Semi-Trailer vs. Full Trailer – What's the Difference? (2024)

Mar. 12, 2024

Believe it or not, full trailers and semi-trailers are different.

If you’re looking to buy a trailer, the variety of options and technical details are probably overwhelming you.

What makes them different? What is each one used for?

A comparison between a semi-trailer vs full trailer may help you select which trailer to pick.

With a clear understanding, you will be better equipped to decide whether a semi-trailer or another type of trailer would be more appropriate for your specific business needs.

What is a Semi-Trailer?

A semi-trailer is a truck and trailer combination without a front axle. When detached from a vehicle, semi-trailers typically have legs to support them. A substantial percentage of its weight is supported by a road tractor unit.

The trailer’s brakes are automatically applied when it is detached. So, the only device that may release the brakes is the air pump on the truck. This trailer’s length cannot go over 53 ft on the interstate; however, if necessary, special permits are readily accessible.

What are Semi Trailers Used For?

A semi-trailer truck is favored in the trucking industry for hauling freight for long distances.

In contrast, a semi-truck trailer is frequently utilized to deliver a full load to a single location. This also implies that a semi-trailer vs full trailer can carry greater sized loads.

Pros and Cons of Using Semi Trailers

The pros of using a semi-trailer are:

Load capacity & versatility: A semi-truck can handle larger loads and can have an extended cargo bed, making them perfect for transporting long materials like pipes and lumber. Even longer or larger loads need specialized trailers like schnables to haul.

Manageability: Since a semi-trailer truck is detachable, using them when loading or docking between loading depots is faster and simpler.

The cons of using a semi-trailer are:

Lack of independence with cargo capacity: Without a road tractor, a semi-truck cannot be converted to a cargo vehicle.

Requires Proper Usage: A semi-trailer truck can jackknife if it is not driven properly because it is not firmly fastened to the tow vehicle.

What is a Full Trailer?

A full trailer vs semi-trailer has both a front and a rear axle. A full trailer cannot be detached because they are a fixed part of the truck. A drawbar is found on a full trailer truck meant for pulling or towing.

The majority of commercial full trailers have a length of about 40 ft. A full trailer truck may move vertically by adjusting the front axle’s direction in reference to the towing vehicle. When compared to a semi-trailer, a full trailer doesn’t carry as much weight to the towing vehicle.

What are Full Trailers Used For?

Businesses who need to deliver goods to multiple sites, where just a portion of the cargo is unloaded, frequently use full trailers. They are primarily utilized for transportation over shorter distances to factories, warehouses, and ports.

Pros and Cons of Using Full Trailers

The pros of using a full trailer are:

Great for local and regional transport: Full trailer trucks would likely be hired over a semi-truck trailer because companies need to deliver goods to several places in a shift. A full-trailer is more efficient for satisfying delivering at this cadence.

Independent cargo capacity: A full trailer does not need to be attached to a road tractor to be a cargo vehicle.

The cons of using a full trailer are:

Weight and size: A semi-trailer can carry more than a full trailer, making them great options for long-haul deliveries.

Not detachable: Because the steer axles cannot independently pivot as with a semi- trailer, longer full trailers may have less maneuverability than similar sized semi-trailers.

What’s the Difference Between Semi Trailers and Full Trailers?

Due to their popularity, semi trailers have an advantage over full trailers in this comparison. However, each has benefits and drawbacks. The following examples are the five main differences between a semi-trailer vs full trailer:

Position of the Axle and Weight Support

Which Type of Trailer is Right for Me?

If you have just started a business that involves transporting goods and products, buying or renting a semi-trailer is a reasonable option.

A semi-trailer is all about efficiency in relation to a full trailer. If you need a trailer with maximum versatility, a semi-truck is more popular in fleet lineups.

Think of your needs first before you make your purchase. If you need trailer types like a car carrier, flatbed, or container truck, go with a semi-truck.

If you need a trailer that’s more like a box van, dump truck or tow truck, a full trailer will suit your needs best.

Both offer great opportunities to yield high earnings and get the job done for your growing customer base.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a full trailer and a semi-trailer?

Full trailers have their own commercial cargo capacity because they feature a cab, but a semi-truck requires a road tractor to be used as a cargo vehicle. A semi-trailer is easier to maneuver than a full trailer because of the smaller turning circle it possesses.

For example, a common semi-trailer truck is an oil tanker while a common full trailer truck is a dump truck.

Why is it called a semi-trailer?

Since it doesn’t have a front axle and is therefore distinct from a trailer, which does, we refer to it as a semi-trailer.

This means that the weight of this sort of trailer and its contents is supported in part by its wheels and in most cases the tractor pulling the trailer.

What are the different types of semi trailers?

Some different semi-trailer types include:

Container semi-truck

Dry Vans

Flatbeds

Refrigerated Trailers

Oil tankers

What makes a trailer a semi-trailer?

A freight trailer that, when connected, is supported at its front end by the truck tractor’s fifth wheel mechanism makes it a semi-trailer.

Hale Trailer Can Get You a Trailer Today

Before you select a trailer, check in with our experts at Hale Trailer. We have the experience needed to point you toward your desired trailer. Our selection of trailers are ready for the long haul whether you’d like to purchase or rent. Browse our line-up online or at one of trailer rental locations if you want to learn more about how we can work for you.

Comparing The Different Semi Truck and Trailer Types

What do you know about semi-trucks and trailers? Can you name the different types and what they might be used for? If you’re shopping for a rig and the different terms have you feeling a bit lost, here’s a brief introduction to the different types of trucks and trailers you see on the road.

Trucks, Trailers, and 18-Wheelers

You might hear the terms truck, trailer, and 18-wheeler used interchangeably. While that’s generally fine, in practice, it’s valuable to be familiar with a more specific definition for each term.

Semi-Truck: Semi-truck is the term that refers to the front of the truck, also known as the tractor or the cab. The semi-truck houses the engine and the driver, plus possibly some amenities for the driver, depending on the type of semi-truck it is. Semi-trucks will have limitations surrounding what they can pull based on their weight limits, towing capacities, and horsepower.

Semi-Trailer: The semi-trailer is the part of the truck that hauls the load. Semi-trailers are detachable from the semi-truck and come in different shapes, sizes, and configurations to fit the load.

18-Wheeler: An 18-wheeler is a semi-truck and a semi-trailer fitted together. You might also hear these referred to as tractor-trailers since they are, in fact, tractors and trailers attached together. Semi-trucks can be attached to almost any trailer.

Now let’s look at the different types of tractors and trailers you can find at Arrow Truck Sales.

Semi-Trucks

What kinds of tractors are available for your rig? Talk to Arrow Truck Sales, your local reputable semi-truck dealer, about your options, which include the following:

Day Cab

Day cab tractors are made for short-haul trips that last a day or less. These trucks have no place for the driver to sleep and are smaller with fewer axles, and less expensive than tractors used for long-haul trucking.

Sleeper Cabs

Long-haul truckers need a place to sleep while traveling. Sleeper cabs on semi-trucks provide the driver with, at minimum, a bed but may be equipped with many additional amenities, depending on the make and model. Drivers have three basic options for sleeper cabs: Flat Roof Sleepers, Mid-Roof Sleepers, and Raised Roof Sleepers. All three provide the driver with a place to sleep on long trips, but the increasing roof heights provide more room (at a higher cost) which can be more comfortable on particularly long routes. The headroom difference between a flat roof sleeper and a raised roof sleeper is anywhere from 12-18 inches. Drivers looking for maximum space and flexibility opt for raised roof models.

Slope-Nosed versus Conventional Nose

Another option drivers have when choosing a semi-truck is the nose shape. A slope-nosed truck has a rounded front end that protrudes from the cab. This shape lends itself to good maneuverability and hauling particularly heavy loads. Conventional-nosed semi-trucks look like a bus; the front end is basically flat from top to bottom. Trucks were designed with this shape to provide easy access to the engine, but they’re becoming less and less popular due to a reputation for poor fuel economy.

When it comes to the semi-truck, the length of the route and the preference of the driver play a large role in selecting the best model.

Semi-Trailer

When it comes to selecting a semi-trailer, the cargo is the primary consideration. Each type of trailer is best suited to a specific type of cargo.

Flatbed. A flatbed trailer is a flat, open trailer that can carry secured loads of carrying size and shape.

Lowboy. Lowboys are flatbed trailers mounted below the level of the wheels. The low mounting position makes it possible to haul exceptionally tall equipment. These also come in removable gooseneck models that make attaching the trailer to the truck easier.

Reefer. A reefer is slang for a “refrigerated” trailer. Reefers carry cargo that needs to stay cold during transit.

Conestoga. Conestoga trailers are open trailers with a full-length tarp system.

Dry Van. A dry van is a standard rectangular shipping container.

Stretch Double Drop. These trailers can be extended in order to haul long, oversized equipment

Multi-Car. This trailer has multiple cars for hauling extra loads.

Sidekit. A sidekit trailer is equipped with plywood or metal sides to keep the contents contained as well as metal arches for attaching covers.

Dumps or tippers. These trailers tip to disperse their contents.

Tankers. These trailers are equipped with tanks for hauling large amounts of liquid or gas.

Other Considerations

In addition to considering the length of your hauls, driver comfort, and cargo, there are a few other things to consider prior to purchasing a semi-truck and trailer.

What type of geography and weather conditions will you travel in?

Will your truck need the power to climb mountains?

How much will your cargo weigh?

Is resale value important to you?

What are your horsepower and fuel efficiency needs?

By answering these questions, plus identifying your driver and cargo needs, you can narrow down your options and find a semi-truck that will get you and your payload where you need to go.

Which Truck and Trailer Should You Buy?

At Arrow Truck Sales, we love trucks. We could talk about trucks all day long. We’re in the business of helping our customers find exactly the semi-trucks they need. We’ve got outstanding choices in our inventory, so you’re sure to find the make and model you’re looking for. And, if you’re a bit uncertain about what you need or want, our team is available to walk you through your options. We’ll help you find what you need, sort out the financing, identify tax breaks, get you insured, and keep you going with exceptional warranties and roadside assistance. When it comes to trucking, we’ve got you covered.

If you’ve got cargo to haul, we’ve got the truck you need to haul it in. Give us a call today to see what Arrow Truck Sales can do for you.

Key Differences Between Semi Trucks & Passenger Vehicles

Semi trucks and passenger vehicles are two completely different types of vehicles, each serving distinct purposes in transportation. While both may share some features, key differences set them apart. Understanding these differences is crucial for road safety and efficient driving practices.

Size

One of the most noticeable differences between semi trucks and passenger vehicles is their size. Semi trucks are significantly larger and longer compared to passenger vehicles. They typically have a height of around 13 to 14 feet, making them much taller than regular cars.

Weight

Semi trucks also outweigh passenger vehicles by a substantial margin. While an average car weighs around two tons (4,000 pounds), semi trucks can weigh up to 40 tons (80,000 pounds) when fully loaded with cargo.

Braking Systems

Due to their massive weight, semi trucks have advanced braking systems for heavy-duty applications. They often employ air brakes that require more distance to come to a complete stop compared to the hydraulic brake systems commonly found in passenger vehicles.

There is a considerable difference in design due to their weight variances. Semi trucks employ air brakes that can handle higher temperature thresholds, ensuring effective braking performance even during prolonged downhill descents. Passenger vehicles predominantly use hydraulic brake systems suitable for everyday commuting needs.

Acceleration Capabilities

Passenger vehicles generally have better acceleration capabilities due to their lighter weight and compact design. On the other hand, semi trucks require more time and distance to accelerate due to their larger mass.

Overall Handling

The handling characteristics also differ between these two vehicle classes. Passenger cars are smaller and have tighter turning radii, enabling greater maneuverability. In contrast, semi trucks have less maneuverability due to their lengthier wheelbases.

Seating

Most passenger vehicles can accommodate five passengers. Conversely, semi trucks have one driver and one passenger seat and, usually, a sleeper cabin designed for one or two drivers to rest comfortably during long-haul journeys.

Blind Spots

Semi trucks possess extensive blind spots known as “no-zones.” These blind spots are located behind and on both sides of the trailer, where other vehicles may become invisible to the truck driver. Passenger vehicles also have blind spots but are much smaller and located just behind the passenger and driver-side doors.

Engines

Semi trucks have large-displacement diesel engines designed to generate substantial torque for hauling heavy loads over long distances. On the other hand, passenger cars feature smaller gasoline or diesel engines.

Tires

Semis require specialized commercial-vehicle-grade tires capable of bearing substantial weight loads while enduring extended periods of highway driving without excessive wear or heat buildup.

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