Trailer Horse for Ro-Ro: Complete Guide
1. What is a Trailer Horse?
A Trailer Horse is a heavy-duty steel support stand designed for securing semi-trailers during shipment on Ro-Ro vessels.
When a semi-trailer is shipped "unaccompanied" (without a tractor unit), the Trailer Horse is placed under the kingpin at the front of the trailer, bearing its weight and preventing collapse or shifting caused by vessel motion.
Simply put: the Trailer Horse is the "third leg" for semi-trailers on Ro-Ro vessels.
2. Why is the Trailer Horse Exclusive to Ro-Ro Vessels?
Unlike ordinary ground stands, the Trailer Horse must meet three Ro-Ro specific requirements:
Dynamic sea loads: Must withstand multi-axial forces (roll, pitch, heave) up to 0.8g
Integration with ship lashing systems: Works with deck fittings and chains as part of the Cargo Securing Manual
Corrosive marine environment: Requires anti-corrosion paint; ordinary steel rusts within weeks
3. Industry Standard Specifications
| Parameter | Standard Value |
|---|---|
| Material | High-strength structural steel |
| Surface | Anti-corrosion paint |
| Top Pad | Wood (prevents metal-to-metal contact) |
| SWL (Safe Working Load) | ≥ 40 kN |
| BL (Breaking Load) | ≥ 80 kN |
| Mobility | Spring-loaded central roller + wheels |
Dimensions (customizable):
Supporting length: 1420 / 1480 / 1700 mm
Base width: 610 / 690 mm (matched with length)
Height: 1250 / 1350 mm
4. Why is the Trailer Horse a Consumable?
Under high-intensity use at Ro-Ro terminals, the Trailer Horse is a typical consumable:
Wheels wear down from repeated movement on steel decks and concrete
Springs fatigue from constant pressure
Wooden pads crack from friction against the kingpin
How SMEOCEAN lowers long-term costs:
Separate wear parts packages (wheels, pads, springs) available at additional charge
Replace parts instead of entire units – significantly reduces operating costs
5. Why Especially Important in Europe?
The Trailer Horse is used on Ro-Ro vessels worldwide, but it is particularly common in Europe due to:
Dense intra-European short-sea Ro-Ro networks (Baltic, North, Mediterranean Seas)
High adoption of "unaccompanied trailer" mode (over 50% on some routes)
Strict port inspections – ordinary stands won't pass
6. SMEOCEAN Advantages
Industry-standard specs: SWL ≥ 40 kN, BL ≥ 80 kN, anti-corrosion paint
Customizable dimensions: Supporting length, base width, and height available upon request
Professional loading design: Maximize container loading quantity and reduce shipping costs
Wear parts packages: Wheels, wooden pads, and springs available separately (additional charge)
Contact us for inquiries or technical consultation.
7. Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a Trailer Horse? | Steel stand supporting semi-trailers on Ro-Ro vessels |
| What is its Purpose? | Bears front weight of unaccompanied trailers, prevents collapse |
| Why Ro-Ro Specific? | Dynamic loads, lashing integration, corrosion resistance |
| Why a Consumable? | Wheels, springs, pads wear out – need replacement |
| SMEOCEAN Advantages? | Custom sizes, wear parts packages, loading design |
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