The present invention concerns a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic pump (130) installed on a truck tractor (10), a hydraulic pipe (160) connected to the outlet of the pump (130) and a connector (170) positioned at the outlet of the pipe (160) and designed to be connected to a complementary socket (180) provided on a trailer (20) in order to supply a ram (110) positioned on the trailer, for example for tipping purposes, characterised by the fact that it comprises a circuit selector (210) designed to connect said socket (180) selectively either to a ram (110) or a conduit (220) supplying a drive assistance circuit and an assistance circuit return conduit (250) designed to be connected to a tank (120) positioned on the truck tractor.

A single axle dolly vehicle unit for a heavy duty vehicle combination, the dolly vehicle unit comprising an electrical energy source arranged to power at least one electric machine configured to drive left and right wheels of the single axle, the dolly vehicle unit further comprising a drawbar and a fifth wheel connection for mating with first and second trailer units, respectively, wherein the fifth wheel connection is arranged to be adjusted in height over ground by a variable height suspension system, the dolly vehicle unit further comprising a control unit arranged to control the variable height suspension system.

A flatbed, step-deck, double-drop deck, or lowboy trailer assembly comprises a plurality of metal crossmembers extending in a transverse direction of the trailer assembly; a metal deck supported by the plurality of crossmembers, the metal deck having an upper deck surface and a lower deck surface; and a pair of parallel wooden boards extending in a longitudinal direction of the trailer assembly proximate respective laterally opposite sides of the trailer assembly. Each wooden board in the pair of wooden boards is located in a respective recessed portion of the metal deck. The lower deck surface is situated between and separates a lower surface of each wooden board from the plurality of metal cross members. The lower deck surface is welded to the plurality of crossmembers.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a truck, a tractor unit, a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, at a tandem, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

An apparatus for a trailer is provided that has a top fairing configured for being mounted to a top surface of the trailer at a location closer to the back of the trailer than the front of the trailer. The trailer has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a vertical direction. First and second side fairings are also included and are configured for being mounted to respective first and second side surfaces of the trailer. Additionally, first and second trailer skirts are configured for being carried by the trailer and are part of the apparatus. First and second trailer rear skirts are likewise included and are located rearward of the first and second trailer skirts. The combination of components provides aerodynamic benefit to the trailer.

A compartment for storing fuel in a vehicle having a protective outer structure and an inner structure. The protective outer structure is maintained in position relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. The inner structure, which holds fuel, is positioned in the outer structure. The inner structure is maintained in position relative to the outer structure and relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. During an impact to the vehicle, the inner structure is configured to move independent of the outer structure.

A propulsion arrangement for a self-powered dolly vehicle unit, the propulsion arrangement comprising a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a gearbox, and an open differential for driving first and second wheels of a driven axle, wherein the first and second electric machines are arranged in parallel and connected to the open differential via the gearbox at respective gear ratios.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a truck, a tractor unit, a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, at a tandem, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

A transportation refrigeration system including: a transportation refrigeration unit; an energy storage device configured to provide electrical power to the transportation refrigeration unit; an electric generation device operably connected to at least one of a wheel and a wheel axle of the transport refrigeration system, the electric generation device being configured to generate electrical power from at least one of the wheel and the wheel axle to charge the energy storage device when the electric generation device is activated; a rotational velocity sensor configured to detect a rotational velocity of the electric generation device; and a power management module in electrical communication with the energy storage device, the electric generation device, and the rotational velocity sensor, wherein the power management module is configured to decrease a torque limit of the electric generation device when the rotational velocity of the electric generation device decelerates greater than a selected deceleration.

A drive train for installation in a vehicle chassis includes a power source, two motor/generators (M/Gs), an array of batteries, and a control system for configuring the drive train to operate using only the power source, only the batteries or a combination of the power source and batteries. The control system may open or close clutches to configure the drive train with each M/G working as a motor or a generator. A M/G working as a motor may use power from the batteries to supply rotational power to drive the vehicle or operate accessories on the vehicle. A M/G working as a generator coupled to a power source generates electric power for charging the array of batteries. The vehicle, including components and subsystems, may be powered electrically from the batteries or powered from the engine.