- Posts: 1169
- Thank you received: 58
Spread axle trailers
13 years 8 months ago #32791
by jimbo51
Replied by jimbo51 on topic Re: Spread axle trailers
Finemores' Cottrell car carriers used the low mount, behind the bogie, small 5th wheel in what is called a "Stinger" configurationin the US.
But, in agreement with Swishy, the trailer would be a Pig in Oz terminology.
But, in agreement with Swishy, the trailer would be a Pig in Oz terminology.
Please Log in to join the conversation.
13 years 8 months ago #32793
by jimbo51
Replied by jimbo51 on topic Re: Spread axle trailers
Back in about 1988 Finemores designed and built their version of a Stinger to take advantage of the newly available B Double overall length which was initially 21.5 metre I think.
This was also a rigid plus pig but it used a unique linkage that pivoted horizontally where it was attached at the rear of the prime mover chassis and vertically where attached to the trailer.
Unlike a fifth wheel where the two axis' of rotation are coincident, in this linkage they were separated by about a metre. From memory this was necessary to achieve load clearance during turns while still being coupled close enough to remain in the overall length. Even then there were challenges with rear overhang.
As designed it could carry 10 cars. But then conventional B-doubles car carriers appeared when the overall limit lenth was extended and they could carry 5 cars per trailer plus one on the overhead for 11 in total.
I think those first B-doubles were built by Topstart and operated by TDG (originally Arnolds and Shields and ultimately Patrick Autocare).
As usual, subject to memory limitations and open to correction.
This was also a rigid plus pig but it used a unique linkage that pivoted horizontally where it was attached at the rear of the prime mover chassis and vertically where attached to the trailer.
Unlike a fifth wheel where the two axis' of rotation are coincident, in this linkage they were separated by about a metre. From memory this was necessary to achieve load clearance during turns while still being coupled close enough to remain in the overall length. Even then there were challenges with rear overhang.
As designed it could carry 10 cars. But then conventional B-doubles car carriers appeared when the overall limit lenth was extended and they could carry 5 cars per trailer plus one on the overhead for 11 in total.
I think those first B-doubles were built by Topstart and operated by TDG (originally Arnolds and Shields and ultimately Patrick Autocare).
As usual, subject to memory limitations and open to correction.
Please Log in to join the conversation.
13 years 8 months ago #32796
by oldfulla
Replied by oldfulla on topic Re: Spread axle trailers
Swishy
While I will stand correcting on this - but I think the difference between a PIG trailer and a TAG is - that a pig was/is something with a self supporting suspension (2 or more axles) and a hinged, non load bearing draw bar. No trailer weight is shared by the towing vehicle and is towable with a ringfeeder or similar.
A tag trailer has a load bearing draw system (sharing weight with the hauling vehicle) requiring a Barteltt Ball or under slung turntale, or similar.
Therefore (in my books) that makes the 'Stinger' car carrier trailers a Tag - not a Pig.
I believe the 'pig' name came from them usully being a 'heavy, short (due to the self supporting suspension bit), and dummpy' thing. The Stinger was probably better called a 'grader' due to the fact they bellyed out on minor humps.
As I said up front (get out of jail clause) - I will stand correcting.
Oldfulla
While I will stand correcting on this - but I think the difference between a PIG trailer and a TAG is - that a pig was/is something with a self supporting suspension (2 or more axles) and a hinged, non load bearing draw bar. No trailer weight is shared by the towing vehicle and is towable with a ringfeeder or similar.
A tag trailer has a load bearing draw system (sharing weight with the hauling vehicle) requiring a Barteltt Ball or under slung turntale, or similar.
Therefore (in my books) that makes the 'Stinger' car carrier trailers a Tag - not a Pig.
I believe the 'pig' name came from them usully being a 'heavy, short (due to the self supporting suspension bit), and dummpy' thing. The Stinger was probably better called a 'grader' due to the fact they bellyed out on minor humps.
As I said up front (get out of jail clause) - I will stand correcting.
Oldfulla
Please Log in to join the conversation.
13 years 8 months ago - 13 years 8 months ago #32797
by jimbo51
Replied by jimbo51 on topic Re: Spread axle trailers
I'd understood the opposite to Oldfulla - that a pig had a fixed drawbar, a single axle or group and required a Bartlett ball or underslung turntable. That is per Swishy's original definition and seems more in line with the State Transport Departments definition.
Also that a tag was a more generic term for any trailer following another as in a B-double A and B trailer being lead and tag.
Maybe it's a regional thing, like in Victoria a scallop is a shell fish and in NSW it's a potato cake and like Queenslanders call XXXX beer and Victorians call it p***!
Also that a tag was a more generic term for any trailer following another as in a B-double A and B trailer being lead and tag.
Maybe it's a regional thing, like in Victoria a scallop is a shell fish and in NSW it's a potato cake and like Queenslanders call XXXX beer and Victorians call it p***!
Last edit: 13 years 8 months ago by jimbo51.
Please Log in to join the conversation.
Time to create page: 0.472 seconds