Tilt trailer

[QueenOfSheba]

Why is the design of trailer known as a tilt called so?

[Clanad]

Because the "bed" of the trailer can tilt or rotate on the axles so the rear end can lower to the ground enabling something to be driven or loaded onto it more easily... Here's one;

http://www.hhtrailer.com/05-5x8GeneralPurposeTrailer.asp

[QueenOfSheba]

Thanks, but i meant a tilt as in a "45 foot tilt" similar to a tautliner or euroliner. Based on a flatbed, they have a number of poles, boards, and supports, covered by a canvas tarpaulin to provide protection from the elements.

[Clanad]

Something like these:

http://reveg-catalog.tamu.edu/13-Transport%20Trailers.htm

Principal's the same, regardless of size or adaptation...

[Playbill]

I've wondered about this myself, and have come to the conclusion that it is because these trailers have low side hinged boards that swing down or 'tilt'.

[sddsddean]

So we know what we are talking about, here is a photo (though its not stripped out, but you can see the outline of the horizontal boards at the back end)

http://www.vanhool.be/products_iv_opleggers_detail.asp?id=31&*****************=27&TabID=13

As to why they are called a tilt, after 15 years in the industry I have never found out. All I know is they can be an absolute pig to strip and put back together (especially if its windy!). Personally I used to have a Euroliner, which still has the sideboards like a tilt, but no drop leaf sides, so it was like a normal curtainside, which was far easier to contend with. I could strip my Euroliner in 5 minutes, but my brother in law (who had a tilt) used to take 15 minutes with me helping him!

[Yorkiegriff]

The Tilt is nothing to do with tilting trailers it refers to the tarpaulin sheet over the trailer. Tilt is a word for a canopy over a wagon or boat.