The Ultimate Guide to Big Rig Semi Trucks

Big rig semi trucks are massive machines, with the average length of a semi truck being around 53 feet, not counting the trailer. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is roughly the same as the weight of 40 elephants.

These behemoths of the road are designed for efficiency, with a typical semi truck getting around 5-7 miles per gallon. They also play a crucial role in the economy, transporting over 70% of the country's goods.

Semi trucks come in various types, each designed for specific purposes.

Day cabs are a common type of semi truck, perfect for short hauls and daily delivery routes. They have a simple design, making them easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Semi trucks can also be categorized by their GVWR, which stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Commercial vehicles fall into eight classes based on their GVWR.

Here's a breakdown of the different classes:

Sleeper trucks, custom haulers, 18-wheeler trucks, sloped-nose trucks, conventional-nosed trucks, and trucks with raised and flat roofs are some of the other types of semi trucks available. Each type has its own unique features and advantages.

Commercial Vehicle Classes are an important consideration when it comes to types of trucks. There are eight classes based on gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR.

Light duty vehicles are classified as Class 1 and Class 2, with GVWR values that top out at 10,000 lbs. These are your standard pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles.

The medium duty category covers Class 3 through Class 6, with GVWR values ranging from 10,001 to 26,000 lbs. This includes dump trucks and delivery trucks.

Trucks with GVWR values up to 33,000 lbs belong to Class 7, and anything with a higher capacity belongs to Class 8. These heavy-duty vehicles are primarily used in long-haul trucking and industrial applications.

Here's a breakdown of the commercial vehicle classes:

Day cabs are some of the most standard semi-trucks on the market. They contain an area for drivers and passengers to sit, and may be equipped with rear windows.

Operating in reverse tends to be easier with day cabs because they don't have a sleeper cabin attached.

These types of trucks are often used for shorter trips that don't require overnight hauls.

Day cabs have shorter bodies, making them easier to drive in narrow areas.

Almost any trailer can attach to a day cab, making it a desirable commercial truck.

Sleeper semis are built with sleeping quarters, helpful accessories, and other luxurious amenities.

They're perfect for over-the-road hauling, allowing you to accomplish tasks for days at a time.

Sleeper trucks come in different sizes and styles, ranging from simple to extended sleeping areas with full RV setups.

You can hook up a sleeper truck to a variety of trailers, making it a flexible option for your business.

A sleeper semi-truck's comfortable sleeping compartment is just one of its many benefits, making it a solid choice for over-the-road trucking.

Big rig semi trucks are massive machines, and their specifications are just as impressive. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

A typical semi truck is around 53 feet long, making them a common sight on highways. This length allows for a generous cargo capacity of up to 48 feet.

The average horsepower of a semi truck engine is around 400-500, providing the power needed to haul heavy loads.

Buying a new commercial truck can cost you thousands of dollars less if you opt for a used model from a reputable dealership like California Truck Centers.

A used commercial truck can save you a significant amount of money upfront, but it may not offer the latest features and the protection of a manufacturer’s warranty.

You can expect to get more years of service out of a newer model, which is a major advantage of buying new.

A new model will give you all the latest features, which can be a major draw for some buyers.

Custom hauler semi trucks are specialized vehicles designed for heavy-duty towing and hauling. They're a great choice for transporting oversized loads and different types of cargo across long distances.

One of the key benefits of custom haulers is their powerful engines, which can handle even the toughest jobs. With custom haulers, you can add sleeping quarters to the truck, making them ideal for long-haul operations.

Custom haulers are available in various configurations, including the Volvo VNX Series, which is built specifically for heavy-haul trucking operations. The VNX provides the power and performance demanded for heavy-haul applications.

If you're looking for a custom hauler with a smooth and comfortable ride, consider the Volvo VAH Series – Auto Hauler. This premium model features superior noise suppression and a clean top-of-frame design that expedites body mounting and eases trailer hookup.

Here are some key features of custom hauler semi trucks:

Overall, custom hauler semi trucks are a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful vehicle for heavy-duty hauling and towing.

A semi truck's length can be a real challenge to navigate on the road. It's typically measured from the middle of the rear wheel to the center of the steer, and can rack up to 70 feet in length.

Trailers are a significant part of this length, and are federally regulated to be at least 53 feet long. Some states, like Utah, allow trailers up to 57 feet, but you'll need a special permit to drive them.

If you're pulling multiple trailers, the length of your truck can easily exceed 100 feet. This is because you can pull two or even three trailers behind a single tractor.

Day cabs, which don't have bed space, can be around 20 feet long, while sleeper cabs can be closer to 30 feet long to accommodate a bed and some extra storage. This means a standard semi with a day cab can be around 72 feet long.

Sleeper cabs are even longer, sometimes reaching over 80 feet in length. This is why drivers need to be confident in their ability to drive and park these vehicles, and why there are so many warnings on trucks about making wide turns.

Semi-truck widths are fairly standardized, allowing them to fit on a standard highway lane in the U.S.

Trailers are typically around eight feet wide, sometimes spanning up to eight and a half feet.

Semi-cabs are a similar width to trailers, making them a good fit for standard highway lanes that are typically around 12 feet wide.

This leaves some wiggle room for safe maneuvering on the road.

Gas vs. Diesel is a crucial decision when choosing a truck. The majority of commercial vehicles run on diesel fuel.

Diesel engines offer better mileage than gas engines. Diesel is also less corrosive, which means the components of a diesel engine last longer.

Gasoline is more affordable than diesel, making it a more budget-friendly option. Gas-powered vehicles are also easier and cheaper to maintain.

Diesel engines are better suited for hauling heavy loads over long distances. Recent innovations in gas engines have increased their appeal, but diesel models still excel in this area.

Big rigs often have manual transmissions, but many manufacturers now offer automated manual transmissions or conventional hydraulic automatic transmissions. These options allow drivers to have more control over their vehicle.

Semi-truck transmissions can have as few as three forward speeds or as many as 18 forward speeds, plus two reverse speeds. This range is designed to help drivers operate the engine more efficiently.

A ten-speed manual transmission, for example, uses a six-slot H-box pattern, similar to that in five-speed cars, but with a Lo/High range splitter to access additional gears.

Using super singles on each axle can reduce fuel consumption by 10% as shown in tests on an oval track in 1999.

These savings are achieved because less energy is wasted flexing fewer tire sidewalls.

The lighter overall tire weight also allows a truck to be loaded with more freight.

Super singles became popular in Europe when the allowed weight of semitrailer rigs was increased from 38 to 40 tonnes.

The trailer industry replaced two 10-tonne axles with dual wheels, with three 8-tonne axles on wide-base single wheels.

The standard 385 tires used on super singles have a legal load limit of 4,500 kg (9,900 lb).

The Volvo D13 Engine is a reliable choice for various applications, delivering the perfect combination of fuel efficiency and power.

Its fuel efficiency is a standout feature, making it a cost-effective option for those who need to keep their fuel costs in check.

This engine is designed to meet the demands of customers who require a reliable and powerful engine for their daily operations.

The Volvo D13 Engine is built to last, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of daily use and keep running smoothly for a long time.

The Volvo D13TC Engine is a game-changer for fuel efficiency. It's up to 6% more fuel efficient than the current 2020 D13 engine.

This engine is designed to provide substantial savings, regardless of whether the trailer is fully or partially loaded.

An aerodynamic VNL can help you save money on fuel costs, and this engine is now standard in many models.

The I-Shift transmission is a game-changer for semi-trucks, offering improved fuel efficiency and smoother shifting.

It's an automated manual transmission, which means it combines the control of a manual transmission with the ease of an automatic. This is especially useful for semi-trucks, which often have a wide range of loads and need to be able to adjust their gear shifts accordingly.

A large number of transmission ratios, such as those found in 10-speed manual transmissions, allows drivers to operate the engine more efficiently. This can be especially beneficial for semi-trucks, which often have to operate in a narrow RPM range.

The I-Shift transmission can be paired with a range of engines, including the Volvo D13TC Engine, which offers up to 6% better fuel efficiency than previous models. This can result in significant savings for fleets, especially those with long-haul routes.

Some semi-trucks also feature a clutch brake, which is required for constant-mesh transmissions like the Eaton Roadranger series. This helps to prevent grinding when shifting gears, especially when starting from a full stop.

The I-Shift transmission is designed to be highly customizable, with features like the Lo/High range splitter allowing drivers to access a range of gears with a single shift pattern. This can be especially useful for drivers who need to adjust their gear shifts frequently.

Trailers and hauling are a big part of the big rig semi truck world. A semi-truck can be paired with many types of trailers, each designed to haul a specific type of cargo.

Box, or dry van, trailers are a common type, used for hauling general freight. Bus trailers are another type, designed for transporting buses. Car hauler trailers are used for hauling cars, while intermodal chassis trailers are used for transporting containers between modes of transportation.

There are many other types of trailers, including dry bulk, dump, flatbed, hopper-bottom, lowboy, refrigerator, and tanker trailers. Each type is designed to haul a specific type of cargo, such as bulk goods, heavy equipment, or liquids.

Custom hauler semi-trucks are a specialized option, designed for heavy-duty towing and hauling oversized loads. These trucks often have powerful engines and can be customized with features like sleeping quarters.

Semi-trailers have one job: to haul distinct goods. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and can be used to haul everything from refrigerated goods to livestock.

Here are some of the most common types of semi-trailers:

These are just a few examples of the many types of trailers and hauling options available. Whether you're hauling general freight or oversized loads, there's a trailer and truck combination that's right for you.

The air brakes on big rig semi trucks are designed to provide a safe and reliable way to slow or stop the vehicle, with a system that includes a compressor, reservoir, and valves.

Big rig semi trucks typically have a 3- to 5-axle configuration, which can affect their braking performance.

The average stopping distance for a big rig semi truck is around 300-400 feet on dry pavement.

A well-maintained brake system is crucial for safe operation, and regular inspections are necessary to ensure that all components are functioning properly.

A faulty brake system can lead to reduced stopping power and increased risk of accidents, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires regular brake inspections for big rig semi trucks, to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

A big rig semi truck's electrical system is quite complex, but one essential aspect is the connection between the tractor and trailer, which is made through a cable called a pigtail. This cable is a bundle of wires that control various electrical circuits on the trailer.

The pigtail cable is designed to retract its coils when not under tension, making it look like a pigtail. This is a clever design feature that helps keep the cable organized and prevents it from getting in the way.

In most countries, a trailer or semi-trailer must have a minimum of certain lights to ensure safe operation on the road. Here are the required lights:

Lights play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and visibility of a trailer or semi-trailer on the road.

In most countries, trailers and semi-trailers must have a minimum of two rear lights, which are typically red in color.

A trailer's electrical connection is made through a cable called a pigtail, which is a bundle of wires in a single casing.

These wires control various electrical circuits on the trailer, including running lights, brake lights, and turn signals.

The pigtail cable often features coiled wires that retract when not under tension, giving it a distinctive appearance.

Here's a breakdown of the required lighting for a trailer or semi-trailer:

In North America, some of these lights can be combined, such as a brake light and a turning light.

Different types of semi trucks exist for different needs, and at Equipment Experts, we pride ourselves on being the right service for all of them. We help semi-truck drivers, operators, and fleet managers with quality fleet and truck repairs.

Whether you operate a slop-nosed truck or a lowboy trailer, our team is equipped to handle all your needs. We're your sidekick, working behind the scenes to keep your trucks running smoothly.

Our services are tailored to meet the unique requirements of each semi-truck type.

Freightliner is a staple in the trucking industry, founded in 1942 and known for its durability, efficiency, and exceptional fuel economy.

If you're in the market for a new semi-truck, you'll likely come across Freightliner, Western Star, Peterbilt, and Autocar.

Freightliner trucks are a popular choice due to their reliability and fuel efficiency. I've heard from truckers that they're a great option for long-haul routes.

Western Star is well-known for its heavy-duty trucks, founded in 1967 and built to withstand rough environments.

Western Star trucks are used in a variety of industries, hauling goods from manufacturing to construction sites.

Peterbilt is a California-based company with an enormous inventory of semi-trucks and trailers.

Autocar has been in business since 1897, focusing on delivering semi-trucks equipped with the latest technology.

Here are some of the most popular semi-truck brands you'll encounter:

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your big rig semi truck running smoothly. Service your truck every 10,000-20,000 miles for engine oil, filter changes, and lubrication top-offs.

You'll also want to adjust the frequency of each service based on whether you operate in warm or cold weather. This will help prevent wear and tear on your truck's engine and other components.

If you're ever in doubt about what needs servicing on your truck, don't hesitate to reach out to an expert for guidance.

Your semi-truck can log up to 1,000,000 miles with the right service and maintenance. We recommend servicing your truck every 15,000, 30,000, 100,000, 150,000, and 200,000 miles for system, oil, and parts-related repairs.

Servicing your truck regularly can help you stick to a solid preventive maintenance plan, which is either miles-based or time-driven. This can help maximize the life of your semi-truck.

Different types of semi trucks have different needs, but every truck driver needs a reliable maintenance plan. At Equipment Experts, we help semi-truck drivers, operators, and fleet managers by conducting quality fleet and truck repairs for all their needs.

Servicing your truck every 15,000 miles can help prevent system-related repairs, while servicing every 30,000 miles can help prevent oil-related repairs.

Consider servicing your semi truck every 10,000-20,000 miles for engine oil, filter changes, and lubrication top-offs.

Service frequency can vary depending on the weather conditions you operate in. If you're in warm weather, you'll want to adjust the frequency of each service accordingly.

For engine oil, filter changes, and lubrication top-offs, servicing every 10,000-20,000 miles is a good rule of thumb.

If you're ever in doubt about what needs servicing on your truck, don't hesitate to reach out to an expert for guidance.

Volvo and Cummins have been long-standing partners in the big rig semi-truck industry. Volvo has been using Cummins engines in their trucks for many years, and it's a testament to the reliability and performance of these engines.

Cummins engines are known for their power and efficiency, with some models producing up to 600 horsepower. This makes them well-suited for heavy-duty applications like long-haul trucking.

Volvo and Cummins have worked together to develop engines that meet the strict emissions standards set by regulatory bodies.

The Cummins X15 Engine is a great option for fleets in freight applications that require fuel economy and the benefits of bigger block architecture.

It's well-suited for this purpose, especially at the 400–550 hp rating.

This engine is designed to provide the power and efficiency needed for long-haul freight operations.

The X15 engine is a reliable choice for fleets that need to balance fuel economy with the demands of heavy-duty freight hauling.

The Volvo VNR - Regional is built for the way you work, delivering visibility, maneuverability, and safety your daily routes demand. It's designed to enhance productivity and profitability, ensuring an exceptional driving experience every time you get behind the wheel.

The Volvo VNR - Regional is a game-changer for regional hauls, providing the right combination of features to make your job easier. It's the perfect choice for daily routes that require a balance of power and efficiency.

The Volvo D13 engine, paired with the Volvo VNR - Regional, delivers the perfect combination of fuel efficiency and power for a wide range of applications. This means you can count on reliable performance and lower fuel costs over time.

With the Volvo VNR - Regional, you'll enjoy an exceptional driving experience every time you get behind the wheel. Its design focuses on delivering the visibility, maneuverability, and safety your daily routes demand.

At Volvo Trucks, they have an unmatched tradition of pushing the limits, setting new standards and driving innovation. This is evident in their commitment to excellence.

Volvo Trucks has a long history of setting new standards, which is a key factor in their success. Their dedication to innovation has led to many groundbreaking achievements.

One of the most notable aspects of Volvo Trucks is their ability to drive innovation. This is something they've been doing for a long time, and it's a major reason why they're a leader in the industry.

Big rig semi trucks are a common sight on highways across the country. They're massive, powerful vehicles designed to haul heavy loads over long distances.

The average length of a semi truck is around 53 feet, which can be intimidating to other drivers on the road. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, including the weight of the truck, trailer, and cargo.

Semi trucks are equipped with advanced safety features, such as air brakes and anti-lock braking systems, to help prevent accidents. These features are crucial in emergency situations.

The cost of operating a semi truck can be high, with fuel, maintenance, and driver salaries adding up quickly. A study found that the average cost of operating a semi truck is around $150,000 per year.

Many semi truck drivers are independent contractors, working for themselves or small companies. This can provide them with more flexibility and autonomy on the road.

The lifespan of a semi truck can vary depending on usage and maintenance, but most last around 10-15 years.

Video games and simulators have come a long way in replicating the experience of driving big rig semi trucks. The 18 Wheels of Steel series is a great example of this, offering a realistic simulation of truck driving.

Many people have enjoyed the 18 Wheels of Steel series over the years. American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 are also popular choices for those looking to experience the thrill of long-haul trucking.

Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing, released in 2003, was one of the first truck simulators to gain widespread attention. Euro Truck Simulator has been around since 2008, providing a more realistic and detailed experience.

If you're interested in trying out some of these games, here are a few popular options: