Did they used to be flat?
2007-07-30 04:26:49 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The arc is there to take the weight (up to 40,000 pounds). One can't fight the force of gravity, so one has to allow for it. If the bed were completely flat, the weight would bow the bed downward, concentrating the weight on the weakest part of the bed (i.e. the part between the 5th wheel hitch and the wheels). With an upward bow in the bed the weight has something to react against; it acts like a spring to support the weight.
2007-07-30 04:45:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flatbed Semi
2016-12-28 05:17:01 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flatbed Semi Truck
2016-11-13 21:37:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are made that way on purpose to allow for the heavy weights that they carry. As Edward I answered above, when fully loaded they are flat.
To answer your other question, yes, they used to be flat but technology has shown that having a slight arc that flattens instead of a flat bed that sinks down is much better, less strain on all parts, and hauls better too.
2007-07-30 04:33:39 · answer #4 · answered by Sage 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the bed is arced so that when a heavy load is placed on it, the bed becomes flat. If it started out flat, when heavy loads were placed on it, the trailer would sag and be weaker, and more prone to breaking. Because an arch is one of the strongest forms, if you start out with an arch, the weight can be more evenly distributed.
2007-07-30 04:29:49 · answer #5 · answered by CaptDare 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The "flatbed" is designed with a slight arc so that when there is a load on the trailor that it does not sag.
2007-07-30 04:29:34 · answer #6 · answered by maro_phillips 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the trailer is arched for weight distribution.if it was flat to start with it couldn't carry as much weight as a arched trailer would.in fact all semi trailers have a bit of an arch in them,the box on an enclosed trailer just makes it seem as if its flat.
2007-07-30 13:57:59 · answer #7 · answered by yankeegray_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You were probably looking at an aluminum trailer.
They design it that way to allow for flexibility when a load is put on.
2007-07-30 04:36:45 · answer #8 · answered by mobilmen59 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its called a crown so when the truck is loaded it flattens out
2007-07-30 04:44:06 · answer #9 · answered by rumbarrel42 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are flat when fully loaded.
2007-07-30 04:28:26 · answer #10 · answered by ed 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋