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Why do flatbed trailers arch?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Keizer, Sep 6, 2009.

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  1. Sep 6, 2009 #1
    Keizer

    Keizer Light Load Member

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    I remember hearing an answer from somewhere but it was really unclear
     
    Keizer, Sep 6, 2009
    Keizer, Sep 6, 2009
    #1
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  3. Sep 6, 2009 #2
    lv gn

    lv gn Heavy Load Member

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    so they sit flat when loaded.
     
    lv gn, Sep 6, 2009
    lv gn, Sep 6, 2009
    #2
  4. Sep 6, 2009 #3
    truckerdave1970

    truckerdave1970 On Probation

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    I might be wrong, someone correct me if I am.
    They are designed that way to be able to carry alot of weight while not using as much metal for the framework of the trailer. thus enabling a lighter trailer so they can carry that much more cargo.
     
    truckerdave1970, Sep 6, 2009
    truckerdave1970, Sep 6, 2009
    #3
  5. Sep 6, 2009 #4
    Keizer

    Keizer Light Load Member

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    i dont know which of you is right lol
     
    Keizer, Sep 6, 2009
    Keizer, Sep 6, 2009
    #4
  7. Sep 6, 2009 #5
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Its for strength.
     
    TripleSix, Sep 6, 2009
    TripleSix, Sep 6, 2009
    #5
  8. Sep 7, 2009 #6
    ziggystyles

    ziggystyles Road Train Member

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    Somewhere in the Mind of God.
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    I think this is right...although Im not sure why, lol.

    Basically...the slight arch is there to provide additional strength (the whole concept of the arch is that it provies strength). Plus, think of it as a bow or something...or a spring...when you add weight...it compresses the trailer down flat...giving it even more strength.
     
    ziggystyles, Sep 7, 2009
    ziggystyles, Sep 7, 2009
    #6
  9. Sep 7, 2009 #7
    grizzly

    grizzly Medium Load Member

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    The arch is to provide strength to the trailer so you can load a lot of weight in a smaller area. For example, you can load a 48,000 pound coil in 5 feet of deck space.
     
    grizzly, Sep 7, 2009
    grizzly, Sep 7, 2009
    #7
  10. Sep 7, 2009 #8
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Like a bridge or a rafter in a roof.
     
    TripleSix, Sep 7, 2009
    TripleSix, Sep 7, 2009
    #8
  11. Sep 7, 2009 #9
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Like a leaf spring on your pick-em-up truck, right?
     
    Allow Me., Sep 7, 2009
    Allow Me., Sep 7, 2009
    #9
  12. Sep 7, 2009 #10
    Bent Wrench

    Bent Wrench Medium Load Member

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    So it doesn't sag when loaded or bounced, which would bang the freight together (pinch the gaps closed at the top) if it was separate pieces?
     
    Bent Wrench, Sep 7, 2009
    Bent Wrench, Sep 7, 2009
    #10
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