Semi-trucks seem like one of the heaviest trucks there are. What a lot of people don’t take into consideration is the different parts of the entire truck. So how much does a semi-truck cab weigh?
A semi-truck cab without an attached trailer can weigh between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds, depending on the size.
Besides the weight, there are great aspects to the different cabs. Read on in this article to find a brief description about the weight of a semi-truck and the different types of cabs.
Semi-trucks Weigh More With A Trailer Attached
Cabs make up an important weight of a semi-truck. However, if a truck has a trailer attached and if it is empty or full, it can significantly increase the weight.
With an empty trailer attached, a semi-truck cab weighs up to 35,000 pounds. A full trailer puts the semi-truck weight at 40 tons or 80,000 pounds.
There are guidelines that truck drivers must follow. One of these is knowing how much weight your truck is and how much the trailer is.
Truck scales are built with steel or concrete and can handle an increased amount of pressure or weight. Usually, a truck will drive on the scales in a designated area and stop. Sometimes there is no need for a stop. The scales read the entirety of the truck and, depending on if the trailer is empty or full, will give the driver a safe weight.
Semi-Trucks Have Different Cabs Designed For Different Trips.
When you think of a semi-truck, you picture all of them being the same size and serving the same purposes. However, there are different types of cabs, or tractors, that offer different benefits.
Types of semi-truck cabs:
- Day cabs
- Sleeper cabs
- Custom Haulers
Day Cabs
Day cabs are great for shorter trips and are often the first choice for drivers. Day cabs are intended for non-overnight stays and are easier to drive.
These cabs are designed with a shorter body and a rearview window that allows for easier maneuvering in tight places. They generally have space for both a driver and a passenger. Day cabs are versatile in the types of trailers that can be hooked up to them. This allows for more delivery options and travel options as well.
Sleeper Cabs
Sleeper cabs are bigger and can be more complex than a day cab. A sleeper cab will have a designated area for living quarters with space for both a driver and passenger. Some Sleeper cabs have a variety of amenities that can range from simple to more complex.
Sleeper cabs can be hooked up to various trailers as well; however, they are usually used with long hauling. Since these have more amenities than a day cab, they are usually the main choice for trips taking longer than a couple of hours and trips that will take days to complete.
The amenities that a sleeper cab can have are pretty wide. While some basic sleeper cabs will have a bed or bunk inside for getting the sleep you need on long trips, others will have more than just a sleeping area. These cabs can seem more like an RV.
Amenities that can be included in sleeper cabs:
- Twin size beds
- Cup holders
- Microwaves
- Miniature refrigerators
- Television
- Storage for personal, entertainment, food/drinks, kitchenware, and toiletries
- Travel bathrooms installed
These amenities are usually based on the comfort level that the driver and any ride-along passengers want to have.
The weight of sleeper cabs can vary significantly due to how many amenities or how big the sleeper cab is with added comfort.
Custom Haulers
Custom haulers are just customized cabs. Regardless if they are day or sleeper cabs. With a custom hauler, you can add or create any amenities or preferences for the work involved.
Being able to customize a cab into anything can allow for better usage for work as well as for personal use as well. These are generally preferred for long-distance travel and are often used in oversized loads.
The Best Brand Of Semi-trucks
There are many brands of semi-trucks. But what is the best? Truckers want the best operation and comfort in a truck, especially if they drive around for days or even weeks.
Some of the best brands for semi-trucks are:
- Freightliner
- Western Star
- Autocar
- International
- Volvo
- Mack
- Peterbilt
- Kenworth
Conclusion
Depending on your lifestyle and job demands, the weight of your semi-truck cab can vary significantly.
For day cabs, the benefits are greatly impacted by travel time. Shorter trips will be easier to maneuver through traffic and tighter spots. They are basic cabs with room for a driver and passenger.
Sleeper cabs, on the other hand, well those will be your home away from home. Sleeper cabs can offer you the best options for comfort during long trips. Sleeper cabs are also great if you want to bring someone along, including your pets.
While both day and Sleeper cabs are great options, it is important that you decide on the best fit for you and what your job, or business, will entail. Choosing the right cab can help make this process easier and lets the drivers feel more comfortable, regardless of the travel time.