Extendable trailer
Also known as: Extendable · Telescopic trailer · Stretch trailer · Uzayabilir dorse · Kafi keshoyi
An extendable trailer is a flatbed or low-loader whose deck can slide out (telescope) to carry very long loads, then close again for the trip back.
Names in other languages
- English
- Extendable trailer
- Türkçe
- Uzayabilir dorse
- فارسی
- کفی کشویی
- Русский
- Раздвижной полуприцеп
- 简体中文
- 可伸缩半挂车
- العربية
- مقطورة قابلة للتمديد
Specifications
Typical figures — they vary by manufacturer and by country rules on weights and sizes.
| Internal length | 13,600–25,000 mm |
|---|---|
| Internal width | 2,550 mm |
| Deck height | 1,250–1,400 mm |
| Max payload | 30,000–40,000 kg |
| Loading method | Side · Top |
Typical cargo
Very long items: steel and concrete beams, pipes, poles, wind turbine parts, and long structural elements.
In plain words
When closed, it is about as long as a normal trailer. When extended, the deck can often reach 20–25 m, and some models go even longer. This lets it carry wind turbine blades, long steel beams, concrete beams, and pipes. For very long loads, the rear axles may steer to help the trailer take corners.
An extended trailer is an oversize load almost everywhere, so it needs permits, a planned route, and often escort vehicles. The long load can overhang at the rear, and the driver must take turns and roundabouts slowly and widely.
Advantages
- Carries loads far longer than a standard trailer.
- Closes to normal length for empty trips.
- Steering axles help on tight corners.
Limits
- Needs oversize permits and often escorts when extended.
- Route planning is essential for corners and roundabouts.
- Fewer trailers on the market, so plan early.
Example from real shipping
A precast concrete plant ships 22 m long bridge beams to a road project. Each beam goes on an extendable flatbed set to 21 m with steering rear axles. The convoy travels at night with escorts, and after delivery the trailers close up and return as normal-length vehicles.
Related terms
- Flatbed trailerA flatbed is an open semi-trailer with a flat deck and no roof or fixed sides. Cargo is loaded from any side or from above by crane.
- Low-loader (Lowbed)A low-loader is a trailer with a very low deck, so tall and heavy machines can be carried without going over the height limit. Many have ramps so vehicles can drive on.
- OOGOOG cargo is cargo that sticks out beyond the normal outside size of a container — too high, too wide, or too long. It usually travels on a flat rack, open top, or platform.
- Road vehicle typesA side-by-side comparison of the trucks and trailers used in road freight: load space, payload, volume, pallet places, loading method, and typical cargo.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.