Semi-Trailer Truck Facts Everyone Should Know

We constantly see trucks on the Australian roads, equipped with long and large trailers. There are many different types of trailers, but the semi trailers stand-out for their versatility and functionality. A truck equipped with a semi trailer is known as a 18-wheeler, a semi truck, big-rig etc. The semi-trailers are generally used for carrying large freight. Most semi trailers that can be found on the market are designed with wheels and additional supporting legs. Despite the fact that we all see trucks on a daily basis, here are some facts that you might didn’t know about the semi trailer trucks:

• While many people compare the capacity of the semi-trucks with the capacity of the cars, the truth is that the semi trailer trucks are more powerful in all terms. The semi trucks weight at least 20 times more than a standard commercial car, and when equipped with semi trailers their length ranges from 21 to 25 meters.

• When compared to cars, the semi trucks require more distance and time to break. The average breaking time of the big-rigs is significantly higher, and this normally requires great truck driver skills.

• The record for the longest road train in the world has been broken down on the Australian roads. The Australian Mack Titan managed to pass a distance of 1.474km with 112 semi trailers attached behind.

• Trucks with semi trailers are used for a transportation of variety of goods, but the most commonly transported goods are building and agricultural materials.

• During the WWII, the automotive industry produced more than a million trucks which were used for military purposes.

• The engines of the semi trucks are built to last longer than any other engine type. A typical semi trailer truck can pass more than a million kilometers during its lifespan. In terms of horsepower, they are ranging from 400 to over 1000 horsepower.

• The semi trailer trucks have a so called fifth wheel, which is in fact the link between the truck and the semi trailers. Years ago, the term was used for a similar concept of hauling four-wheel horse drawn carriages and wagons. The wheel was placed on the rear frame of the truck, and since most trucks had four wheels, this additional wheel was called the fifth wheel.