Description of the Trailer: The frame of the trailer is constructed of heavy steel channel bars which support the twin bunks used for logging, and for the substructure to carry the body when used for other service. The steel frame is supported by semi-elliptic springs held by shackles similar to those of the truck. The springs rest securely upon the axle, are clamped to it by U-bolts, and are relieved from side stresses by radius rods which connect the axle to the frame.
The trailer is coupled to the truck by a reach which is passed through guides secured to the hounds of the trailer. The latter may slide upon the reach and is held in the desired position with reference to the truck by means of clamps. The hounds are located fore and aft of the axle and are connected to it by steel plates. The square reach is more favored generally by loggers than the round type for the reason that it can be more easily adjusted, particularly the round reach that is cut in the woods, which is irregular and has to be clamped very tightly in order to make it stay in place. Holes bored through the square reach makes the adjustment easy. Combination steel and wood reaches, the sides being of channel iron and the center of wood, are favored by some operators.
The twin bunks of the trailer carry the load in balance upon the axle independent of the reach, thereby relieving the reach of all vertical stress. (See [illustration] below). The rear bunk is just an ordinary wooden affair designed only to help support the weight of the logs. The front bunk is of the same construction as the one on the truck (described [above]) and serves to hold the load in place.
Type of trailer adapted for heavy Pacific coast logging.
The trailer is guided through the reach directly to the axles, thus relieving the springs and frame from side stresses. The springs and their suspension from the frame permit a limited movement of the frame and the load independent of the wheels and axles and vice versa. This enables the wheels to pass over an obstruction or drop into a hole without subjecting the trailer to shocks that would otherwise ensue.
Other types of trailers are used to a limited extent. The trailer described above was evolved by local engineers and is in almost universal use in motor truck logging operations.
Brakes. All trailers should be equipped with brakes when negotiating heavy grades. A device connecting the trailer brakes to the truck permits a ready control from the driver’s seat on the truck. The brake outfit is easily attached to the truck and consists of a ratchet and lever which winds a one-quarter inch cable on a small drum. The cable winds around a second drum which is attached to the frame of the truck about six feet back of the driver’s seat. A third drum in the center of the chassis attached to the shaft of the second drum winds a cable which goes to an equalizing bar just in front of the trailer brake. As the ratchet and drum are tightened, the motion is transmitted through the second and third drums to the equalizing bar. Two arms extend from this bar to roads which when pulled forward, move a bar attached to the road in such a way that the brake band in the inside of the brake shoe is extended against the shoe, applying the brakes evenly to each wheel no matter how uneven the road-bed or how sharp the curve. A spring attached to the reach clamp pulls back the equalizing bar when the brakes are released. A heavy spring on the drum in the center of the shaft on the truck allows for curves so that an even pressure is always maintained.
The use of a trailer equipped with brakes will do away with the numerous devices for snubbing a load of logs down a grade not steeper than twelve per cent. Grades up to this degree of steepness are safe to operate over in dry weather without added braking power if the trailer is properly equipped.