Trailers

Van Vliet Automotive’s Wide Range of Trailers

Van Vliet Automotive offers a vast selection of trailers suitable for various tractor units and box trucks. If you want to learn everything about choosing the right trailer for your needs, keep reading.

What Is a trailer?

A trailer, also known as a semi-trailer, tractor trailer, freight trailer or truck trailer, is a key component in transporting goods over long distances. It connects to a tractor unit via the kingpin, which locks into the tractor’s fifth wheel. Legally, the maximum length for a trailer is 16.5 meters. Below, you’ll find detailed information on trailer specifications and different types available.

Axle Load and Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)

The total load a trailer can carry depends on the number of axles, the legal weight limit per axle and the trailer’s own weight. This total is called the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). For example, a trailer with three axles rated at 8.000 kg each and a tractor coupling weight (fifth wheel load) of 12.000 kg has a maximum GVW of 36.000 kg (3 × 8.000 kg + 12.000 kg). The payload capacity is the GVW minus the trailer’s empty weight. Trailers are often designed to be as lightweight as possible to maximize the cargo they can carry.

Regulations and Trailer Brands

The legal GVW for trailers may differ from their technical maximum because heavier loads can damage road surfaces. Therefore, the standard axle load limit is typically 8.000 kg, although specialized axles such as steerable or hydraulically suspended axles can carry heavier weights by better distributing the load.

Lift Axles and Steerable Axles

Lift Axle: This feature allows the driver to raise one axle when the trailer is lightly loaded, reducing tire wear, fuel consumption and brake use.

Steerable Axle: Allows wheels to turn, improving maneuverability, especially in tight urban environments. These axles can use steel, air or hydraulic suspension and are common on smaller trailers often called city trailers because they’re easier to drive in crowded areas.

Brake Systems: Disc vs. Drum Brakes

Trailers typically use either disc brakes or drum brakes:

• Drum brakes are often found on dump trailers or construction vehicles because they are enclosed, preventing dirt and sand from affecting brake performance. They are simpler and more affordable to maintain.
• Disc brakes are exposed but cool faster, providing more consistent and powerful braking, especially over long distances and generally last longer.

Leading Trailer Brands in Stock

Schmitz Cargobull: Known for high-quality, durable trailers designed for a wide range of transport tasks. Our inventory includes Schmitz variants.

Kögel: Reliable and versatile trailers made with a focus on quality and ease of use. Options include container chassis, curtain-side trailers and enclosed trailers. You can filter by features like lift axles or steerable axles to find the ideal Kögel trailer.

Types of Trailers Available

Van Vliet Automotive carries various trailers, each tailored for specific transport needs. Here’s a brief overview of the most popular trailer types and their typical uses:

Curtain-Side Trailer: These trailers feature sliding tarps on the sides, making loading and unloading easier than with enclosed trailers. Optional features include sliding roofs (also called Edscha roofs) for top loading or lifting roofs (Hubdach) that raise slightly to facilitate forklift access.

Dump Trailer (Tipper): Equipped with a hydraulic mechanism to tilt the load bed, dump trailers make unloading materials like sand, gravel or stones simple. The hydraulic system is usually powered by the tractor’s PTO. Many regions require loose loads on dump trailers to be covered by tarps, which can be electronically controlled.

Refrigerated Trailer: Used for temperature-sensitive goods such as flowers and meat. These trailers can maintain temperatures from -20°C to +20°C, certified by ATP-FRC standards. Leading refrigeration units come from ThermoKing and Carrier Vector. Multi-temperature zones allow different parts of the trailer to be kept at separate temperatures.

Low Loader (Dieplader): Designed for transporting tall and heavy machinery such as excavators, cranes, or bulldozers. The low bed height allows for taller loads and options like pendulum axles can support up to 12 tons per axle. Semi-low loaders have a flat, higher bed with optional steerable axles.

Container Chassis: These trailers are sized according to container lengths, typically measured in feet. For example, a 40-foot container requires a 40-foot chassis. Extendable chassis can carry two 20-foot containers on a single 40-foot chassis. All container chassis have twist locks to secure containers safely.

Walking Floor Trailer: Features a hydraulically powered floor system that can move cargo in or out automatically via remote control. This system is ideal for loose materials like sand, but increasingly also for palletized goods. Top brands include Knapen, Kraker, Schwarzmüller, STAS and Legras.

Enclosed Trailer: Used mainly for dry goods, often with insulated walls to protect cargo from weather. options include tail lifts, roller beds, double loading floors and insulated roofs.

Flatbed Trailer (Open Trailer): A basic trailer without a roof or tarps. Usually fitted with standard 8-ton axles, though heavier axles (10-12 tons) can be installed, turning them into flatbed low loaders. Options include hardwood floors or aluminum sideboards to secure cargo.

If you want to explore our full trailer range or need assistance finding the best fit for your tractor or box truck, our Van Vliet Automotive specialists are ready to help.