum
height is 4.11 m (13.5 ft), and the maximum width is 2.6 m (8.5 ft). In some states, trailers
may be equipped with additional wheels and axles to carry heavier loads.
A special type of enclosed trailer is an insulated and refrigerated refer unit, used for
transporting perishable food items. Refrigerated trailers have a small engine mounted on the
trailer for powering the refrigeration system. This allows the refrigeration unit to run
continuously, even when the trailer is parked or disconnected from the tractor.
Piggyback trailers are enclosed trailers designed to be mounted on railroad flatcars for cross-
country transport. Some have their own wheels and suspension, while others are sealed
containers that are lifted off and placed on a trailer chassis. Sealed containers are also used on
special ships, called container ships, to transport goods overseas.
Flatbed trailers are used to transport large objects such as construction equipment, industrial
machinery, and oversized objects. Such trucks may be equipped with an Oversize Load
warning sign and flashing lights, and may be accompanied by an escort vehicle to warn other
motorists.
Platform trailers are essentially large containers with open tops for transporting produce and
grain. Special trailers are also designed for hauling livestock, automobiles, and beverages.
Tank trailers, known as tankers, are used to haul chemicals, milk, gasoline, and other liquids.
Tankers, as well as other trucks that carry flammable or toxic products, must display special
warning emblems to warn police and firefighters in case of an accident.