Craig's Car Blog

« Back to Home

Four Signs You Need a Self-Steering Trailer

Posted on

If you need to hire a heavy haulage trailer, there are a variety of options. Wondering if you should opt for the self-steer trailer? These trailers don't actually drive themselves, but in spite of that, they can be useful in multiple situations.

Here are some signs that you may want to hire or buy a self-steering trailer.

1. You Have to Move a Long, Heavy Load

These trailers are ideal in situations where you need to move a very long and heavy load. For instance, when moving large blades from windmills, pieces of steel for making bridges, and similar types of loads, these trailers can be the perfect solution. In most cases, you can choose from multiple lengths of self-steering trailers with variable numbers of axles so you can get the strength you need.

2. You Want to Minimise Road Friction

One of the reasons that self-steering axles can handle so much weight is because their axles are specially designed to reduce the friction you feel on the road. In most cases, the axle pivot point is located in front of the axle tube. That unique positioning directly helps reduce friction, making your rig easier to haul.

3. You Want to Minimise Vertical Play

Vertical play refers to the movement up and down that's allowed in any axle. In most cases, self-steering trailers have less vertical play than other types of trailers. That gives you more consistency and control over the trailer.

To keep vertical play under control, you should keep the O rings greased. If you notice some vertical play as the trailer gets older, you should talk with the trailer manufacturer about installing shims. Sometimes called anti-rattle devices, these components help eliminate unwanted movement around the axle.

4. You Want a Trailer With Hydraulic Steering

The reason that self-steering trailers are referred to as self steering is due to their hydraulics. The hydraulics translate movements from the truck to the trailer easily, and the responses feel so intuitive, it's almost as if the trailer is driving itself.

5. You Want to Control the Degree of Your Turns

Finally, when you use a self-steering trailer, the trailer is often designed to handle turns at a specific radius of degrees. In some cases, you can modify the angle at which the self-steering trailer turns. That can be useful if you are planning a journey with lots of bends in the road.

 


Share