Drawbar trailers are HGV trailers towed by prime movers (rigid trucks) that are fitted with drawbar couplings or hitches. The resulting drawbar combinations (or "wagon & drag") increase load length, improve pallet capacity and support efficient primary distribution, often referred to as trunking.
When the drawbar trailer is dropped, or separated from the prime mover, the prime mover vehicle can then be used for secondary distribution or last mile multi-drop deliveries. These vehicles are typically fitted with a tail-lift to enable simple unloading to local sites or direct to a customer's home.
Don-Bur drawbar trailers are built to order around the operating requirement. Bodywork can be specified in curtainsider or box van formats, with optional fixed or demountable systems depending on the operation and warehousing.
Types of drawbar trailers
Drawbar trailers can be configured in different body styles depending on the load, route and handling method. Common options include:
- Curtainsider drawbar trailers for side loading and general distribution
- Box van drawbar trailers for secure, weather-protected loads
Drawbar trailers are sometimes fitted with load-through capability, using a front opening and ramp to form a bridge between the prime mover and trailer. This allows the full combination to be loaded from a bay.
Why choose drawbar trailers?
Drawbar trailers are used where operators need higher pallet capacity without losing the operational flexibility of a rigid vehicle. They are particularly effective in fleets that combine high-volume trunking with secondary distribution.
- Greater overall load length and pallet capacity compared with standard articulated trailers
- Ability to uncouple the rigid vehicle for local or urban deliveries
- Suitable for mixed trunking, pallet network and multi-drop distribution duties
- Available in body formats and configurations to align with fleet requirements
Specification and features
Drawbar trailer specifications are developed around operational requirements rather than a fixed template. Configurations can be matched to existing vehicles, handling equipment and loading methods to support compatibility across the fleet.
- Curtainsider / Box van bodywork
- Variable body length split
- Up to 3 axles
- Tail-lift options
- Double-Deck options
- Optional load-through draw-bridge
Specifications are defined to suit load type, duty cycle and depot constraints, ensuring the combination integrates effectively with the wider operation.
Demountable bodywork options
Contact and Straight Lift demount systems can be specified in place of fixed bodywork to improve asset utilisation. Bodies can be exchanged or left on site, allowing the chassis to be reassigned to other duties.
Systems can be engineered for compatibility with existing fleet equipment, supporting integration with established infrastructure and operating procedures.
How long can each load floor be on a drawbar combination?
The total available load length on a drawbar combination is limited to 16.4 m, minus the space required between the rigid vehicle and the drawbar trailer for articulation. The remaining length is then shared between the two bodies.
This gap must allow for full horizontal articulation and sufficient clearance for up to 7 degrees of vertical movement between the units in operation. The usable load length can therefore be split evenly or unevenly depending on pallet layout, axle positions and operational requirements.
Image gallery
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Carpetright drawbar combination with demountable box van bodywork and side access doors -
Ceva 6 axle drawbar combination fitted with dropsides and crane -
Teardrop Drawbar Demount -
Carpetright Teardrop Demount Drawbar -
Marstons Hobgoblin drawbar combination with Teardrop aerodynamic roof -
Rank Hovis drawbar trailer with wheels at each corner -
Centaur curtainsided drawbar combination with triple deck trailer -
Demount Swap Body -
Marstons Draw Bar Livery -
Carlsberg Curtainsider Drawbar Combination -
Reynolds Draw Bar -
Next Drawbar Demount Body -
Lowe Refrigeration Drawbar Demount Body -
Mcfarlane Draw Bar -
Magnet curtainsider drawbar combination with demount bodywork -
Chep max cubic capacity curtainsider drawbar combination for pallet trunking
Price range & availability
Price: P.O.A.
Available to pre-order
