Trailers

Every truck (box-body truck or tractor unit and semi-trailer combination) equipped with a towing arrangement can be extended by adding a trailer. The drawbar coupling is a commonly used coupling system for trucks. The guide funnel for coupling up an extra trailer is mounted on the rearmost cross-member of the chassis. This drawbar coupling can be armed so that it engages with the drawbar on the extra trailer. After engagement, the pin passes through the eye of the drawbar and locks everything in place. Drawbar couplings are often referred to by a brand name, for example, a Rockinger, Jost or VBG coupling as opposed to the term drawbar coupling. A semi-trailer is another method used to add a trailer to a truck. A fifth wheel coupling is used in this case.

Obviously, using semi-trailers or trailers creates a large amount of load space. However there are limitations on the coupled length. In the EU, the total maximum length may not exceed 18.75 metres but there are many exceptions to this rule. For example, Ecocombis or LHVs (longer and heavier vehicles) may be used on the roads in many EU countries.

 

Trailer