What is an Eighteen Wheeler?
An eighteen wheeler is a vehicle technically known as a semi tractor trailer. Other common names include big rig and lorry. The purpose of an eighteen wheeler is to tow its cargo that is contained in the trailer which is detachable from the engine. These vehicles are mainly used in transporting commercial freight such as fuel, construction materials, food and other consumer products. The semi tractor trailer itself does not have eighteen wheels but the addition of the trailer provides the extra wheels which give it the name eighteen wheeler. When an eighteen wheeler is traveling without a trailer it is referred to as bobtailing. The tractor portion of an eighteen wheeler normally has ten wheels which are dispersed throughout its three axles. The front wheels are called the steer wheels which maneuver the vehicle and the two rear axles turn the drive wheels which give the eighteen wheeler its power. The vehicle’s trailer has an additional two rear axles which use eight wheels to support
