military trailers

[Darian Carn]

G'day George,

Yes, I believe you are correct in saying that there are two versions.

The first being (and forgive me if I dont get the country of origin right) the English / Canadian Pattern Cranes 7.5 Ton Trailer and the second being the Australian Pattern (unique to us) 8 Ton version.

I'm not 100% sure if we (Aust) had a 6 Ton version - which looked even closer in appearance to "your" Cranes 7.5 Ton version. The investigations still continue (as time permits).

Basically they are essentially the same trailer, well style anyway, but the major differences are the suspension types and the main chassis construction. Cranes having a "torsion bar" style suspension and the Aust Version having "walking beam / pivot" suspension - like that of the Taskers Trailer in your earlier post. I'm not sure if my suspension terminology is right.

Components like the decks, ramps, chocks, leveling / stabiliser legs / Rollers / fairleads, shackle mounting castings, etc. are virtually the same.

The side of the Cranes Trailer has a deeper profile, or combing rail, which covers or hides the cross members of the chassis. The Australian Version just has the edges of the deck (tray) with tapered outriggers underneath heading back to the main chassis rail.

I guess the two verions (well the Australian Version) was just built to different, or local, manufacturing techniques that the fellas on the production line were perhaps already familiar with, or perhaps it was just easier, quicker, simpler - who knows - but that's half the fun of working it all out.

It's has only been with the help from yourself, David (motto), Mike K., Mike C. and others, in providing the photographs, descriptions, etc. that we (a mate Pedr and I) are starting to slowly put the variants, or differences, in place.

Bearing in mind, I / we have only really looked at these types of trailers in more detail for the last week or so, and I am more than happy to be corrected by those who have more knowledge on them.

Hoping this makes some sense!

Regards,

Darian.