What is the difference between semi-trailers and full trailers?
1 Answers
Full trailers and semi-trailers are distinguished primarily by their towing methods. The most obvious difference is that a full trailer can stand independently, whereas a semi-trailer requires front support legs to stay upright. Trailers are pulled by towing vehicles, and the distinction between full and semi-trailers is based on their connection methods to the towing vehicle. Below is more information about full trailers and semi-trailers: 1. Full Trailer: The trailer can stand independently and bears all the load. As the name suggests, a full trailer carries its entire load independently, connected to the towing vehicle only by a hitch. The towing vehicle does not bear the trailer's load but provides the power for towing and steering. A typical full trailer consists of a frame, cargo platform (superstructure), drawbar (with hitch ring), steering mechanism, suspension, wheels, braking system, and signal system. Currently, full trailers are mainly used for transportation within docks, factories, ports, and other confined areas. 2. Semi-Trailer: The trailer cannot stand independently, and the load is shared between the towing vehicle and the trailer. Semi-trailers evolved from full trailers. A semi-trailer has its front half resting on the fifth wheel coupling of the towing vehicle, with the rear axle of the towing vehicle bearing part of the trailer's weight. Semi-trailers are the most commonly used and familiar type of trailer. There are many types of semi-trailers, including flatbeds, goosenecks, lowboys, and various specialized semi-trailers, covering nearly all commonly used models. Due to their flexibility and high load capacity, semi-trailers are particularly suitable for long-distance and high-grade highway transportation, making them the primary transport vehicles in road transport.