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    Why do they call large trucks "semis"?

    Question #117027. Asked by star_gazer. (Aug 26 10 12:35 PM)


    serpa

    The truck trailer cannot move by itself because it only has wheels at the rear end, hence the name semi-trailer: it requires a forward axle, provided by the towing engine, to carry half the load weight.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-trailer_truck


    A semi-trailer is a trailer without a front axle. A large proportion of its weight is supported by a road tractor, by a detachable front axle assembly known as a dolly, or by the tail of another trailer. A semi-trailer is normally equipped with landing gear (legs which can be lowered) to support it when it is uncoupled.

    A road tractor coupled to a semi-trailer is often called a semi-trailer truck or semi, or in the UK an articulated lorry.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-trailer

    Aug 26 10, 3:00 PM


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