Details are given of recent trends in tanker design including innovations which have failed. The latest design developed by bp and charles roberts engineering has a deep tank right to the back and is run on 19.5in wheels. Coupled to a 320 hp cummins engined three axletandem-steer erf tractor weighting 7.47 tonnes, it has enough capacity to gross 40 tonnes in train. Features include an aa5454 aluminium shell with curved flanks resistant to buckling, a 5.3 tonne semi-trailer and more efficient distribution of metal. It has a stepped profile and overall height 375mm lower than conventional types. With small wheels and low profile 265/70 goodyear tyres, the centre of gravity is 1144mm empty and 1603mm loaded. The centre of gravity is also shifted forwards and the overall roll stiffness improved. Stability at the tractor bogie has benefitted from development of the hendrickson norde rubber-sandwich suspension with a widening of the springbase. It is suggested that the use of 19.5in wheels could be more widespread and although this would lead to a requirement for 19.5in tractor wheels as well, this could be advantageous.
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