The length of a vehicle is closely related to the loading capacity and transportation efficiency of goods. Generally, the larger the overall size of the vehicle, the higher the quantity of goods that can be transported.

According to relevant regulations, the maximum total length of tractors and semi-trailers in China shall not exceed 17.5m, and the standard lengths are generally 10m, 11m, 13m, 14.6m, and 16m. The length limit for semi-trailers in Europe is also similar, with the most common being that the maximum length of a tractor+semi-trailer combination cannot exceed 16.5m. However, this limit will be changed from May 31st.

According to foreign media reports, after an 11 year extended trailer configuration test project, the UK began enacting new legislation on May 10th, allowing longer semi trailers to be put into operation on British roads from May 31st, and giving this type of vehicle a big green light.

According to the data, the length of this extended trailer is about 15.65m. After connecting the tractor, the maximum combined length is about 18.55m, which is 2.05m longer than before. Its most obvious advantage is the increase in volume, which is about 15% higher than traditional trailers.

In order to ensure the driving flexibility of this type of vehicle and avoid affecting traffic safety when turning or turning around, regulations also require that at least one of the three axles carried by its trailer must have a steering function. This is also in line with the EU 96/53/EC regulation: any vehicle and trailer combination must be able to complete turns within a circle with an outer radius of 12.5m and an inner radius of 5.3m.

However, although the length limit has been further relaxed, the weight limit has not been changed, and extended trailers still need to operate within the total vehicle weight limit of 44t currently implemented in the UK. That is to say, its maximum total weight limit is still 44t.

In this way, the application scenario of this extended trailer is positioned, as the length of the trailer increases and the unloaded self weight also increases. Without changing the total weight limit, it has a negative impact on its maximum payload weight. Compared to ordinary goods, this type of vehicle is more suitable for transporting light cargo, such as express delivery, pallet transportation, etc.

Due to its larger single transportation volume, when transporting goods of the same volume, the frequency of transportation can be reduced and the total driving distance can be reduced. Relevant data shows that this extended trailer can reduce the total driving distance by about 8% compared to standard trailers. Every 12 runs can reduce one standard trailer on the road, which is beneficial for reducing pollutant emissions, reducing and avoiding the risk of congestion and collision, and saving fuel consumption Improving environmental benefits has great significance. It can be seen that the emergence of this type of extended trailer is aimed at being green, environmentally friendly, and efficient.

For the Chinese market, does this semi trailer meet the demand? In other words, will the Chinese market introduce this type of vehicle?

In fact, whether any vehicle model meets the national conditions requires consideration of various factors such as road infrastructure, traffic density of the road network, personnel safety awareness, and driver training.

Extending the length of a semi trailer can increase the difficulty of overtaking a small car while driving on the road. Turning or turning on narrow roads is more difficult than ordinary semi trailers. In addition to strict screening of drivers, the vehicle's own technical configuration must also strictly meet the standards.

In addition, China's road network is more complex and the traffic conditions are relatively congested. For example, roads in the southwest region are relatively narrow and not suitable for vehicles with excessive length. The vast majority of highway entrances, exits, roundabouts, curves, etc. cannot meet the transportation needs of extended semi trailers, and service areas or gas stations cannot provide suitable parking spaces, nor do they comply with the length limit of semi trailers specified in GB1589.

It is worth noting that whether it is green, environmentally friendly, or efficient, it is a major theme for the development of the international and domestic vehicle markets. The emergence of new models no longer meets the transportation needs of goods as before, but also needs to improve technological content, in line with the trend of standardization and modularization. The vehicle is like this, and the accessories are even more so. DARO Axles has been established for more than 20 years and has always focused on the research and development and manufacturing of trailer axles. It has a wide range of American style axles, German style axles, low flat axle, three line six axle axles, eccentric axle, RV axle, electromagnetic axle, etc. It can provide customized services according to customer requirements, with high cost-effectiveness, helping car owners reduce comprehensive vehicle costs and achieve energy conservation and emission reduction.