What U.S. Truckers Call a B-Double and Its Second Trailer

In the United States, the term ldquo;B-doublerdquo; is not commonly used. Instead, different regions and states use varied terms for a truck pulling two trailers. In some parts of the United States, a ldquo;B-doublerdquo; is also known as a ldquo;B-train,rdquo; which refers to a setup where the lead trailer has a fifth wheel directly attached to the trailer, as opposed to using a converter dolly. However, the ldquo;Ardquo; combination, which uses a converter dolly attached to the lead trailer with a pintle and clevice, is more widely used in the majority of the country.

Understanding the Terminology: B-Double vs. A-Combination

A ldquo;B-trainrdquo; or ldquo;B-doublerdquo; is a unique combination of two trailers, where the lead trailer has a fifth wheel directly affixed to its rear. This setup is primarily seen in the states of Michigan, Indiana, and some areas in western New York. In these states, the term ldquo;B-trainrdquo; is widely recognized.

In contrast, the ldquo;Ardquo; combination, where a converter dolly is used, is more common. A converter dolly is a single-axle trailer with a pintle hitch on the front, which is used to connect to the lead trailer. This setup provides a sistema more familiar to most U.S. truckers.

What U.S. Truckers Call a Tractor Pulling Two Trailers

A tractor pulling two trailers is commonly referred to as a ldquo;doublesrdquo; rdquo; or ldquo;rocky mountain setrdquo; in various configurations. Specifically, there are different types of double-trailer setups, each with its own nomenclature:

ldquo;doublesrdquo;: A basic setup where the lead trailer has a fifth wheel directly attached. ldquo;rocky mountain setrdquo;: A specific type of double-trailer setup used in states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana, typically involving a 48-foot trailer with a 28-foot pup trailwr.

What Is the Second Trailer Called?

Regardless of whether it is a 20-footer, 28-footer, or a custom-built 33-footer, the second trailer in a doubles configuration is typically referred to as a ldquo;puprdquo; or ldquo;pup trailer.rdquo; This term is widely used and understood by U.S. truckers, and it accurately describes the additional, typically smaller trailer that follows the lead trailer.

For instance, the ldquo;B-trainrdquo; mentioned earlier, if using a doubles configuration, would have a leading trailer (with the fifth wheel) and a trailing trailer connected via a converter dolly, with both of these collectively referred to as a ldquo;puprdquo; or ldquo;pup trailer.rdquo;

Conclusion and Personal Experience

Having driven doubles most of my career, I can attest to the varied setups seen in different states, each with its own terminology. Terms like ldquo;rocky mountain setrdquo; and ldquo;doublesrdquo; are particularly relevant, and the term ldquo;puprdquo; or ldquo;pup trailerrdquo; is widely understood to refer to the second trailer in these configurations.

Whether you are dealing with a simple ldquo;doublesrdquo; setup or a more complex ldquo;B-trainrdquo; with a converter dolly, the second trailer is always referred to as a ldquo;puprdquo; or ldquo;pup trailer.rdquo; Understanding these terms can help in communication and ensure smooth operations in the trucking industry.