Contents
- 1 What is the purpose of a bulkhead on a trailer?
- 2 Why are flatbed trailers not flat?
- 3 Why are flatbed trailers bowed?
- 4 What is a bulkhead on a flatbed trailer?
- 5 Why are flatbed semi trailers arched?
- 6 What is the legal height for a flatbed?
- 7 Does a flatbed trailer need a headache rack?
- 8 Do you need bulkheads in a dry van?
- 9 Where is the bulkhead on a flatbed trailer?
- 10 What kind of cargo can be transported in a flatbed trailer?
What is the purpose of a bulkhead on a trailer?
An insulated bulkhead is a thermal barrier in a trailer, truck body or van that separates fresh, frozen or dry goods. This allows multiple temperatures in one vehicle, or the reduction of cooled space to reduce energy consumption.
Why are flatbed trailers not flat?
They arch because you can’t design a flatbed trailer to be ultralight and rigid. They need to arch when empty so they flatten out when loaded heavily. Vans and reefers are semi-monocoque which means they have walls nose doors and a roof to contribute to structural rigidity so they can be straight loaded or empty.
How far off the ground is a flatbed trailer?
A typical flatbed trailer is 5 feet above the ground, meaning freight cannot exceed 8 feet 6 inches in height.
Why are flatbed trailers bowed?
The trailers are built with an intentional bow inward in the bottom rail. It’s done so that as the trailer is loaded down those rails flex out to carry the weight. The main reason for this practice, which I guess applies to flatbeds also, is weight savings.
What is a bulkhead on a flatbed trailer?
The bulkhead is something federal regulations refer to as a front-end structure. Where a headache rack is usually affixed to the rear of a truck’s cab, the bulkhead is affixed to the front end of a flatbed trailer to prevent forward movement of cargo.
What is a bulkhead in a reefer trailer?
The term bulkhead in a single temp operation typically refers to the air-return bulkhead on the front wall behind the refrigeration unit. But in a multi-temp operation, the term bulkhead refers to the insulated divider between zones.
Why are flatbed semi trailers arched?
Flatbeds are arched so when a heavy load is set on trailer it will level out the flatbed. If there was no arch the trailer would bow down from the weight of the load.
What is the legal height for a flatbed?
Know the legal limits for flatbed loads In general, the maximum legal load width is 8.5 feet (102 inches), and the maximum height limit is also 102 inches. Legal length is typically 48 to 53 feet, and the maximum weight is about 46,000 pounds.
What is the standard height of a flatbed trailer?
Typically, the flatbed trailer is between 60 ” and 62″ high. The maximum height of the freight that can be loaded is 8’4″. Some trailers can haul as much as 48000#.
Does a flatbed trailer need a headache rack?
Where a headache rack is usually affixed to the rear of a truck’s cab, the bulkhead is affixed to the front end of a flatbed trailer to prevent forward movement of cargo. Headache racks and bulkheads are not required by federal regulations. However, using them is still smart as it protects cargo and prevents damage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqVpyVF-MDs
Do you need bulkheads in a dry van?
Bulkheads are most typically thought of in relation to flatbed trailers. However, bulkheads fittings are used in dry vans as well. A dry van is a trailer with walls and a roof. So why would a driver need bulkheads inside such a trailer?
What’s the difference between a bulkhead and a truck?
A bulkhead does much the same thing except for one major difference: a bulkhead is affixed to the trailer rather than the truck. Furthermore, bulkheads do not have to be permanently affixed. They can be installed or removed as loads dictate. A bulkhead on a flatbed trailer is mounted directly on the end of the deck near the tractor.
Where is the bulkhead on a flatbed trailer?
A bulkhead on a flatbed trailer is mounted directly on the end of the deck near the tractor. It stands roughly 4 feet high and is made with a strong yet lightweight aluminum alloy. Cargo can be loaded flush with the bulkhead or with a bit of space between the two. It is common to see bulkheads on…
What kind of cargo can be transported in a flatbed trailer?
This regulation covers all types of cargo, except commodities in bulk such as seed, grains, liquids, gases, liquid concrete, sand, gravel, and aggregates that lack structure or fixed shape and are transported in a tank, hopper, box, or similar device that forms part of the structure of a commercial motor vehicle.