To find a trailer to rent or purchase, you must choose the one that not only is suitable for your needs but also satisfies the standard dimension allowed on highways and roads. How wide is a tractor trailer? Did you know that the length and height can vary in different tractors but the width? Let’s find out the details in this article.
How wide is a tractor trailer?
The international standard dimensions of a tractor semi-trailer are 102 inches wide, 13 ft 5 inches high and 48 ft long. The difference in length and height among various types of trailers is common, however, the width is more standardized.
The standard is applied in many countries, nevertheless, there are exceptions sometimes in the U.S. The overall width of a trailer can be beyond the standard (102 inches) because of additional equipment like mirrors, lights, or strap winches.
Normally in North America, the standard length of semi-trailers varies from 28 ft and 53 ft. For different tractor trailers, different standard dimensions are set to ensure the safety and security of transport.
Let’s see the table below for further information related to this.
| Capacity | Overall Length | Overall height | Overall width | Inside length | Inside height | Inside width | Door width | Door height |
| 3,489 cu ft | 53 feet | 13 ft 6 inches | 102″ | 47′ 6″ | 108 inches | 98.5″ | 94″ | 102″ |
| 3,465 cu ft | 48 feet | 13 ft 6 inches | 102″ | 47′ 6″ | 100.6 inches | 98.5″ | 98″ | 100.6″ |
| 3,086 cu ft | 45 feet | 13 ft 6 inches | 96″ | 44′ 1.5″ | 100.5 inches | 93″ | 87″ | 98″ |
| 2,711 cu ft | 43 feet | 13 ft 0 inches | 96″ | 41′ 6″ | 100.5 inches | 92.5″ | 92″ | 98″ |
Standard dimensions of different types of trailers
1. Flatbed trailers
- Maximum length: 48-53 ft
- Maximum width: 8.5 ft
- Maximum height: 8.5 ft
Trusted by many businesses thanks to its feature of versatility, flatbeds are one of the most popular. With a maximum capacity of 48,000 lbs., they can be chosen for a range of goods such as machines, facilities, or even building materials.
2. Dry van trailers
- Maximum length: 48-53 ft
- Maximum width: 8.2 ft
- Maximum height: 8.2 ft
In the tractor world, dry van trailers are also at the top of the list. The maximum freight weight of a dry van trailer is from 42,000 to 45,000 lbs.
Those trailers are sealed carefully and especially chosen for transporting goods that need a lot of protection against the effect of rain, snow, or UV rays.
- Refrigerated trailers
- Maximum length: 48-53 ft
- Maximum width: 8.2 ft
- Maximum height: 8.0 ft
Cold and frozen items must be transported in refrigerated trailers (also known as reefers). The maximum freight weight of refrigerated trailers is the same as dry van trailers – 42,000 to 45,000 lbs.
Reefers are designed to maintain the low temperature inside to ensure the best quality of goods and to keep a cargo fresh no matter how hot it is outside.
4. Lowboy trailers
- Maximum well length: 24 – 29.6 ft
- Maximum width: 8.5 ft
- Maximum over load height: 14 ft
- Maximum freight height: 11.5 – 12 ft
- Maximum well height: 18 – 24 inches
In case some items are too high or oversized for flatbeds, lowboy trailers are the alternative. It is because a lowboy comprises 2 drops – one after the gooseneck and one before the wheels – enabling the deck to be very low.
The maximum capacity of lowboys can be 40,000 lbs. for a two-axle lowboy or even up to 80,000 lbs, depending on the length of the axle.
5. Stretch single-drop deck trailers
- Maximum width: 8.6 ft
- Maximum freight height: 10 ft
Having a similar design to a flatbed, a stretch single-drop deck trailer, however, can be extended up to 63 ft, which enables it to carry longer items. The maximum freight weight of those trailers is up to 45,000 lbs.
6. Stretch double-drop trailers
- Maximum width: 8.5 ft
- Maximum freight height: 11.6 ft
Similar to a single-drop deck trailer, a stretch double-drop trailer is used for oversized freight shipments up to 11.6 ft height. The length of the trailer can be extended from 29 to 65 ft. The maximum capacity is 45,000 lbs.
7. Extendable double-drop trailers
- Maximum width: 8.5 ft
- Maximum freight height: 8.5 ft
A strong point of an extendable double-drop trailer is that it can comprise up to 3 axles, which mean it can haul longer or more oversized items than what a stretch single or double drop trailer can do.
The trailer can be extended to at most 80 ft. The maximum freight weight of this trailer is 40,000 lbs.
8. Removable gooseneck trailers
- Maximum well length: 29 ft
- Maximum well width: 8.5 ft
- Maximum freight height: 11.6 ft
A more convenient choice for loading and unloading goods is a removable gooseneck trailer. It can be removable from the front and have from 3-20 axles, which enables it to carry more goods than others.
The maximum freight weight of this type is 42,000 lbs.
9. Stretch removable gooseneck trailers
- Maximum well length: 29-65 ft
- Maximum well width: 8.5 ft
- Maximum freight height: 11.5 ft
A stretch removable gooseneck trailer is an updated version of a standard one. It can be used for longer items which cannot be loaded up onto a standard removable gooseneck trailer.
This type of trailer can have 3 or more axles, and have the maximum capacity of from 42,000 lbs up to even 150,000 lbs.
10. Conestoga trailers
- Maximum width: 8.2 ft
- Maximum height: 8.0 ft
Conestoga trailers, featuring a sliding tarp covering your cargo, are trusted to protect your goods thoroughly. Those trailers can haul from 42,000 lbs to 45,000 lbs maximum.
11. Side kit trailers
- Maximum length: 28-53 ft
- Maximum width: 8.2 ft
- Maximum height: 8.6 ft
Featuring plywood panels on the 2 sides and covers on the top, side kit trailers ensure the effective protection of the cargo.
Those trailers can carry large items or those need to be loaded piece by piece. The maximum freight weight is 42,000 lbs to 45,000 lbs.
12. Power only trailers
Power only trailers can pull different types of trailers and have 4 axles, allowing them to transport oversized and overweight cargo.
Because of their flexibility, the maximum weights and dimensions may vary depending on the trailer type. A special point of those trailers is that they have a fifth-wheel hitch, pintle hitch, and hitch ball.
13. Specialized trailers
Different from any other types of trailers, specialized trailers are designed for a specific cargo, which is why the dimensions also vary. They can be used together with dolly trailers, double-gooseneck trailers, or perimeter trailers.
The maximum freight weight of those trailers is usually around 200,000 lbs or more.
Conclusion
After this article, you are equipped with considerable knowledge of the standard dimensions of various types of trailers. How wide is a tractor trailer? It will depend on what purpose you need a trailer for, the maximum dimensions allowed in your country, and maybe the most economical choice for your business.
