Semi-trailers for trucks: types and selection recommendations

Expert selection:

Mini rating (updated in 2022)

What types of trailers are there for cars?

A regular car trailer comes in both universal and highly specialized types. The first options are common. They are used to transport standard cargo or self-propelled equipment.

Definition of a caravan

Types of trailers and their main characteristics

Car trailers come in different modifications. The main varieties are presented:

• standard onboard products - used to move construction and agricultural cargo, furniture, equipment with small dimensions (snowmobile, ATV);
• boat - they carry boats, jet skis, and yachts.

The design of a car trailer consists of a standard set of parts, presented:

• frame - based on welded or bolted connections, the latter are considered more practical due to the possibility of replacing damaged elements;
• suspension - there are spring and rubber-harness, the latter are cheap varieties, the former are characterized by quality;
• drawbar - there are straight and V-shaped options, it contains an electrical outlet and a coupling head;
• body - consists of a bottom and sides; products intended for transporting boats do not have them;
• lighting equipment - on the front of the trailer there are white side lights, on the rear there are brake lights, clearance lights, turn indicators, fog lights, license plate lights.

If the driver has open category “B”, he has the right to drive a car with a trailer of any size, if the curb weight does not exceed 750 kg.

The only condition is that its weight together with the weight of the transported cargo should not exceed 0.75 tons. The purchase of trailed equipment is based on needs.

General equipment characteristics

Vehicle trailers are produced on one or two axles. Single-axle ones carry up to 0.75 tons, two-axle ones - up to 1.5 tons. According to the documentation, both varieties have a weight of 750 kg, which allows them to be used with any passenger car and category “B” license. Only for overloading you will have to answer according to the law.

The list of additional options for trailers is presented:

• bracket for a spare wheel;
• undercarriage wheel;
• additional extension-type sides;
• drawbar extension;
• awning with arches;
• winch mechanism.

If it is necessary to move and unload bulk materials, the equipment is supplemented with the functionality of tipping the body - a dump truck. The function is convenient for transporting self-propelled equipment.

Most buyers prefer to buy a tow hitch with a rolling wheel.

It is designed to facilitate the process of coupling and disengaging equipment with the machine. Winches are popular among lovers of recreation on boats and jet skis.

Idle wheel

Main differences

If the principle of operation of a trailer resembles a cart, and a semi-trailer resembles a wheelbarrow, this is the main difference between them.
As a result of this design feature, transporting goods using a semi-trailer requires special equipment or greater efforts to re-equip the vehicle than when using a trailer. It is the method of attachment to the traction mechanism that distinguishes these two types of trailed equipment and determines the versatility of the equipment. When installing a fifth wheel coupling device on a car, its functionality is limited only to use as a traction device for semi-trailers. Whereas installing a tow bar expands the capabilities of the car without limiting the original functions.

The second important point is the load on the road surface. The mass of the trailer and the weight of the cargo are transferred to the road through the full pressure of its wheels. While the semi-trailer transfers part of the load to the tractor. This distributes the weight between the axles of the semi-trailer and the tractor, which increases the potential load-carrying capacity of the equipment.

The type of attachment to the traction mechanism also determines the behavior of the vehicle on the road. The trailer is connected to the vehicle via a tow bar. This type of hitch is difficult to maneuver and requires more attention from the driver. Whereas a semi-trailer is like a continuation of the car itself. Driving a road train is also more difficult than driving a car, but easier than driving a car with a trailer.

How to choose a light trailer wisely

After getting a general idea of ​​the features of passenger trailers, you need to move on to finding the optimal product. When choosing suitable equipment, pay attention to the following nuances.

Galvanized or painted sides

The first option does a good job of protecting the product from metal corrosion, thereby extending its service life. Painted sides require more attention:

• when painting over ferrous metal, the service life is limited, they will have to be replaced later;
• quality of painting - the procedure is performed on prepared metal surfaces, which makes this type the most successful.

The latter option will cost more.

Fully painted

Side racks

They allow you to increase the reliability and rigidity of the structure and are located in the corners of the trailer. Options with sufficient quality are produced on a metal base with a thickness of more than 5 mm.

The racks are designed to connect the sides and the body; in the process, joints made of bolts or rivets are used. The latter are considered cheap, but less reliable.

Side locks

When using the equipment, it is often necessary to open or close the sides. The best car trailers are initially equipped with them.

The locking mechanism is characterized by ease of operation and convenience, and is used to perform these operations.

Possibility of removing the sides

In some situations, simply opening or closing the rear is not enough. When searching for a suitable device, you need to pay attention to whether the specified functionality is present in the design.

With folding sides

Bottom Features

The bottom is usually made of plywood, which has moisture-resistant qualities. Some manufacturers prefer to form it from steel sheets, which can cause loud noise when moving empty equipment or with an incomplete load.

Secondary disadvantages of steel bottoms include corrosion and the appearance of rust at the slightest damage.

Laminated moisture-resistant plywood is easily replaced if necessary and does not cause as many problems.

Before purchasing, be sure to check whether the bottom is connected to the frame with bolts.

Electrical wiring and lighting

Electrical wires should not have additional solders or connections between the socket and the rear lights and dimensions. Preference is given to solid electrical wiring.

When choosing, the future owner should pay attention to the installed lighting equipment. A good product has multifunctional taillights. In some types, they are additionally protected from damage by a semi-closed metal beam, which simultaneously acts as a bumper.

Suspension parts and components

They must meet quality and reliability requirements. The suspension is made of a metal base with a thickness of more than 8 mm, and the bolts must meet a high strength class.

Experts note that the equipment must contain parts from well-known brands; the requirement applies to springs, shock absorbers, and wheel bearings.

It is difficult to independently check for compliance with the requirements, so it is better to purchase trailers from trusted manufacturers.

Trailers for transporting water equipment (jet ski or boat/boat)

A light boat/boat trailer has several fundamental differences in its design from analogues intended for transporting building materials. The thing is that trailers for transporting jet skis and other similar equipment are used not only to move water transport across the surface of the earth, but also to unload it into the water and load it back. Therefore, in such systems there are no sides and a solid base. This allows:

• It is relatively easy to move the trailer in the water;
• Load/unload water equipment even in unfavorable weather conditions, without fear of causing serious damage to it.

Of these systems, the following models are in good demand: Dolphin 6.0, Dolphin 5.5, Dolphin 6.5, Ruff 4.7, Dolphin 3.5, 3.9.

The photo shows a passenger trailer for transporting a jet ski (jet ski)

For the most part, models differ in their carrying capacity and spatial dimensions, and most configurations include:

1. Adjustable inserts.
2. A winch that allows you to pull water transport onto a trailer.
3. Nose pad.

What to look for when choosing

When searching for trailers for passenger cars, it is necessary to take into account such a nuance as payback. A variation that is too expensive can leave the owner in the red, while a budget variation can ruin it on repair work.

Secondary parameters that are worth focusing on:

• galvanization of the product - they are more expensive, but will last for many years, unlike other versions, which will begin to rust after the first winter or accidental damage;
• information from the technical passport - it is not always possible to independently check the equipment;
• the presence of a dump body - it is necessary for those who regularly transport bulk materials;
• warranty and post-warranty service - the seller is obliged to provide full information about the nearest service center, describe the weak points of the trailer, which often cause problems with functionality and operation.

Before purchasing a trailer for a car, you need to find out about the availability of auxiliary spare parts, the features of their functions and the options in which they can be used.

Tipper body

Refrigerator

Such models are characterized by increased tightness, which makes it possible to transport perishable goods. Semi-trailers for temperature controlled transportation are divided into two types.

1.Refrigerator

The SteamTrend group has a fleet of its own refrigerators.

Made from insulated material, these semi-trailers have their own refrigeration unit. For insulation, a moisture-resistant foam material that is not subject to mechanical damage is used.

Sandwich panels coated with durable plastic or metal are used in the manufacture of walls and roofs. With this design, the cargo is reliably protected from the influence of the external environment. Depending on the type of cargo transported, the temperature is set in the range from -25 to +25 degrees C, maintained by a refrigeration unit.

2.Isothermal semi-trailer

Such a semi-trailer does not have its own refrigeration unit, but it can maintain a certain temperature for a long time. It can be compared structurally to a large thermos, in which the transported cargo is reliably protected, but this type of semi-trailer is not used for long-distance transportation, since there is no possibility for long-term storage. Used for intracity transportation of perishable products.

How to use your smartphone as a navigator

The TOP of automobile passenger trailers includes the following subtypes.

MZSA 817701.001 - 05

It is a universal type used to move a variety of loads. Its versatility allows it to be used for road and municipal services, repair teams, business activities, and private use. The trailer travels along the vehicle's track; the extended drawbar eliminates difficulties when controlling the reverse gear.

Folding sides allow the device to transport bricks, bulk construction mixtures, and long-length building materials. The table shows the main characteristics:

Features of the trailer are presented:

• the presence of a dump truck function, which makes it easy to load and unload bulky, bulk building materials, lumber, and other goods;
• the bottom is made of moisture-resistant laminated plywood, which does not rot and is not susceptible to attacks by fungal infections;
• reliable, stable, durable sides - due to their hot-dip galvanization;
• folding front and rear sides, which facilitates loading and unloading operations.

The price for a trailer starts from 42.4 thousand rubles. (Hereinafter all prices are indicated for August 2022).

MZSA 817701.001 - 05

MZSA 817701.004 - 05

The single-axle product has extended sides with a height of 47 cm. It has a V-shaped drawbar, allowing the equipment to easily cope with heavy loads.

Additionally, the trailer is equipped with the functionality of a dump truck; reliable and safe delivery of cargo is guaranteed by solid side walls.

Characteristics:

• allows the installation of several types of awnings: 7.3, 9.7, 12.7 cm;
• the bottom is made of laminated plywood, which is resistant to temperature changes and moisture;
• galvanized structure can withstand heavy loads;
• Frost-resistant corrugation reliably holds the wires, preventing them from spontaneous sagging.

The cost of equipment starts from 45.8 thousand rubles.

Station wagon 8213-05 from Kurgan trailers

It belongs to the uniaxial variety and has many positive recommendations.

Adapted for movement on Russian roads (imported trailers have nothing to cover here), a smooth ride is ensured by spring suspension with springs. Uniform soft movement is constant and does not depend on the quality of the road surface.

The parallel arrangement of shock absorbers guarantees good directional stability.

Characteristics:

• can transport oversized cargo with a length of no more than 6 m;
• movement of long lengths is ensured by a drawbar extender;
• longitudinal sides can be increased by 8 cm.

The price starts from 47.8 thousand rubles.

Station wagon 8213-05

Extended Batyr-2

An improved version of the first release, it refers to multifunctional inexpensive equipment. Characterized by an extended loading platform, it can be used to transport a variety of goods, including lumber up to 3.9 m long and other construction materials.

An inexpensive domestic trailer for a car, characterized by its versatility.

Peculiarities:

• has a dump truck function, which allows you to carry out work in the unloading and loading area without outside help;
• the bottom is made of galvanized steel;
• additional coating with powder-based paint increases service life.

The cost per unit starts from 37 thousand rubles.

Extended Batyr-2

Trailer 82942 T

The trailer has one axle and does not have its own braking system. The product is equipped with a spring suspension, an enlarged side - with a height of 51 cm. As standard, there is a support leg that can be adjusted in height.

The device has nuts with automatic locking in important components; its bearings do not require additional lubrication or adjustment. The sides at the front and back can be opened or closed by hand.

The average cost starts from 50 thousand rubles.

Trailer 82942 T

Manufacturers offer a huge variety of trailers with different functions and additional equipment. Domestic models are characterized by quality, reliability and convenience; they are not afraid of local roads and serve for many years. If you wish, you can find the best option - if you focus on your own needs and the quality characteristics of the equipment.

The future owner has many offers: starting from a new Skif with a passenger tent, ending with an old and used Tonar semi-trailer.

Classification

Nowadays, renting or renting trailers that allow you to transport cars is in good demand. Therefore, you can buy a vehicle not only for personal purposes, but also make it a way to earn additional income.

The first step is to decide on the towed vehicle itself. Some are intended for personal use and transportation over short distances. Others will allow you to transport up to two cars over long distances. In total, there are several subcategories of such trailers. But they all belong to one large group called carriages. This is the most fair way to call such vehicles.

When planning to purchase a car transporter for yourself, carefully think about exactly what goals you set for yourself. Don't forget that not all vehicles can pull a trailer with another vehicle on board.

The following types of such trailers are distinguished.

• Side-mounted carriages. A good option that allows you to transport passenger cars weighing up to 2000 kg. Often used for transporting cars or motorcycles. The average dimensions are 5x2 m with a side height of up to 250 mm. The package includes special ladders, a winch and fastenings;
• Platforms. Such carriages offer a loading platform measuring about 4.5 x 2 m. There are no sides. But there is a ladder for easier loading of the machine, a powerful winch, locking rings and anti-rollbacks. Load capacity indicators are at the level of side carriages, that is, approximately 2 tons;
• Frame. This type of carriages is distinguished by a longer shape, locking wheels and a ramp for vehicle entry. High-strength perforated metal is used to make the structure. The strength of the structure allows you to transport up to 2 cars. Can be used as an overpass for car repair and maintenance;
• Trailers. This is a covered version of the carriage, made in the form of a platform with ladders. Here you can transport cars and motorcycles, jet skis, etc. Plus, it is possible to protect the transported vehicle from the influence of precipitation and weather, and prevent the formation of chips from debris, stones and dirt from the road. But they are quite expensive in the factory version;
• Towing carriages. Designed to transport one car. They have ladders, a winch and supports. The maximum load capacity is 1.2 tons or more;
• Roll-on trawls. A special type of trailer that allows only partial loading. That is, one axle remains on the road. The device is compact, often dismountable and easy to operate. An excellent option for personal use and short distance transportation.

What exactly to choose, everyone decides individually. However, this depends on a number of factors.

Timber truck

Timber trucks deliver sawn timber or logs. It is characterized by U-shaped frames that allow you to securely secure the load. Fixing elements (conics) can be movable or fixed. Mobile bunks are more convenient to use: they can be configured to transport logs of any length.

Timber trucks can be all-metal (log truck) or sliding (dissolution). Timber trucks are characterized by a reliable, strong frame and high maneuverability.

log semi-trailer

semi-trailer-dissolution

On logging sites you can often see woodchip trucks that look like curtain-sided semi-trailers, designed for transporting chopped wood. Chip trucks are characterized by a movable floor structure. They can also organize the transportation of straw, peat, and expanded clay.

The article was prepared by the transport department of SteamTrend.