Semi trailers are designed to carry heavy loads, and they have proven to be effective at this. While it’s easy to estimate the weight of a loaded semi trailer based on the overall weight of the freight, not many people can tell you how much an empty semi trailer weighs.
On average, an empty 53-foot semi trailer weighs between 10,000 and 13,500 pounds. A 48-foot semi trailer weighs between 9,000 and 10,000 pounds. The overall weight of a semi trailer depends on its physical size. However, the materials used might also influence its size since aluminum weighs less than steel.
That’s not all, as you still need to know the maximum weight a semi trailer can hold, the approximate weight of a semi-tractor, and how much it can haul, which you will learn if you read on.
What’s the Average Weight of an Empty Semi Trailer?
It’s critical to know that semi trailers come in different sizes, which affects their total weight. As expected, larger empty semi trailers tend to weigh more than smaller ones. Usually categorized as Class 8 vehicles, semi trailers are among the largest road vehicles and have different weights. The type of materials used to make the trailer will also determine its overall weight.
53-Foot Semi Trailers
It’s the most common and preferred semi trailer on the road due to its extended length. This semi trailer weighs between 10,000 and 13,500 pounds. However, some are known to weigh up to 15,000 pounds.
48-Foot Semi Trailer
They’re usually the standard-size trailers around, with most transport companies favoring them over the 53-foot trailers. These semi trailers weigh between 9,000 and 10,000 pounds, although it’s easy to come across one weighing 11,000 pounds.
The Types of Materials
As you would expect, not all trailers are made the same, with some requiring more rigid materials such as steel and others adding in aluminum. Semi trailers made of steel would weigh more than those made of a mixture of steel and aluminum. A steel-based trailer weighs a maximum of 14,000 pounds, depending on its actual size. A semi trailer made of aluminum and steel would weigh around 13,000 pounds, with bigger ones weighing more.
How Much Weight Can a Semi Trailer Carry?
The amount of weight a semi trailer can hold depends on the number of axles it has. Double-axle trailers can hold up to 40,000 pounds of weight. Semi trailers with three axles can hold a maximum of 65,000 pounds of weight. However, no trailer should exceed 80,000 pounds of loaded weight.
The type of tires on a trailer will determine how much weight it can hold. Usually, the tires indicate how much weight they can carry. The popular “G” semi trailer tires can support around 6,175 pounds per tire when inflated to 105 psi. However, if you need to carry more weight, you should opt for the “L” tires that can support up to 12,000 pounds of weight per tire.
By taking all these into account, a double-axle semi trailer equipped with class “L” tires can hold more weight over a long distance than class “G” tires. However, it’s critical to refer to a tire size chart before choosing one for your semi trailer.
How Much Does a Semi-Tractor Weigh?
A semi-tractor refers to the truck used to haul the semi trailer. On average, a semi-tractor can weigh between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds. However, the overall weight of a semi-tractor is influenced by factors such as engine size, load capacity, and whether it has a sleeping cabin.
Not all semi-tractors weigh the same since many things contribute to their overall weight. They include:
- The size of the engine – Semi-tractors with massive engines tend to weigh more than those with smaller ones.
- The tractor’s weight capacity – Semi-tractors meant to haul heavy loads tend to weigh more than those meant for smaller loads.
- Sleeping cabins – Adding a sleeping cabin means more space, which adds more weight to the semi-tractor.
How Much Weight Can a Semi-Tractor Haul?
The maximum weight a semi-tractor can haul depends on the number of axles it has. Single axle semi trailers haul the lowest weight, with a majority of them handling 20,000 pounds. A double-axle hauls 34,000 pounds. The weight in question is a combination of the trailer and the freight.
Conclusion
Empty semi trailers weigh between 9,000 and 13,500 pounds, depending on their size and materials used. The amount of weight these trailers can hold depends on the number of axles they have and the tires they use. The more the axles, the more weight they can hold. A semi-tractor can weigh up to 25,000 pounds, but the actual weight will depend on the engine size, the load capacity, and whether it has a sleeping cabin.
