SEARCHING FOR LOW WEIGHT AND LOW HEIGHT

Bass, Britains biggest brewer, are continually attempting to reduce the weight and height of trailers and tractors to avoid overloading and ease loading and unloading of vehicles. The author describes how Bass have modified a 14-tonne two-axle rigid truck to provide a deck height of only 38 inches using 15 inch wheels instead of 20 inch wheels. Modifications include the fitting of lightweight batteries and battey carrier, an aluminium petrol tank and a lowered and shielded side-intake air filter. Careful analysis of trailer loads have permitted the development of a lightweight trailer floor specification still producing adequate support. Weight reductions were also achieved by modifying the roof design and developing a more positive load restraint system. Bass have lowered the deck height of trailers used with a Bedford TK tractor by fitting spoked hubs and cam brakes. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Road Transport Engineeers

  1 Cromwell Place
  London SW1 25F,   England 
• Authors:
  • DICKSON-SIMPSON, J
• Publication Date: 1980-2

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 7
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aluminum; Brakes; Design; Electric batteries; Height; Lightweight materials; Tractor trailer combinations; Trailers; Truck tractors; Trucks; Trucks by weight; Vehicle design; Weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Decreases
• ITRD Terms: 9009: Decrease; 9011: Design (overall design); 6489: Height; 1236: Lorry; 1214: Tractor; 1203: Trailer; 5485: Weight
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Highways; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00322268
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 6 1981 12:00AM