SHANDONG CAESAR INTENATIONAL TRADE CO.LTD.

Many people think that driving a flatbed trailer is very difficult. In fact, as long as you master the correct skills and be cautious at all times, you can become an excellent flatbed semi trailer driver. Remember, safety first, stability and speed!

Many people think that driving a flatbed trailer is very difficult. In fact, as long as you master the correct skills and be cautious at all times, you can become an excellent flatbed semi trailer driver. Remember, safety first, stability and speed!

What is a flatbed trailer？

Flatbed trailer is also called flat deck trailer or flat top trailer. A transport device equipped with a platform trailer, without sides or roof, usually made of steel, aluminum, or wood. Flatbed trailer types include flatbed equipment trailer, flatbed dump trailer, double flatbed trailer, etc. It can easily load large, long or irregular cargo. Because it is easy to load and unload goods from any direction, flatbed trailers are popular in industries such as construction, manufacturing and transportation.

Flatbed Trailer Dimensions

Flatbed trailer sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and product to product, but generally follow certain standards. Here are some common sizes for flatbed trailers:

1.Flatbed trailer length: Generally, the trailer length ranges from 8 meters to 13 meters, and the specific length can be customized according to vehicle models and needs.

2.Flatbed trailer width: The standard trailer width is 2.5 meters, but some models may be 2.4 meters wide. In different regions, due to different road and traffic standards, the width of some models may be adjusted according to local regulations.

3.Flatbed trailer height: The flatbed trailer height from ground is generally 1.5 meters, and no more than 4.2 meters after loading, so as to ensure that the flatbed trailer can pass most Bridges and roads.

4.Flatbed trailer weight capacity: The carrying capacity of the flatbed trailer is usually between 40 tons and 100 tons, and the specific carrying capacity can be adjusted according to demand. 

It is important to note that these dimensions may vary depending on regulations and standards in different regions. For example, in the United States, the length standard of the trailer is 28 feet (about 8.5 meters) and 48 feet (about 14.6 meters). In Europe, the standard length is up to 18.75 meters. Therefore, the specific flatbed trailer size may vary depending on the region and usage needs.

How to load a flatbed trailer？

1.Check the condition of the flatbed trailer

Before loading, you must first check the condition of the flatbed trailer. Including wheels, brake systems, lights, fuel levels and so on. Ensure that all functions of the vehicle are functioning properly and can be driven normally.

2. Accurately calculate the weight and volume of the goods

Before loading the goods, the weight and volume of the goods must be accurately calculated, and the corresponding loading specifications must be implemented. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to whether the goods are stable, which determines the binding point and quantity of the goods.

3. Use the correct binding tools

When loading the vehicle, it is necessary to use dense and reliable binding tools to prevent the movement of the goods during transportation. If necessary, use binding straps or safety ropes, and add or even multiple binding points as appropriate.

4. Goods placement

When loading a flatbed trailer, it is necessary to follow the principle of placing the goods, evenly distributed, and large goods are placed on the flatbed trailer truck to move or loose the position that is not easy. Use support racks and cushions between large loads to ensure cargo security, while also paying attention to flatbed trailer weight distribution.

5. Pay attention to balance

When loading the vehicle, the center of gravity of the vehicle and the goods must be balanced to avoid overload or imbalance of the center of gravity of the goods during the driving process and lead to accidents. Please increase or decrease the quantity and specifications of goods reasonably according to the load design of the flatbed trailer.

6. Other precautions

During the loading process, it is necessary to pay attention to the driving road conditions, reasonably control the speed, and exercise caution when driving to avoid collisions or other incidents. If the goods are found to be moving or unstable, stop in time to check and adjust.

The following points need to be noted when driving a flatbed trailer:

1.Turning

Flatbed trailers are different from integrated vehicles. When turning, make sure you make a big turn. Pay attention to the position of the trailer wheels and ensure that the turning angle is at least one meter greater than the main vehicle.

2. Overtaking

Observe carefully when overtaking, do not return to the lane immediately after overtaking, and leave enough distance. Tip: Look in the rearview mirror until you see the complete head of the rear car before returning to the lane.

3. Driving on icy, snowy and rainy roads

It is easy to slip on ice, snow and rain roads, so avoid sudden braking and acceleration. Special note: Do not use the air brake, otherwise the driving wheels may stop rotating, the vehicle stalls, and the vehicle cannot be controlled!

4. Braking

The flatbed semi trailer brakes before the main vehicle. Now there is a "brake king" that can make the trailer brake 2 seconds before the main vehicle. Note: The steering wheels of the main vehicle do not use brakes!

Now when everyone chooses a trailer load-bearing bridge, many people will choose a 13-ton bridge and a 16-ton brake drum. This can save money and reduce the weight of flatbed trailer. However, it is recommended to use the authentic 16-ton bridge if conditions permit. Avoid "bouncing" when the trailer is braking, resulting in serious tire damage.

5. Reversing

Do not repeatedly turn when reversing to avoid confusion about the location of the trailer.

6. Plus or minus gears

There is no need to step on the accelerator when upshifting. You only need to press the gas when downshifting to balance the engine speed and vehicle speed, so you can shift up and down without using the clutch.

After the heavy trailer uphill start, start in first gear, refuel at high speed and drag to high speed, then upshift normally. When upshifting on a slope, the vehicle speed will drop sharply when entering neutral, and you need to wait for the engine speed to stabilize before you can upshift smoothly. It is recommended to rush downhill as much as possible, maintain engine power, and downshift while looking at the tachometer, not lower than 1,600 rpm, so as not to drag the gear or get bored.

Flatbed trailer uphill tricks

1. Proficiency in increasing or decreasing gear without using the clutch

When going uphill, what is needed is that the vehicle has the maximum power to dominate, and in the moment of one second when we step on the clutch when we downshift, the engine's power will drop by fifty percent! That is followed by running slope weakness! The chain reaction successively downgrades! Fuel consumption increases naturally!! How to do it perfectly uphill? First, rush slope, good line of sight as far as possible rush slope! Two, keep the engine powered! You can look at the tachometer to reduce, not lower than 1600 to reduce! Remember that! That is what we usually call the lead! Let the engine maintain some power! Do not drag gear, not stuffy car!! Cooperate not to step clutch increase or decrease file

2. Test the brake before the slope to ensure that the brake is effective

Keep a normal heart when releasing slope, fast release non-stick release, the so-called fast release is the high-speed gear open and close, the speed is controlled at 80-90~ if it is beyond, continuously step on the brake, reduce the speed to 30-40, and then release the brake! Key points: Do not stick to the brake, do not step on the brake, we all know that the brake time is too long, it will have a thermal effect! By then, we'll have no brakes!

Master the above tips and you will be able to drive a flatbed trailer with ease!

Kind tips:

Driving safely and in a civilized manner.

Maintain vehicles regularly to ensure they are in good condition.

Obey traffic laws and avoid fatigue driving.

Wish you a safe journey!