ABS (Antilock Braking System)Computer, sensors and solenoid valves which together monitor wheel speed and modulate braking force if wheel lockup is sensed during braking. Helps the driver retain control of the vehicle during heavy braking on slippery roads. Air Control System, SuspensionAn arrangement of valves and tubing connected to the trailer air system which is designed to regulate the ride height (or mounting height) of an air suspension. Air Leveling ValveSee Valve, Air Leveling Air Ride SuspensionSuspension which supports the load on air-filled rubber bags rather than steel springs. Compressed air is supplied by the same engine-driven air compressor and reservoir tanks which provide air to the air brake system. Anti-lockSee Brake, Anti-lock ATC (Automatic Traction Control)Usually an optional feature based on ABS, it prevents spinning of the drive wheels under power on slippery surfaces by braking individual wheels and/or reducing engine throttle. Also called ASR, an acronym sometimes loosely translated from the German as anti-spin regulation. Auto TransporterSee Trailer, Auto Transporter AVI (Automatic Vehicle Identification)System combining an on-board transponder with roadside receivers to automate identification of vehicles. Uses include electronic toll collection and stolen vehicle detection. See IVHS. AVL (Automated Vehicle Location)Class of technologies designed to locate vehicles for fleet management purposes and for stolen vehicle recovery. Infrastructure can be land-based radio towers or satellites. See IVHS. AxleStructural component to which wheels, brakes and suspension are attached.
• Drive axles are those with powered wheels.
• Front axle is usually called the steer axle.
• Pusher axles are unpowered and go ahead of drive axles.
• Rear axles may be drive, tag or pusher types.
• Tag axles are unpowered and go behind drive axles. Axle SpindleThe machine steel journal or shaft (usually heat treated and hardened) at each end of an axle which is contoured to accept wheel bearings and seals and around which the wheels rotate. Axle, Air LiftA single air operated axle which when lowered will convert a vehicle into a multi-axle unit and provide the vehicle with a greater load carrying capacity. Axle, CamberThe controlled convexity of a trailer axle designed to compensate for deflection of the axle under load, to compensate for the curvature or crown of certain roads and to minimize tire wear thereby. Axle, DropAn axle in which the centerline of the beam portion is lower than the centerline of the spindles. Axle, Flip or RemovableA frame and axle which can be rigidly pinned or pivoted at the rear of a trailer or an axle assembly that can be flipped up and onto the rear of the trailer to which it is attached. Axle, MultiA grouping of axles along the length of a trailer designed to distribute the load over as large an area of road surface as possible. Axle, SingleOne axle mounted independently of any other axle. Axle, Spread TandemA two-axle assembly in which the axles are separated beyond the spacing of a normal tandem assembly in order to qualify for maximum axle loads allowed by regulations. Axle, TandemA two-axle assembly having a means of distributing or transferring weight between the two axles. Axle, Tri (Tridem)A three-axle assembly having a means of distributing or transferring weight between the three axles. Axle, TrunnionA short axle pivoted at or near its mid-point about a horizontal axis transverse to its own centerline. Normally used in pairs in conjunction with a walking beam in order to achieve two axis of oscillation. B-TrainSee Trailer, B-Train Bar SpreaderA transverse rigid member attached at intervals between the side walls of a trailer, commonly employed on open top van trailers to stabilize the upper rails. BBCDistance from a truck’s front bumper to the back of its cab. Beam, MainA main structural member of a lowbed, platform or chassis trailer, usually one of a pair. Beam, Meat Rail SupportA transverse load carrying member installed between the upper side walls of refrigerated van trailers and containers to which meat rails are attached. Beaver TailThe rearmost section of a trailer sloped downward to facilitate loading and unloading from the rear. Bill of LadingItemized list of goods contained in a shipment. Binder, LoadA mechanical device, consisting of a lever-operated toggle and lock, generally used to tighten a cargo securing system. Winches are sometimes used as load binders. Blind SpotAreas around a commercial vehicle that are not visible to the driver either through the windshield, side windows, or mirror.
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