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A steerable axle trailer is a type of trailer that is designed to carry heavy loads. It is equipped with a steerable axle that allows the trailer to maneuver tight corners and roads without difficulty. The steerable axle helps to reduce tire wear, improve safety, and enhance the overall towing experience. The axle works automatically or can be controlled manually.
There are different types of steerable axle trailers, including:
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers, also known as lowbed trailers, are a type of steerable axle trailer that is designed with a low-to-the-ground height. This low height makes loading and unloading of equipment easy. The trailers also feature a flip or removable ramp that provides access to the deck. Some common types of lowboy trailers include:
Fixed-axle lowboy: This trailer comes with a fixed axle that is located behind the gooseneck. The design allows the trailer to carry large and heavy equipment.
Steerable axle lowboy: This trailer features an axle that can be steered. The steerable axle allows the trailer to maneuver tight corners without difficulty.
Variable-geometry lowboy: This type of lowboy trailer allows the axle position to be adjusted. The feature provides flexibility when carrying different types of loads.
Car Hauler Trailers
Car hauler trailers are designed to transport vehicles from one location to another. The trailers come with a steerable axle that enhances maneuverability, especially when loading and unloading vehicles. There are different types of car hauler trailers:
Open car hauler: This trailer comes with a design that allows vehicles to be transported openly. The open design provides easy access to the vehicles being transported.
Enclosed car hauler: This trailer features a design where the car hauler trailer is enclosed. The enclosed design provides additional protection for the vehicles being transported.
Single-axle and dual-axle car hauler trailers: A single axle car hauler trailer comes with one axle, while a dual-axle car hauler trailer has two axles. The number of axles often affects the load capacity and the overall maneuverability of the trailer.
Boat Trailers
Boat trailers are designed to transport boats. The trailers are designed with a steerable axle that enhances the maneuverability of the boat trailer, especially when launching or retrieving the boat. There are different types of boat trailers:
Bow and stern support trailer: This trailer supports the boat at both the bow and the stern. The design helps to distribute the weight of the boat evenly.
Cradle support trailer: Boats are supported by rollers or bunks in this type of trailer. The design provides additional stability during transport.
Adjustable boat trailer: This type of boat trailer can be adjusted to accommodate different boat sizes. The feature provides flexibility when transporting boats of varying sizes.
Steerable axle trailers have different specifications to meet various transportation needs. Here are the key specifications to consider when purchasing a steerable axle trailer:
Capacity
The carrying capacity of the steerable axle trailer is one of the most important specifications. The payload capacity needs to be in accordance with the requirements of the transportation operation. The capacity of the steerable axle trailer is usually between 30 tons and 100 tons, and some special models can exceed 100 tons.
Number of Axles
The number of axles affects the stability and load-bearing capacity of the trailer. Steerable axle trailers generally have 2 to 6 axles, and some special models can be equipped with more axles. More axles can provide better load-bearing performance and stability, especially when transporting large and heavy loads of goods.
Axle Configuration
The axle configuration of the steerable axle trailer also has an effect on its maneuverability and stability. In general, the axles of the steerable axle trailer are distributed evenly along the body to ensure better load-bearing performance and stability. Besides, the axle position and distance between axles also affect the steering performance of the trailer. The steerable axle trailer is often designed with a close distance between the axles to improve its maneuverability and stability.
Steering Angle
The steering angle is also a key specification of the steerable axle trailer. The steering angle of the trailer axle affects its maneuverability and stability. A larger steering angle can improve the maneuverability of the trailer but may affect its stability. Therefore, the steering angle of the steerable axle trailer needs to be adjusted according to specific requirements and working conditions.
Steerable axle trailers require periodic maintenance to ensure optimum performance and longevity. Here are some key maintenance steps:
1. Wheel Hub and Bearing Maintenance
Regularly check the wheel hubs and bearings of steerable axle trailers. Clean them to remove dust and debris, and apply grease regularly to keep them well lubricated.
2. Tire Maintenance
Steerable axle trailer tires should be kept at the specified pressure and regularly checked for wear and damage. If the tire pressure is insufficient, it should be inflated promptly, and damaged tires must be replaced in a timely manner to ensure driving safety and stability.
3. Steering System Maintenance
The steering system of the trailer is the key to its steering performance. Regularly check the steering system, including the steering gear, steering link, and the like, to ensure that they are working well. If there is a problem, repair or replace it promptly to ensure the performance of the steering system.
4. Suspension System Maintenance
The suspension system affects the stability and comfort of the steerable axle trailer. Regularly check the suspension system, including the suspension springs, shock absorbers, and the like, to ensure their normal operation. If there is a problem, repair or replace it in time.
5. Chassis Maintenance
The chassis is the main support structure of the trailer, and its maintenance is also very important. Regularly check the trailer chassis, including the chassis frame, floor, and the like, to ensure their normal condition. If there is damage or wear, repair or replace it in time.
6. Lubrication System Maintenance
The lubrication system of the steerable axle trailer needs to be checked regularly, including the lubrication of the axle bearings, the steering system, and other parts. Use the specified lubricant to ensure the normal operation of these parts.
Choosing the right steerable axle trailer for specific needs can be a daunting task. Here are some of the key factors that should be considered before making the purchase:
Other important factors to consider when choosing a steerable axle trailer include the braking system, tire size, and the trailer's overall weight. By considering all these factors, buyers can choose the right steerable axle trailer that will meet their needs.
Here is a simple guide to the replacement process:
Safety Precautions
Before any work is done on a steerable axle trailer, safety precautions should be considered. This includes parking the trailer on level ground and ensuring that the wheels are choked to prevent any rolling. The trailer should also be disconnected from the towing vehicle before commencing any work. The appropriate gear should also be worn, and the manufacturer's manual should be read for safety precautions.
Identify the Problem
This involves inspecting the steerable axle trailer to know which axle is damaged. The components that should be looked out for include the axle shaft, bearings, and the housing. The parts that are damaged should be identified and noted before replacement.
Gather Necessary Tools and Parts
Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to get the necessary tools and parts that will be required for the replacement process. Replacement parts that are compatible with the axle trailer should be gotten. The tools that will be required include jacks, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, pliers, and hammers. Other tools that may be needed depending on the specific axle configuration may also be gotten.
Remove the Wheel
The wheel of the steerable axle trailer should be removed using a lug wrench. This allows access to the components of the axle that is damaged.
Support the Trailer
The trailer should be lifted using a jack, and jack stands should be placed under the frame of the trailer to provide additional support and stability. This prevents any accidents that may arise from the trailer falling.
Disassemble the Steering Mechanism
The disassembly process should be done carefully, and the manufacturer's manual should be followed. Disconnect the steering linkage and remove any related components, such as the steering damper or linkage rods.
Remove the Old Axle
All bolts and fasteners holding the old axle to the trailer's suspension should be removed. The manufacturer's manual should be used to know where the axle is mounted to the suspension. Once it is located, the fasteners should be removed, and the axle should be disconnected from the suspension and carefully removed.
Install the New Axle
Position the new axle in place and reconnect it to the trailer's suspension using the previously removed bolts and fasteners. The manufacturer's torque specifications should be followed when tightening fasteners to ensure proper attachment.
Reassemble the Steering Mechanism
Once the new axle is installed, the steering mechanism should be reassembled. This involves reconnecting the steering linkage and any related components that were previously disassembled. Ensure that all connections are tightened to the specified torque.
Replace the Wheel and Lower the Trailer
Once the steering mechanism is reassembled, the wheel should be replaced, and the trailer should be lowered carefully. The jack should be removed once the trailer is stable.
Test the Steering
The steering should be tested before the trailer is towed. This is to ensure that the steering linkage and components are working properly. The trailer should be towed a short distance to test the steering again and make any necessary adjustments.
Q1: What are the advantages of steerable axles trailers?
A1: The trailers have several benefits. For instance, the trailers can be used in tight spaces due to their maneuverability. Additionally, they have a low tire wear rate because the axles are steered. Lastly, the trailers offer greater flexibility since they are compatible with various truck models.
Q2: How does a steerable axle trailer work?
A2: The trailer works by having its axles linked to the towing vehicle through a hydraulic system or electronic control system. As the towing vehicle turns, the system detects the direction and moves the axles accordingly. The axles can move in the same direction as the towing vehicle's wheels (parallel steering) or in the opposite direction (crab steering).
Q3: What are the applications of steerable axle trailers?
A3: The trailers are mainly used in transportation methods that involve carrying heavy and large loads. Some of the industries that use the trailers are construction, shipping and logistics, mining, and forestry.
Q4: Can any vehicle be used to tow a steerable axle trailer?
A4: Not all vehicles can tow the trailer. The towing vehicle should have enough power to control the trailer's weight. Moreover, the vehicle should be compatible with the trailer's steering control system.
Q5: Are steerable axle trailers suitable for off-road conditions?
A5: Yes, the trailers are designed for off-road conditions. The trailers' steerable axles allow them to navigate rough terrains and narrow roads common in off-road settings.