Semi Trucks: Everything you Ever Wanted to Know | TEC Equipment
We see semi trucks almost every day, and in this blog, we’ll answer all of your basic questions about them, whether you’re an adult or a curious kid.
What is a semi truck?
A semi is a heavy-duty truck that is used to transport large loads and is classified as a Class 7 or Class 8 vehicle, whereas the big pickup trucks that pull camping trailers are classified as Class 2b or Class 3 vehicles.
Why do they call it a semi truck?
One of the most common terms is 18 Wheeler, which refers to the 18 wheels that a semi-truck typically has when towing a trailer. Another term you may hear is tractor-trailer.
What kinds of semis are there?
A sleeper truck is used for long-haul trucking because it has a bedroom compartment in the back, whereas a day cab truck is simply a big truck without the sleeping area, and it is used for shorter distances where the driver can go home at the end of his shift.
The Different Categories of Sleepers
Low bridges, tunnels, and other road features mean tall vehicles can’t take some roads. High-roof trucks have the tallest roof possible, giving the driver plenty of room to stand up. Mid-roof trucks are usually around 6 ft 9 inches tall inside, and flat roof trucks are around 5 feet tall inside.
How much does a semi weigh?
Day cabs (cabs without beds) weigh about 15-16,000 pounds, which is about the same as two adult Asian elephants, while small sleepers (cabs with flat roofs) weigh about 1,000 pounds more, which is about the same as putting a polar bear on those elephants.
Does a semi truck use a tow hitch?
Fifth wheels also bring the weight of the trailer right over the back wheels, making it easier to pull tall, heavy trailers. Tow hitches aren’t strong enough to pull a full trailer, so the trailer attaches to the truck with a large pin sticking out of the underside.
How much does a semi cost?
Used semi trucks can be a great way to get a good truck at a lower price; some can be as low as $10,000 for older or high mileage trucks with more features.
How tall are semi trucks?
The height of most semi trucks is between 6.5 and 10 feet, depending on whether the truck has a higher sleeper roof or a roof cap. Many day cabs have tall roof caps, allowing air to flow smoothly up the front of the truck.
How much weight can a semi truck pull?
Heavy trucks can tow anything up to 26,000 pounds, but many trucks are limited by road weight limits, which is the equivalent of 26 Prius cars! The weight also varies depending on the type of trailer, which can range from a camper van to a lorry.
What kind of trailers can semis pull?
Dry van trailers are the common rectangular boxes you see on the road; refrigerated vans, or reefers, are similar to dry vans but have a large cooler attached; and tankers can transport any liquid, such as milk or oil, but they are also used to transport grains and beans.
What’s the best truck brand?
The “best” truck is often based on opinion and the exact application. You can browse our large inventory of new and used semi trucks for sale, and we always welcome questions, so find us on social media!
Who owns Comcar Industries?
Guy Bostick founded Comcar in 1953, and Mark Bostick is carrying on his legacy with his people-first philosophy. Comcar has grown to be one of the country’s leading carriers, with offices in more than 45 locations across the country.
What trucking companies does comcar own?
On Sunday, May 17, Comcar Industries, Inc. (CI), a Florida-based trucking company that owns CT Transportation, MCT Transportation, and Willis Shaw Express, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
What are the different types of semi trailers?
You’ll learn about the most common semi-trailer types and what each one is used for in this guide.
- Lowboy Trailers.
- Reefer Trailers.
- Dump Trailers.
- Dry Van Trailers.
- Tanker Trailers.
- Tipper Trailers.
What is a Mansfield bar on a semi?
The steel bars hanging from the truck’s platform bed are called “rear underride guards” or “rear impact guards,” and they’re designed to keep vehicles from sliding underneath a trailer during a rear-end collision. Unlike most cars, truck trailers and straight trucks don’t have rear bumpers.
Is Willis Shaw Express still in business?
Willis Shaw Express was founded in 1938 as Willis Shaw Produce, and was purchased by Del Monte in the 1970s, then repurchased by a Shaw family and employee group in 1983, before being purchased by Comcar Industries in the 1980s. It is still based in Elm Springs.
Is commercial carrier still in business?
According to TT data, Comcar was founded in 1953 as Commercial Carrier Corp. and was last sold in 2016. At the time, the company claimed to be one of the largest privately held transportation companies in the world, with more than 2,000 employees and annual revenue of $227 million.
How do I know how much weight my trailer can hold?
Subtract the empty weight of your trailer from the GVWR listed to get the maximum available cargo capacity of the trailer, which should not be exceeded. In addition to knowing your trailer’s towing limit, you should also know how to determine the correct load limit for your tow vehicle.
What is the most versatile semi-trailer?
Flatbed trailers, which can hold a maximum of 21,000 kg and measure up to 16 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, are among the most common semi trailers on the road due to their versatility.
What is a regular semi-trailer called?
Flatbed trailers, which come in lengths of 48 or 53 feet and widths of 96 or 102 inches, are the most popular and widely used semi-trailers today.
What is the thing on the back of a semi truck called?
Aerodynamic panel skirts, side panels, or side skirts are the panels under the truck’s body; rear tail fairings, trailer tails, or sometimes boat tails are the panels that hang off the back; whatever you call them, their purpose is to reduce drag and save fuel.
What is the bar under a tractor trailer called?
Underride Guards, also known as Mansfield Bars, Protect Highway Drivers Since 1953, federal regulations have required that trucks and trailers be built with underride guards, which are metal bars that hang beneath the back end of trailers.
What is a rabbit bumper on a semi truck?
In a rear-end collision, underride guards are a type of metal bumper that hangs from the back of a high-riding semi to prevent a smaller vehicle from sliding underneath.