A structurally supportive belly pad is connected to a rounded trailer and configured to support the same near the rear end of the trailer. The belly pad may be arcuately curved complementary to the curvature of the rounded trailer. However, if the belly pad were laid flat, it includes a pair of parallel legs aligned in a generally longitudinal direction with a plurality of transverse ribs extending therebetween. The shape of the belly pad is configured to provide structural support for the trailer which is beneficial especially when the trailer is raised and lowered, typically through hydraulic mechanisms.

A cargo detection apparatus installed within a cargo container includes multiple distance sensors and one or more processors in communication with the distance sensors. The distance sensors, which are configured for mounting on or adjacent to a ceiling of the cargo container, generate distance signals. Each distance signal indicates a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container. The one or more processors are operable to execute instructions to compare the distance indicated by each of the distance signals to a distance threshold, and generate a cargo-present indication if the distance is less than the distance threshold. The distance sensors may be laser-ranging time-of-flight sensors or ultrasonic sensors.

A cargo detection apparatus installed within a cargo container includes multiple distance sensors and one or more processors in communication with the distance sensors. The distance sensors, which are configured for mounting on or adjacent to a ceiling of the cargo container, generate distance signals. Each distance signal indicates a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container. The one or more processors are operable to execute instructions to compare the distance indicated by each of the distance signals to a distance threshold, and generate a cargo-present indication if the distance is less than the distance threshold. The distance sensors may be laser-ranging time-of-flight sensors or ultrasonic sensors.

An apparatus for pulling travel trailers is disclosed. The apparatus for pulling a travel trailer includes an extension arm and a frame. One end of the extension arm is connected to a ball coupler, and another end of the extension arm is connected to the frame. The ball coupler is to be rotatably coupled to a gooseneck ball located on a towing truck. The frame includes a hitch ball to be coupled to a hitch ball receptacle from the travel trailer. A pair of mounting arms is extended from the frame, and a pair of clamping brackets is rotatably connected to the pair of mounting arms via a pair of hinges, respectively. The clamping brackets are configured to secure to an A-frame of the travel trailer via a set of pins.

A spread axle assembly for a trailer has the ability to pivot about itself to achieve a storage configuration that advantageously shortens the overall length of the trailer and reduces tire wear. It also has the ability to extend between a close position in which the rear axle of the trail is proximate to its axle and one or more spread or extended positions for better distribution of a load carried by the trailer.

An energy storage vehicle includes a solar cell, a power storage equipment, an engine, a transmission module, an electric motor, a pump, a hydraulic motor, a remote control module, and a generator. The transmission module includes an input terminal, a first output terminal, a first clutch, a second output terminal, and a second clutch. The input terminal of the transmission module is driven by the engine. The power storage equipment is configured to store the electrical energy generated by the solar cell and the generator. The power storage equipment is electrically connected to the first electric motor. The hydraulic motor drives multiple wheels of the energy storage vehicle under the control of the remote control module. The remote control module is configured to control the power output of the hydraulic motor and the orientation of the wheels of the energy storage vehicle.

A weight sensing assembly for a semi-trailer truck enabling balancing of a load includes a sensing module, which is one of a plurality thereof. The sensing modules are mountable to wheels of the semi-trailer truck so that each axle has a sensing module engaged to outside wheels thereof. The sensing module obtains a pressure measurement of a tire engaged to the wheel and transmits it to an electronic device. Programming code on the electronic device enables it to utilize a pressure changes, upon positioning of a load upon the semi-trailer truck, to determine a weight that is positioned upon an associated axle. The electronic device calculates adjustments to positions of a sliding fifth wheel and of sliding tandems of the semi-trailer truck to obtain positions thereof that will achieve a legal weight distribution of the load. The electronic device presents, upon a screen thereof, the adjustments to a user.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.

A semi-trailer is provided, including a wheeled chassis having at least one wheeled axle at a rearward end and a retractable support at a forward end, a body comprising a cargo deck and an underride guard assembly that is movable in response to an upward force applied thereto.