When it comes to building reefer trailers those hommes at Chereau know a thing or two and Biglorryblog begs leave to inform you about their latest "Steering-C" system which has been specially developed for refrigerated semi-trailers with one or more axles used on urban or semi-urban distribution. On Steering-C trailer chassis the last axle is positively steered via a mechanism controlled by the fifth wheel. So how does it work? Well I'm glad you asked although you'll have to forgive my 'Franglais' as I try and describe it.
The basic system consists of a coupling section/pivot and a mounting plate on the steered axle which are connected by a long shaft. The coupling section/pivot has a fifth-wheel wedge, which automatically locks into the truck's fifth wheel when coupling up and when the tractor goes around a bend the crown plate is driven by the fifth wheel wedge and transmits the turning motion to the steering axle via the aforementioned shaft. Got all that? (Because I'll be asking questions later)...
According to the French trailer maker: "Thanks to this simple and robust transmission, the turning motion is transmitted in a very direct manner and the system has no play. Thus, ruts and other factors have no negative impact on the stability of the vehicle. The directional system of the Steering-C chassis controls the semi-trailer in both the forward and reverse directions. Thus, the vehicle retains its optimal handling in all circumstances."
As well as the improved manoeuvrability and tyre life resulting from the steered axle Chereau reckons: "The design of the Steering-C chassis also allows the use of equipment previously difficult, or even impossible, to mount on this type of chassis. These include, amongst other accessories: a 250L refrigeration unit reservoir, a 36-Euro palette carrier, wraparound wings conforming to European regulations, centralised lubrication and the entire range of Chéreau rear ends (with underrun guard, Bumper-C, tailgates). So tres bon and cheers all-round!
Comments (4)
Not to sure about this, but anything that lets you squeeze into some of those stupidly designed loading docks has to be a good idea. Does the prime mover require any modifications ? Why would you need to carry palletes, arent they what artists use ?
Posted by Peter Lynch | June 21, 2008 11:13 PM
Posted on June 21, 2008 23:13
No; a "palette" is what artists use (one "L" and two T's". It is also the French word for what we and the Aussies and Poms call a pallet, so maybe Brian was trying to educate us into learning a bit of French!
Posted by Vic Hungerford | June 22, 2008 3:44 AM
Posted on June 22, 2008 03:44
I thought those artistic French types might be doing the odd watercolour when stuck in a queue. Some places keep you waiting long enough.
Posted by Peter Lynch | June 22, 2008 9:01 AM
Posted on June 22, 2008 09:01
This is similar to a system I trialled for the company I work for about 3 years ago. This system was made by an Italian company called Rimorchio who had an agent in Bristol. We trialled it with their single axle trailer and Iveco unit and found it to be extremely manouverable. After this we had one fitted to a prototype over length urban artic trailer which again was found to be quite good.I do have a picture of this however I cannot paste it.
Posted by Rich Brewer | July 8, 2008 3:56 PM
Posted on July 8, 2008 15:56