lorrytrailer

A lorry trailer is a road vehicle that is towed by a lorry (truck) and used to carry freight. In many regions the term refers to a detachable trailer that forms part of an articulated lorry when paired with a tractor unit. The most common arrangement is the semi-trailer, which connects to the towing vehicle via a kingpin sitting on a fifth-wheel coupling; the tractor bears the front end while the trailer carries most of the load. Full trailers, which attach differently and may have their own front hitch, are less common on modern European networks.

Common trailer types include dry vans or box trailers, which provide enclosed cargo space; curtain-siders, which use a flexible curtain to access the interior; flatbeds, which offer an open deck for bulky items; refrigerated trailers (reefers) that maintain controlled temperatures; and tipping trailers used for bulk materials. Intermodal configurations include trailers designed to carry ISO containers, enabling road transport between ships, trains, and warehouses.

Construction and features vary, with materials often steel or aluminum resistance to corrosion and wear. Axle configurations commonly range from two to three or more, and suspensions may be leaf spring or air-based. Trailers typically have standard widths around 2.4 to 2.6 meters and lengths around 13 to 15 meters for semi-trailers, though sizes can vary by region and purpose. Vehicle braking systems are usually air-based, and many trailers include features such as locking mechanisms, lights, and a set of landing legs for support when detached.

Use and regulation: lorry trailers operate within national and international freight networks and are subject to weight limits, licensing requirements (such as C+E categories in many regions), hours-of-service rules, and safety standards. Regular maintenance focuses on tires, brakes, suspension, and coupling gear to ensure safe operation.