What Are the Common Semi-Truck Sizes?
There are several semi-truck sizes. To make this easier, we have broken down these measurements into four categories: Length, Width, Height, and Weight. Each type has specific characteristics that should be considered when comparing trucks.
Keep reading to learn basic information about semi truck sizes.
Length for the Different Semi-truck Sizes
The length of a typical semi-truck can vary depending on the model, as does its wheelbase. The overall length of an 18-wheeler can be between 70 and 80 feet and varies considerably depending on the cab style. The cab must be no longer than 102 inches across at its widest point. The width of a semi-truck must also be within eight feet of its maximum cab width.
Most semi trucks in the United States are 72 feet long, 13.5 feet wide, and 8.5 feet tall. These trucks weigh about 80,000 pounds. Length can vary based on the truck brand, model, and state laws. Semi truck length is measured from bumper to bumper, including the trailer.
The average length is around 10 feet. The width is a little less, but not too far. The weight of a semi-truck varies from one brand to another.
Width
What is the Width of Common Semi Truck Sizes? Commercial trucks are typically between seven and eight feet wide. The widest semi-trucks are eight feet six inches. Despite these widths, many trucks are still not allowed to drive in highway traffic lanes.
If you are interested in purchasing a truck that is wider than this standard, you should read up on different brands and models. However, remember that these widths do not necessarily correlate to a truck’s actual width.
To determine the width of a semi-truck, you should first know the width of the tires. The dimensions of a tire vary depending on the type of construction. Radial tires have steel belts running ninety degrees from the direction of the tire. In comparison, bias-ply tires are nylon belts that run from thirty to forty-five degrees diagonally.
Another critical dimension of a tire is the rim diameter, which refers to the diameter of the wheels. A two-wheel semi-truck can have only two and a half feet wide wheels.
Height
The height of semi-trucks varies depending on the country they’re traveling in. Many states require trucks to be a certain height before crossing a bridge. Most states limit semi trucks to thirteen feet and six inches, although some will allow them to exceed 14 feet.
Regardless of the state’s requirements, most manufacturers build semi trucks with a height limit of thirteen feet. If a bridge is too high for your truck, make sure you ask the bridge owner about the height limits before you get behind the wheel.
Most states have height regulations for trucks and trailers. Federal rules don’t require any limits, but most states have minimum and maximum heights for trucks. In Texas, for instance, you can drive a twin trailer semi up to 59 feet long.
While the length of a tractor is not typically regulated, the overall length dimension can be restricted, so you need to know the height limit for both before driving.
Weight—Semi-truck Sizes
The weight of a semi-truck can vary depending on the load it carries. For instance, a fully loaded semi-truck weighs over 80,000 pounds, while an empty trailer is only 35,000 pounds.
Because of this enormous difference, semi trucks are considerably larger than passenger cars and are much more dangerous in accidents. As such, if you’re in the market for a semi-truck, look at their weight limits before making a purchase.
The weight of a semi-truck depends on its load and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The unladen weight of a semi-truck can range anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 pounds, but that number will increase if it’s fully loaded.
A 53-foot trailer weighs 10,000 pounds unloaded, but a full one can weigh nearly three times that much.
Problems with your Semi-Truck? 24/7 Emergency Assistance for the different Semi-truck Sizes
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