Trailers are a common sight on our roads, in parking lots, at campsites, and even in backyards. But not all trailers are created equal – there are actually quite a few different types of trailers, and they all serve a specific purpose.
This particular trailer is clearly aiming to set a tone for an action film, with its fast-paced music and montage editing. However, I feel like it misses the mark a little bit when it comes to comedy. While there are definitely a few laugh-out-loud moments, the trailer as a whole fails to keep a consistent tone, which I think would have made it much more successful.
The trailer also uses a lot of “filler” footage, which are scenes that have been cut out of the actual movie but kept for promotional purposes. This is done to save money on production costs, and is often referred to as “scrap footage.” It is also common practice to use stock footage from previous movies when making a new trailer.
While this practice isn’t as common as it used to be, some companies still use it on a regular basis. For example, in the case of the Terminator 2: Judgment Day trailer, they used footage of the T-800 being assembled that was never meant to be included in the final movie.
Another term that is sometimes used to describe a trailer is a “fifth wheel.” This refers to the mechanism on the rear of the trailer that connects to the kingpin on a truck tractor, creating a combined trailer/truck configuration for over-the-road operation. The fifth wheel is what allows the truck tractor to steer the trailer while traveling, and it is also what helps it to turn during turns.
A fifth wheel can be found on either a semi or an enclosed trailer, but it is most commonly found on a tractor-trailer combination. It is a common feature on longer vans and reefers because it allows the trailers to be re-positioned during over-the-road travel based on distributed cargo weight, road conditions, and state regulations regarding the maximum number of axles permitted. The fifth wheel is also the only way to connect a three-axle trailer (also called a “triple” or “pup”) to a single-axle tractor for over-the-road operations.
In addition to a fifth wheel, most trailers also have a tandem axle configuration. Tandem axles are most common on shorter vans and reefers, but can also be seen on longer 53′ dry vans and some specialty trailers such as lowboys or tanker trailers. Tandem axles are typically used to distribute the cargo load more evenly across the trailer’s frame, which can help reduce wear and tear on tires and increase overall road safety. A tandem axle trailer also offers increased stability while traveling over rough terrain and uneven highways. The most common tandem axles are steel/aluminum alloy bogies. Other types of tandem axles include composite plate, air-ride, and mechanical suspension.