What is the maximum width of a trailer?

A trailer and a trailer car

Firstly, we’d like to explain the difference between a trailer and a car trailer. By ‘trailer’, we mean the vehicles that are hanging behind trucks. Another name for this is trailer’. That is why we often refer to lorry and semi-trailer combinations. In technical jargon, the term ‘24-volt trailer ’ is often used because of the support this voltage provides for a trailer attached to a truck. We refer to the trailer attached to a car as a ‘12-volt trailer’. To clarify the distinction, we refer to the latter as a ‘car trailer’.

The maximum width of a car trailer

The maximum width of a trailer is determined on the basis of safety margins on public roads and the width of the towing vehicle. The difference in load is also taken into account. The maximum width of a car trailer depends on the nature of the load, and whether it is divisible or indivisible. Legal regulations determine how far a load may protrude.

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What is divisible load and what is indivisible load?

Divisible cargo can be divided, dismantled, or reduced in size. Indivisible cargo, as the name suggests, cannot be divided into smaller objects.

However, without taking into account legally defined divisible or indivisible loads, the maximum width of a car trailer on tarmac roads is 2.55 metres. If you wish to drive a trailer on unpaved roads, it may be no more than 2.20 metres wide. The permitted width therefore depends on the type of road.

What is the maximum width of a trailer behind trucks?

The same maximum widths apply to trailers attached to trucks and semi-trailers as to car trailers, namely 2.55 metres on tarmac roads and 2.20 metres on unpaved roads. There is, however, one exception: trailers for temperature-controlled transport may be up to 2.60 metres wide. In some cases, it may be necessary for objects to protrude further than is legally permitted, in which case exceptional transport operations are used, often identifiable by signs reading ‘convoi exceptionnel’. This type of transport may consist of several vehicles.

What other sizes are important for a trailer?

As well as the width of your trailer, there are also legal requirements regarding length and height. Do you remember that article about the Scania trucks purchased by the Dutch army? With their tyres fully inflated in the special defence configuration, these trucks were just too high for Dutch roads. Consequently, these trucks, when towing a trailer, were unable to pass under viaducts.

What does lighting have to do with the maximum width of a trailer?

Lighting is essential for making the outline of your trailer visible. Contour lights are positioned at strategic points around the trailer. On the sides, facing outwards, you will often see orange marker lights. At the rear of your trailer, there are red contour lights, whilst white marker lights help to indicate the front. There is even special lighting available that highlights the maximum width of your trailer, known as‘side marker lighting’. This lighting, often featuring both red and white colours, is fitted to the sides of your trailer to provide an extra margin of safety. This gives the impression that your trailer is wider than it actually is. Many people also use this as a stylish addition to their trailer.

Would you like to know more about trailer lighting? If so, we’d be happy to direct you to our blog on trailer regulations.

Trailer widths and lengths Trailer dimensions and maximum widths Read about the standard trailer dimensions here. All widths, lengths and maximum heights clearly summarised in a single document. View widths and lengths