Trailered to measure
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• Central Trailer Rentco (CTR) says operators of large and small fleets are still "awash with confusion" over the new 16.5m length laws according to operations director Jim Brown. He was speaking at one of the roadshows CTR is hosting to help its customers understand the new legislation, and to introduce examples of its newlength trailers.
A simple, effective measuring device has been developed by CTR engineers so trailer renters can find out whether the tractor to which they are proposing to couple will take the trailer swing without swiping off the brake connections or other "behind-the-cab" obstructions.
This device is an adjustable pole which is attached to the trailer king-pin and then extended to the corner of the trailer and locked. This then serves as a template for the tractor, by placing it in the fifth wheel position and checking that there is sufficient swing clearance. The device saves the trouble of calculations or trial and error methods.
Brown believes that even full-time fleet engineers with major fleets are not all fully conversant with the problem: "Perhaps some of them were on holiday when the laws were changed!" At the roadshows CTR shows a short video which covers the major issues and indicates how the company can help. A helpful leaflet is also available from CTR.
The measuring device will be available at all CTR's depots, and operators can bring in their tractors to check compatibility with CTR's latest trailers. A sticker is provided for the cab which tells the user that the tractor can legally couple to the new length trailers.
All the new CTR trailers will have dual king-pins provided with their dimensions clearly marked. King-pins are fitted at 1,050 and 1,420mm.for reefers, 1,100 and 1,400mm for dry freight units, and 1,250 and 1,550mm for TIRs. This allows trailer lengths of 13.53m for TIR and 13.4m for the others.
There are CTR engineers are each romishow to discuss individual problems. The next one is on 10-12 July at the Royal Bath and West showground in Shepton Mallet.