Does anyone know the minimum trailer swing clearance, that is with the fifth wheel in the fully back position, for Scania Volvo or Actros, we have a step frame that is a bit tight on the swing clearance between the back of the unit and the front of the swan neck and we are trying to get a mid lift under it, any help would be appreciated
Howardplant:
Does anyone know the minimum trailer swing clearance, that is with the fifth wheel in the fully back position, for Scania Volvo or Actros, we have a step frame that is a bit tight on the swing clearance between the back of the unit and the front of the swan neck and we are trying to get a mid lift under it, any help would be appreciated
One main thing. Watch your overall length if you are moving the slider back.
16.5 overall.
cheers
Welly
I pull step frames almost all the time, and whenever a new unit comes on the scene we always pull the 5th wheel all the way to the rear and leave them there, for precisely that reason. Admittedly weight distribution isn’t an issue for us, spreading at most 10-12 tons across 5 axles (never drop the second steer unless absolutely necessary)
Length isn’t an issue either with our trailers, but we do deal with rear overhangs on a daily basis.
Sometimes we get subbies in who don’t like this, so we start at the rear position and work it forward one slot at a time then watch as they try to swing round and see if anything catches.
Undoubtedly there will be a way to measure and calculate, but trial and error is easier provided you have a second pair of eyes.
The overall length is not an issue as it is an 11.5m trailer, we have 1.75M from kingpin to inside of swan neck ?
The distance you need is from where the pin sits in the fifth wheel, diagonal to the edge of the rear mudguard/light cluster. Then add a bit of wiggle room. If that measures less than the distance from the pin to the trailer legs, you’re good to go.
slowlane:
The distance you need is from where the pin sits in the fifth wheel, diagonal to the edge of the rear mudguard/light cluster. Then add a bit of wiggle room. If that measures less than the distance from the pin to the trailer legs, you’re good to go.
Although correct, given the fact that most service departments idea of good maintenance is to slap a ■■■■■■■ of grease on everything, actually making that measurement could get more than a little bit messy!