18-Wheeler Fun Facts
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18-wheelers, also known as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or big rigs, can be over 50 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded. They have very large diesel engines with over 600 horsepower that are designed to go for over 1 million miles. Due to their large size and weight, semi-trucks require much longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to cars.
18-Wheeler Fun Facts
- 2. The Name • 18-Wheelers are known by many different names. Such as: -Rig -Tractor Trailer -Semitrailer - Trailer Truck -Big Rig - Semi
- 3. The Dimensions • Semi-trucks are between 45-53 feet long • Inside of the trailer, the width ranges from 93- 99 feet • The capacity of the trailer is anywhere from 3083-4050 cubic feet • Semi-trucks are 13 feet, 6 inches tall • Loaded, semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds www.yrc.com
- 4. The History • 1898: Alexander Winton invented the semi-truck to deliver cars to customers • 1899: Winton starts to sell semi-trucks • 1916: Mack introduces their first rear-axle truck • 1920: Begins the first “trucking boom” • 1939: Peterbilt starts selling semi-trucks • 1953: Freightliner introduces the first over-head sleeper • 1986: The Peterbilt 379 is introduced, its best selling truck
- 5. The Engine • Semi engines are 6 times larger than a car engine • Semi engines have up to 600 horsepower • They are designed to go 1 Million Miles • Semi engines can hold more than 15 gallons of oil • Semi engines often have more than 12 gears (10 forward, and 2 reverse)
- 6. Stopping a Semi • At 80,000 pounds, a semi requires a longer distance to come to a complete stop than a car. • At 40MPH, it takes 169 feet for a semi to come to a complete stop • At 55MPH, it takes 335 feet • At 65MPH, it takes 525 feet utahmc.com
- 7. Visibility • A car must be at least 10 car lengths ahead, or 20-25 car lengths behind a truck to be visible to the truck driver • When alongside a truck, if you can’t see the driver’s face in the mirror, the driver can’t see the car
- 8. Thanks for Following! Want to become a truck driver?