The Back of a Tractor Trailer: An Overview
Tractor trailer trucks - also known as semi-trucks - are commonplace on our highways, transporting goods from one place to another. One of the most distinct and noticeable features of these vehicles is the back of the trailer. This article aims to explore the different aspects of this significant feature and what it is called.
The Rear End of the Trailer
The rear end of the tractor trailer is where the goods are loaded and unloaded from the truck. The vertical metal doors that comprise this end are called \"doors,\" \"trailer doors,\" or simply \"rear doors.\" These doors are heavy, durable, and usually made of aluminum or steel. Most doors open from the center, folding horizontally to store against the sides of the trailer.
Beneath the doors is the trailer bumper. The purpose of the bumper is to absorb shock in the event of a collision with another vehicle, reducing damage to both the trailer and the other vehicle. These bumpers also prevent the wheels on the trailer from touching the ground should the trailer become disconnected from the tractor.
The Underside of the Trailer
The underside of a tractor trailer is also an important feature of the vehicle. The flat metal plate on the underside of the trailer is known as the \"belly\" or \"belly pan.\" This plate protects the trailer's undercarriage from debris and other hazards. It also enhances the vehicle's aerodynamics, decreasing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
Another noteworthy feature of a trailer's underside is the \"landing gear.\" The landing gear is located at the front end of the trailer, beneath the kingpin. It is used to support the trailer when detached from the tractor, allowing it to stand without tipping over. The landing gear is adjusted manually, usually by a crank that extends or retracts the support legs as needed.
The Rear Lights
Tractor trailers are equipped with a variety of lights to increase visibility and safety on the road. The rear lights of a trailer are particularly important, as they provide other drivers with a clear indication of the vehicle's position and actions. A trailer's rear lights include turn signals, brake lights, and running lights. The lights are controlled by the tractor's electrical system and are powered by the truck's battery.
The Rear Underride Guard
Another critical part of the back of a trailer is the \"rear underride guard,\" also known as the \"rear-end crash protection system.\" This is a metal bar that hangs down from the trailer's rear bumper and prevents other vehicles from sliding underneath the trailer in the event of a rear-end collision. The rear underride guard is a safety feature that is required by the federal government on all trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds. Failure to install or maintain a rear underride guard can result in significant fines and legal consequences.
In Conclusion
The back of a tractor trailer is a vital part of the vehicle. It serves both functional and safety purposes and consists of several different components, including doors, bumpers, belly pans, landing gear, lights, and the rear underride guard. Knowing the different parts of the trailer's back can help drivers better understand and appreciate these massive vehicles on the highways.
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