Carriage of the vehicle on its own is not always possible or expedient. Engine breakdown, lack of driver’s license of the desired category, moving to another city or buying a rare car are just a few situations when external transportation is required. In such cases, help comes to the rescue. carriage, which is a specialized trailer that allows you to deliver the car to the destination without mileage.
The use of such equipment requires not only the presence of a tractor with the appropriate power, but also a deep understanding of the technical characteristics of the trailer itself. Incorrect choice can lead to accidents on the road or damage to the transported cargo. That is why it is important to understand the design features, types of platforms and legal aspects of using this type of equipment.
The modern market offers many modifications, from lightweight single-axle models to heavy trawls. Hydraulic inclination systemThe ramp material and the type of braking system all affect the final cost and ease of use. In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to choose the best option for your tasks.
Design features and types of carriages
The basis of any carriage is a frame that perceives the main load when moving. Most often, high-strength steel is used for its manufacture, which has undergone special anticorrosion treatment. The design must provide rigidity while simultaneously flexible to extinguish vibrations on the irregularities of the roadway. Load capacity This is the first parameter to consider when choosing.
There are several basic types of platforms, each designed to solve specific tasks. The choice depends on which cars are most likely to be transported. For example, for low sports cars, the geometry of the race is critical, and for SUVs, the total mass of the structure is critical.
- 🚗 Broken platform: classic version with a broken frame, providing optimal angles of entry for most cars.
- 🏎️ Direct platform: It is used for high clearance equipment, allows you to place more cars in length during transportation.
- 🚜 Trawls with expanding frame: complex engineering solutions for the transportation of oversized special equipment and heavy construction equipment.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a carriage, be sure to consider the full weight of the car along with fuel and luggage. The safety margin of the frame should be at least 15-20% of the weight of the load.
An important element of the design is breathed. Its length and angle of inclination affect the stability of the tractor-trailer bundle at high speeds. Long breathing improves traffic stability, but increases the overall size of the vehicle, which can be uncomfortable when maneuvering in urban conditions.
Hydraulics and inclination mechanisms
Modern carriage for transportation of cars is almost always equipped with a hydraulic platform tilt system. This device allows you to lower the rear of the trailer almost to ground level, turning the loading into a simple ride on a sloping slope. Without hydraulics, the process of putting the machine on the platform would be extremely risky and would require the use of additional ladders.
The hydraulic drive can operate from a separate internal combustion engine mounted on the frame, or take power from the tractor engine through the system. PTO (power take-off shaft). The first option provides full autonomy, allowing you to use the carriage with any tractor, even if it does not have the appropriate exits.
How does the hydraulic cycle work?
A hydraulic pump creates pressure in the system by transferring fluid to the cylinders. The cylinder rod extends by raising or lowering the platform. The control valves regulate the direction of the fluid flow, ensuring smoothness of the course and fixation of the position.
The speed of lifting and lowering the platform is regulated by the engine throttle or electromagnetic valves. It is important to monitor the level hydraulic oil and the condition of the high-pressure hoses. Regular maintenance prevents sudden system failures at the most inopportune time.
Some models are equipped with a system of "tilt and slide" (tilt and shift). After tilting the platform, part of the frame moves back, further reducing the angle of entry. This is especially true for cars with minimal ground clearance, where the risk of damaging the bumper during arrival is extremely high.
Technical specifications and load capacity
When choosing equipment, it is necessary to clearly understand the difference between the carriage's own weight and its payload. The sum of these values gives the total mass, which falls on the axis of the tractor and the road. Exceeding the permissible norms leads to rapid wear of the knots, an increase in the braking distance and fines from the traffic police.
Below is a comparative table of the main characteristics of different classes of carriages, which will help to navigate the variety of offers in the market.
| Lafet class | Load capacity (t) | Platform length (m) | Type of brakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (Cat B) | 2.0 | 4.5 - 5.5 | Inertial |
| Medium (Cat C) | 2.0 - 4.0 | 5.5 - 7.0 | Pneumatic |
| Heavy (Tral) | 10.0 - 40.0 | 8.0 - 13.0 | Pneumatic with ABS |
| Special equipment | 60.0 | 12.0+ | Multi-axial systems |
Particular attention should be paid to the chassis. The number of axes varies from one to five or more. Multi-axis structures are better at distributing the load, but require more complex maintenance and have a larger turning radius. Spring suspensionon light models, while heavy trawls are often equipped with air cushions to adjust the height of the platform and soft transport of fragile cargo.
Safe loading and fastening rules
The safety of the transported vehicle and other road users directly depends on the correctness of the cargo fixation. The process begins with a visual inspection of the mounting points on the car body. The use of damaged eyelids or plastic body elements is strictly prohibited.
For fixation, special screed belts with a ratchet mechanism and hooks are used. The minimum number of mounting points is four, at the corners of the car. The belt shall exert a force sufficient to prevent displacement but not to damage the suspension or body parts. Often recommended to use lay-out under hooks to avoid contact of metal with paint coating.
- 🔧 Wheel lock: Be sure to install stops (shoe) under the wheels, even if the car is in gear.
- ⛓️ Chains: for heavy equipment, chains can be used instead of belts, but only with protective linings.
- 🅿️ Parking brake: Make sure the car is reliably braked and the gearbox is on.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach the belts to the bumper unless it is a load-bearing element or to suspension elements not intended for traction loads (for example, for levers or shock absorbers).
After fixing, it is necessary to check the tension of all belts. On the way, especially after the first kilometers and overcoming irregularities, it is recommended to stop and re-check. tension. Under the influence of vibration, the snoring mechanisms can weaken slightly, which will create a dangerous backlash.
Legal aspects and categories of rights
Operation of the carriage requires compliance with traffic rules and the availability of relevant documents. In most countries, category B is sufficient to drive a passenger car with a trailer with a gross mass of up to 750 kg. However, if the mass of the trailer exceeds 750 kg, the total mass of the road train shall not exceed 3,500 kg to maintain category B.
If the vehicle and carriage are over 3,500 kg, the driver will need a category of "BE" or "CE" depending on the characteristics of the tractor. Speed limits should also be taken into account: for vehicles with a trailer on motorways, it is usually reduced to 90 or 100 km/h, and on country roads - to 70 km/h.
For the legal transportation of a car on a carriage, the presence of insurance (OSAGO / CASCO) extending to the trailer, and serviceable light alarm (turns, stop signals, dimensions) is required.
The size of the cargo being transported is also important. If the car on the carriage protrudes beyond the platform more than 20 cm in front or rear, or more than 40 cm on the sides, the installation of the sign “Bulk cargo” and, in some cases, flashing beacons is required. Violation of these rules entails serious fines and the risk of vehicle detention.
Maintenance and care of the carriage
The durability of the carriage depends on the regularity of maintenance. The main problem of metal structures is corrosion. After each trip in winter or on roads treated with reagents, the platform must be thoroughly washed. Pay special attention to hidden cavities and welds.
Mobile parts such as axles, breathers and hydraulic cylinders require regular lubrication. Hub bearings should be checked for backlash and overheating every 10-15 thousand kilometers. The lubricant in the hubs is replaced according to the manufacturer's regulations, usually once a year or after 20,000 km.
☑️ Seasonal training for the carriage
Electrical wiring is another vulnerable element. The contacts of the sockets are often oxidized, and the wires are rubbed at the bending places. The use of dielectric lubrication for connectors and high-quality insulation of wires will significantly prolong the life of an electrician. If you notice that the lights on the carriage flash more often than usual, this is the first signal of a burnt out lamp or poor mass contact.
⚠️ Before the start of the active transportation season, be sure to check the condition of the winch cables (if installed) and the integrity of the hydraulic hoses. Cracks on rubber are a reason for immediate replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a cartridge at the DHS?
Yes, the carriage is a vehicle and is subject to mandatory registration. It is issued its own license plates and passport of the vehicle (PTS). The operation of an unregistered trailer is prohibited by law.
Can I carry a car with a non-functioning engine?
Yes, this is one of the main functions of the carriage. However, when loading such a car, you will need to use a winch or a manipulator crane, since it will not be able to drive by its own speed. Make sure that the steering and brakes are working, or use special carts under the wheels.
What is the maximum speed with a car on the carriage?
According to traffic rules, the speed of the road train (car with trailer) should not exceed 90 km / h on highways and 70 km / h on other roads. Exceeding speed can lead to dangerous vibration ("galloping") of the trailer and loss of control.
Is Category E required for the carriage of a passenger car?
Category E (in "BE") is required if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the total mass of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3,500 kg. For light carriages and small cars, category B is often sufficient.
How to properly store the carriage in winter?
It is recommended to store the carriage in a dry room or under a canopy. If this is not possible, be sure to treat metal surfaces with anticores, raise the platform to the upper position (if possible) and remove the wheels or put the stand under the frame to unload the tires.