New D-TEC Combitrailer with unique Axle Load Control

Tuesday, July 1, 2014 On 19 June D-TEC presented its new Combitrailer to the press. The great advantage that the Combitrailer has is that the front and rear sections may be used independently. ‘Additionally, the new Combitrailer is equipped with a unique system for adjusting the axle load so that it satisfies the new legislature that comes into effect on 1 November 2014’, explains D-TEC directer Gerrit van Vlastuin. The new Combitrailer is part of the S-Line series that D-TEC started in 2012. The new design takes the wishes of our customers into account, of being able to use either the front or rear section independently. The new Combitrailer now conisists of 2 trailers, each equipped with its own kingpin and registration number. Additionally D-TEC has taken taken the need for a good axle load distribution into account for cross border traffic while remaining within the maximum allowed weights of the various countries. Characteristic of the D-TEC trailers is their low net weight. The 4 axle Combitrailer is available at a weight starting at 6,950 kg, the heaviest version of the 5 axle, with 3 steering axles, starts at 8,160 kg. Film Combitrailer Innovative Axle Load Control for Better Load Distribution The load distribution between the front axles of the Combitrailer and the fifth wheel of the truck is a very important point with regards to safety. Too little pressure on the fifth wheel can lead to dangerous situations. With the old Combitrailer model the driver had to raise or lower axles based on his own knowledge and insight. The axle loads of the front and rear section were also always the same. European legislature has now determined that as of 1 November 2014 not more than 50% of the trailer axle load may be carried by self-steering axles. Van Vlastuin: ‘This is an interesting challenge, especially with the 5 axle Combitrailer with 3 steering axles.’ The new Combitrailer measures the load on the truck's drive axle. If the trailer load will exceed the maximum allowable load on the drive axle the Combitrailer will lower 1 or 2 steering axles of the front section to reduce load on the drive axle. The axle load controller then continuously regulates that these driving axles carry less weight than the 2 fixed axles of the rear section. If the maximum load of the two fixed axles of the rear section is exceeded then the axle load controller will automatically lower the rearmost axle of the rear section. A load distribution will be achieved in every situation up to the maximum allowed container loads in which the fifth wheel pressure is maximised and the steering axles are never carrying more load then the fixed axles. Additionally the driver can manually fine tune the fifth wheel pressure on the dashboard of the trailer. With the Optiload function on the rearmost axle of the rear section an even heavier 20 ft container can be transported in front without exceeding the legal axle loads.  In short, with the new Axle Load Control: - Can you register the new Combitrailer with 3 steering shafts under the new European legislature? In spite of the fact that, as of  1 November 2014 not more than 50% of the trailer weight may be distributed across the steering axles; - A maximum drive axle load of the truck is ensured with varying container weights (up to the maximum allowed container weight). This ensures a safer situation; a high degree of stability and sufficient traction; - Maximum axle loads are not exceeded (up to the maximum allowed container weight), reducing the risk for fines for exceeding axle load limits; - The driver is no longer required to adjust the lift axles. D-TEC Combitrailer's Origin The first Combitrailer was put on the road by D-TEC more than 20 years ago. At the time it was revolutionary that a transporter could load or unload two 20 ft containers simultaneously. The rear section was parked against the dock and with the front section one could drive to another address. Additionally the Combitrailer could also be deployed for transporting 40 ft containers, giving the Combitrailer a big advantage over truck and trailer combinations. With the motto 'time is money' we can conclude that many transporters were able to increase their earnings with this system.  More information Click here for more information about the Combitrailer S-Line.