Tractor Trailer Dimensions

Tractor Trailer Dimensions are made up of several factors. Classified as an articulated vehicle, a tractor trailer is comprised mainly of two components, namely a semi-trailer and a towing engine. The freight is usually carried by the semi-trailer, which is then pulled by a towing engine. While the towing capacity is important, the tractor trailer dimensions will of course weigh in to the discussion. There are names used to call this type of vehicle including ‘juggernaut’ in the United Kingdom, ‘transport’ in Canada as well as ‘big rig’ in the United States. Aside from these interesting facts, there is much to learn about this kind of vehicle such as the different tractor trailer dimensions.

Tractor Trailer Dimensions – A Closer Look

Tractor trailers are available in different sizes depending on where they are designed for and manufactured. In the U.S., the Department of Transportation has established a specific limit for trailers. No trailer must exceed a width of 102 inches, a height of 13.5 feet and a gross weight of 80,000 pounds. However, the rules in every state in the country varies, some of which may issue permits for overweight and oversize trucks.

In some states in the U.S., LCVs or longer combination vehicles are allowed. These include triples, which is comprised or three trailers measuring 8.7 meters or 28.5 feet with a maximum weight of 129,000 pounds. Another type of LCV is the turnpike doubles, which is made up of a couple of trailers with a total length of 14.6 meters or 48 feet. In terms of weight, the maximum for this type of LCV is 147,000 pounds.

Meanwhile, a rocky mountain double is comprised of a trailer measuring 12.2 to 16.2 meters or 40 to 53 feet. Next to the first trailer is the pup, which is primarily a smaller trailer measuring 8.7 meters or 28.5 feet. The maximum weight set for this type of LCV is 129,000 pounds.

In Canada, LCVs are measured differently. For instance, a rocky mountain double is made up of a trailer measuring 50 feet long plus a pup measuring 24 feet. Aside from this, a turnpike double is usually comprised of two interconnected trailers, each of which measures 53 feet long.

In the United Kingdom, the average length of trailers is 13.5 meters or 45 feet. For coupled tractors with trailers, the combined length must be around 15.25 to 16.75 meters or 50 to 55 feet. The maximum gross weight allowed in this country is 97,000 pounds.

In Continental Europe, trailer trucks must not go beyond the limit of 18.75 meters long. Additionally, the weight must not exceed 40 tons. In Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, trucks can be as long as 25.25 meters. In Sweden, the maximum length is 24 meters. In Australia, the maximum limit for tractor trailers is 53.5 meters with a maximum load of 361,558 pounds. So, you can see, Tractor Trailer Dimensions are not cut and dry and rely on looking at all these factors.