Though semi-trailers and center-axle trailers have gained the upper hand in the Dutch trucking scene, there’s still a flourishing market for full trailers (a full trailer can stand on its own wheels without any support, tongue weight is a non-issue).
When spotting a powerful, 6×2 straight truck at a show -say with 500 hp or more- you just know it frequently couples up with a trailer during the workweek. Three mighty fine Scania ‘motorwagens’ are in the spotlight today, and pictures of the complete combinations were readily available on the web.
This 2021 Scania S500 is a dedicated poultry transporter. No trailer coupling at first sight, but it’s there alright; it’s mounted down below, behind the rearmost axle. The Scania can take along plentiful diesel, judging by the duo of full-size fuel tanks on the left side.
There, the whole poultry-hauling couple, posing in front of a Scania dealership. The Van Ravenhorst company built both the truck body and the full trailer. (courtesy of Mantrans BV)
Here’s a 2021 Scania S520 V8 livestock truck, open to the public.
It shouldn’t be too hard to locate the truck body builder.
On the road again, it just can’t wait to get on the road again. A heavy straight truck with three axles towing a full trailer with three axles results in a 50 tonnes (110,000 lbs) combination vehicle. Nationally, anyway. (courtesy of Drost Veetransport)
A 2019 Scania R520 V8 with a temperature controlled body, made by Van Beurden Carrosserie. Another Scania with the trailer coupling mounted behind the tag axle, which means the truck is capable of towing a center-axle trailer or a full trailer.
A magnificent set of wheels -and picture- for sure! (courtesy of Only Way Is Dutch)
Taking a solo trip or couple travel, these three can go either way. Any tractor without a semi-trailer would be completely lost.
Scania never disappoints.
Both the old and new trucks are beautiful.
One requires the Swedes to design them and the Dutch to decorate them…
Note that these Scanias were built in the Zwolle plant in the Netherlands, but I get what you mean.
Watch the latest YouTube videos of Bruce Wilson with his new Scania R770 V8 6×2 tractor in the US, being dressed up by two ‘Go-In-Style’ guys (customizers).
Heavy trucks must exude pride and joy, even if you have more than a few of them (like the Mantrans, Drost, and Van Lith fleets).
Single drive with tag axle looks unusual tandem drive for pulling trailers is standard here and six wheel trailers are quite rare now, The loading cert on the six wheel Isuzu I was driving said GCW 50 tonnes BUT not legally with only 7 axles need 8 for that to be legal.
Fully self supporting trailers are the norm in NZ semi self supporting arent very popular.
Even the Swedes themselves use a 6×2 drivetrain for their 60 tonnes (!) truck and trailer combinations. Just an example below.
Sweden: long winters! ice! snow! serious hills!
8 axles on that combo thats legal for 50 tonnes here, the extra weight goes in the trailer not on the truck, a 8 legger pulling that trailer can go 60T here but road user charges are charged at your maximum so you need to be using it to make the job pay plus the restrictions on what roads that can be used make it a royal PITA.