What Are The Difference Between A Truck Trailer And A Semi Trailer?
Many people use the terms truck trailer and semi trailer interchangeably. However, these are two separate types of trailers, each with their own characteristics. If you are planning on visiting a truck trailer and semi trailer dealership to purchase either of these types of trailers, it is important that you understand what the differences are so you can select the trailer that is best suited to your needs. Here are a few of the key differences between a truck trailer and a semi trailer.
The Way the Trailer is Transported
One of the biggest differences between a truck trailer and a semi trailer is how the trailer itself is transported. A truck trailer is connected to the truck that tows the trailer. They are one unit. On the other hand, a semi trailer is a stand alone unit. The unit is simply a trailer. It needs to be connected to a road tractor unit to be transported. The road tractor unit is often referred to as the cab of the truck and contains the engine and area where the driver sits. This is sold separately from a semi trailer, whereas with a truck trailer, it is connected to, and as such, sold with that type of unit.
The Positioning of the Wheels
Another major difference between a trucker trailer and a semi trailer is where the wheels on the actual trailer unit itself are positioned. On a semi trailer, there are only wheels at the back of the trailer. The unit relies on the road tractor unit to provide enough power to support the front end of the trailer and haul it. On a truck trailer, there are wheels on both the back and front side, in addition to the is wheels on the front of the driving cab. This helps to balance out your load and ensure there is more weight support throughout.
The Length of the Trailers Themselves
The final difference between a truck trailer and a semi trailer is the length of the trailers themselves. Semi trailers are typically longer in length than truck trailers. The first truck trailer is attached to the cab trailer, and usually is comparable in size to a small to medium length moving truck. However, the unit has a drawbar at the end of the unit, that allows you to add a second or even third trailer onto the back so you can carry larger loads. A semi trailer is generally large in size and cannot be shortened or cannot be lengthened. The length you pick is the length the trailer will always be.
When purchasing a truck, make sure you go to a company like Ruble Truck Sales Inc to get the best results. It is common to hear the words truck trailer and semi trailer used interchangeably, but they are two different types of trailers with two different ways of operating. Learning about the differences between the two can help you to make an educated decision as to what type of trailer you want to buy when you visit a truck trailer and semi trailer dealership.