These trucks are found in the Pacific Northwest (this photo was taken outside Seattle: link to Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/89894036@N00/ ). Haven't seen these in any where else during my travels in the USA. Was wondering why only here, what is the purpose, and meaning behind the design and restriction to this area.
2007-03-19 07:23:35 · 4 answers · asked by phil r 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
They are just dump trucks but are spread out to obey the "bridge weight laws". There can only be so much weight per axle on a bridge at a time so they do this so that all of the weight is not on the bridge at any given time.
Retired truck driver
2007-03-19 07:32:59 · answer #1 · answered by Jeep Driver 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Jeep Driver" is correct. This is just one design of dump truck and dump trailer. They are very common in California, and other south western states. As stated, the design is to comply with axle weight laws. In your picture it appears that the trailer and it's frame are one unit , and it "dumps" in the same way that the truck does.
There is also a similar version called a "Transfer Dump" in which the trailer's dump body and frame are separate units, and to dump it the truck will back up to the trailer, and a wench will pull the loaded trailer body into the empty dump body of the truck for dumping purposes.
2007-03-19 08:19:21 · answer #2 · answered by Peedlepup 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have those in AZ too. I always figured it was so they could do tight turns down switchbacked mountain roads without the trailer hitting the back of the truck. I could be wrong though. Also, one truck/driver can carry two loads of gravel or whatever to a site. Less drivers = less money.
2007-03-19 07:38:40 · answer #3 · answered by Doug K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, we also have them in texas, they're just trailers
2007-03-19 07:31:54 · answer #4 · answered by Waagosh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋