If you’ve ever seen a semi-truck with an empty trailer, or one with a light load, you may have noticed a strong arch upwards. Some may assume this is a manufacturing error, while others have seen it enough to know it’s on purpose but are still confused about what that purpose is.
This is everything you need to know about why semi-truck trailers are arched and what they do for these vehicles.
Allows Force to Be Distributed Without Dragging
Regardless of how strong your pintle hitch is or how good your trailer may seem: if it drags, it’s adding unneeded weight and force on the motor and the hitch itself. A trailer bed that curves upward keeps it from touching the ground and dragging when carrying a load. This protects the things the trailer is towing and ensures it can complete a job in a timely and safe manner.
Ensures The Platform Can Handle Larger Loads
Generally, the larger a load is, the heavier it will be. A platform that can handle larger loads cuts down on how many trips you need to make and how often trips need to be carried out. The arch of these trailers adds a lot of strength that can take on so much more than a flatbed could. Although driving with the arch can add drag if there’s one thing on the trailer, it’s still vital to be there when there is a load.
A Flat Platform Can’t Handle Much Weight and Would Need to Be Replaced and Repaired Often.
Replacements and repairs are expensive, and it’s a large issue to deal with if you’re trying to get back on the road as quickly as possible. A flat platform is far more likely to break, crack, or become weak over time than any other kind of bed. A platform breaking in the middle of a haul can lead to damage to the vehicle, other drivers, and to the goods that are being carried. These are all losses that can be avoided with careful planning.
Is This Arch Used In Other Places?
Other structures and designs use arches to add more strength, and once you know what to look for, you’ll start noticing them everywhere. Arches are the strongest form of support and are vital parts of everything from bridges and dams to even houses. The arch in a trailer bed is part of an important understanding that the more pressure that will come down against an item: the stronger it needs to be to withstand it.
What Materials Are Good Flatbeds Made of?
Good flatbeds are made out of heavy-duty metals that can handle the flexing and stress that’s needed to carry the enormous loads they do. The main two metals are aluminum, which is durable and easy to work with, and steel- a strong alloy. Generally, they’re kept separate; some manufacturers do use both metals to add extra strength.
Every Truck Needs a Good Arched Trailer to Haul
Every truck needs to have an arched trailer to be able to handle the loads they’re paid to haul. Because of this, it’s vital that you do everything you can to
