Want to know all about the difference between a trailer and a semi-trailer? So you are in the right place. In today’s article, I will explain what each of them is and how you can differentiate the two.
Anyone who spends much of their time on the street, in a car, sees many vehicles passing by. The differences between them, however, call attention to knowing which type of model it is. Possibly, one of the most common doubts concerns the difference between a trailer and a semi-trailer. Even the winch, equipment used to tow cars, gets into this “confusion” of models. But, at the end of the day, the difference between them is quite simple, despite being models with strong similarities.
Understanding the difference between trailer and semi-trailer
The difference between trailer and semi-trailer, first, needs to be understood in the distinction between the two types of equipment. Later, we will present the real difference between them and what changes from one to another. We separate below two topics that specifically address each product and then we show you what differs from each other.
What is a trailer?
To understand the difference between trailers and semi-trailers it is important to distinguish the two and elucidate their respective characteristics. To start, we will talk about the trailer, which is an independent vehicle that serves to transport cargo when coupled to the motor vehicle. It has two or more axes that allow it to balance itself.
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Knowing this, understanding how your movement works is also part of the difference between a trailer and a semi-trailer. It is articulated by means of a self-propelled vehicle, a simple truck or tractor truck, more robust and prepared. The interesting thing about the trailer is that it can also be hitched to the back of a semi-trailer, which we will explain further below. This junction, for example, is often carried out in agricultural activities for plantations of different types.
It is also essential to understand that the trailer is an independent load unit, that is, a single vehicle that can “hold” itself. Exemplifying more clearly, although it does not have a motor so that it can walk alone, it is able to balance itself. So there are two axes, minimally.
The trailer can be connected to an engine or some other tractor vehicle, which has the function of generating traction for the trailer. In addition to being hitched to an engine or tractor vehicle, it can be placed on other cargo units,
If you still have questions about towing, just leave your comment and we will help you.
What is a semi-trailer?
Now, talking about the semi-trailer, it has characteristics very similar to the trailer, but with some peculiarities that differentiate it from the trailer:
- Traction can only be carried out by a tractor truck;
- The semi-trailer has one to three axles, not allowing it to stabilize itself.
The semi-trailer connects to the tractor truck through a common hitch. This hook, in turn, connects the pin to the mating plate. This “process” needs to be active while the semi-trailer is running. The most common semi-trailers are:
- Open semi-trailer, for loads in general and that do not need protection;
- Closed semi-trailer, for loads in general and that, need protection;
- Tipper semi-trailers, which carry bulk loads that need to be dumped;
- Refrigerated semi-trailers;
- Tank semi-trailers, which carry liquid cargo;
- Stork semi-trailers are known for transporting vehicles.
If you still have questions about semi-trailers, just leave your comment and we will help you.
What is the difference between a trailer and a semi-trailer?
After having explained how each one works, it’s time to talk about the difference between a trailer and a semi-trailer. As we saw above, both are considered independent load units, which need a motor vehicle to be articulated. What sets them apart are:
- Weight distribution is different in relation to the hitch;
- A trailer is a weight-independent unit that is pulled by a tractor or self-propelled unit. But without the hitch, it manages to balance itself on account of its axles – always more than two.
- A semi-trailer needs the tractor hitch to support at least some of its weight. If there is no such connection, it is not fully balanced on account of its axes.
If you still have doubts about the difference between them, just leave your comment and we will help you.
Is it a trailer or a semi-trailer?
According to the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), the trailer is a trailer. This is because it is a vehicle used for the purpose of transporting volumes beyond the capacity of its trunk or bucket.
How does semi-trailer insurance work?
If you are a trailer owner, you must have already wondered about how to ensure a semi-trailer, as it is not included in horse insurance.
It all depends on the moment of contracting the insurance, after all, some policyholders extend the Optional Civil Liability Vehicles (RCF-V) from the tugboat to the semi-trailers attached to it. That is, in the event of an accident caused by a tugboat and in which the collision occurs in one of the semi-trailers causing damage to third parties, the policy to be activated will be that of the tugboat.
If in doubt, contact your insurer.
Winch and trailer are not the same things.
Some people still do not have a complete difference between this equipment, and may even confuse a trailer, semi-trailer, and winch.
The winch, a different piece of equipment from trailers, is a vehicle that, unlike the examples, is made to pull or lift loads by means of traction. It’s a single-vehicle, regardless of anything that needs rear traction.
The winch is composed of a roller, with an extremely resistant steel cable, called a windlass. Other models that can be called “winch” are those that can tow other vehicles.
The winch, for example, is an excellent use for damaged cars that can no longer travel, as in the case of an electrical failure or a dead battery. The winch is usually included in the 24-hour assistance package, sold under auto insurance.
If you have any doubts about the difference between a trailer and a semi-trailer, let us know in the comments below.
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