Sometimes you see trailers and think, "The maximum width of this trailer has surely been exceeded." Some people load their trailers so wide that you are almost certain they are breaking the law. Sometimes there is no other way, and there are exceptions, such as the transport of tiny houses or wind turbine blades. These massive objects sometimes can only be transported by exceeding the maximum width of the trailer. But what is exactly the legally allowed maximum width? And what is meant by the maximum width for a trailer?
a trailer and a trailer car
First, we'd like to explain the difference between a trailer and a trailer for a car. By "trailer," we mean the vehicles that are towed behind trucks. Another name for these is "semi-trailer." Therefore, we often refer to truck and trailer combinations. In industry jargon, people often refer to a "24-volt trailer" because of the support for this voltage in a trailer behind a truck. The trailer behind a car is known as a "12-volt trailer." To better understand the width, we refer to the latter as a "trailer for a car."
The maximum width of a trailer car
The maximum width of a trailer is determined based on safety margins for public roads and the width of the towing vehicle. This takes into account the difference in load. The maximum width of a car trailer depends on the nature of the load, whether it's divisible or indivisible. Legal regulations dictate how far a load can protrude.
What is divisible cargo and what is indivisible cargo?
Divisible cargo can be divided, disassembled, or reduced in size. Non-divisible cargo, as the name suggests, cannot be broken down into smaller items.
However, disregarding the legally defined divisible or indivisible load, the maximum width of a trailer for a car on paved roads should not exceed 2.55 meters. If you intend to drive with a trailer on unpaved roads, it can be a maximum of 2.20 meters wide. The allowable width, therefore, depends on the type of road.
What is the maximum width of a trailer behind trucks?
For trailers behind trucks and semitrailers, the same maximum widths apply as for car trailers, which are 2.55 meters on paved roads and 2.20 meters on unpaved roads. However, there is an exception: trailers for temperature-controlled transport may be a maximum of 2.60 meters wide. In some cases, it may be necessary to extend objects further than legally allowed, and exceptional transports are used, often recognizable by signs that read "convoi exceptionnel." This type of transport may consist of multiple vehicles.
What other dimensions are important for a trailer?
Besides the width of your trailer, there are also legal regulations for length and height. Do you remember that article about Scania trucks purchased by the Dutch military? These vehicles, with full tires in the special defense configuration, were just too high for Dutch roads. Therefore, these vehicles with trailers were not suitable for passing under viaducts.
What does lighting have to do with the maximum width of a trailer?
Lighting is essential to make the contours of your trailer visible. Marker lights are located at strategic points around the trailer. On the sides, facing outward, you often see orange marker lights. At the rear of your trailer, there is red contour lighting, and white marker lights help indicate the front. There is even special lighting available that emphasizes the maximum width of your trailer, called " Width lighting." This lighting, often featuring both red and white colors, is mounted on the side of your trailer to add an extra margin of safety. This creates 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 learn more about trailer lighting? Then we're happy to refer you to our trailer regulations blog.
Widths and lengths of trailersSizes and max widths trailers Read about the common sizes of trailers here. All widths, lengths and max heights conveniently arranged in one document. Bekijk breedtes en lengtes |
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