Is the TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator an alternative to TrailerWIN?
Is the TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator an alternative to TrailerWIN? https://truckscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TruckScience-vs-TrailerWIN-1024x372.jpg 1024 372 TruckScience https://truckscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TruckScience-vs-TrailerWIN-1024x372.jpgWe’re often asked if our Axle Weight Calculator is an alternative to TrailerWIN. Here we address some of the similarities and differences between the 2 programs, as we understand them.
How TruckScience and TrailerWIN are similar
As with TrailerWIN, one can use TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator to calculate truck axle weight distribution, bridge formula, optimal payload, multiple point loads, diminishing load curve, turning circle and cab tilt arc.
Axle weight distribution / Axle load calculator
In addition to limits imposed by manufacturer’s ratings, and in the interests of protecting roads and road users, most jurisdictions impose limits on individual truck axles (Gross Axle Weight Rating), as well as Gross Combined Weight Rating, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, etc.
Use pre-loaded vehicle specifications, or create a vehicle from templates within the program, to calculate distribution of weight – including curb or kerb weight, weight of body & ancilliary equipment (crane, fridge, taillift, etc.) and payload – over the axles of the truck and/or trailers.
Designs are checked against axle weight limits
Designs are automatically checked against legislative limits which are pre-set in the program. The legislative checks that are carried out are concerned with areas including weight distribution, overhangs, corner distance and turning circle.
Designs are checked against chosen legislation
Bridge formula (or Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula)
Bridge formula is necessary to prevent heavy vehicles from damaging roads and bridges. A truck with a shorter wheelbase can cause more wear and tear on bridges because its weight is concentrated in a smaller area and therefore can cause more stress on bridge members.
Bridge formula does not reduce axle load allowances, rather Gross Vehicle Weights (GVW), which can affect load distribution and actual axle weights. Designs are checked against Bridge Formula legislation where applicable.
Bridge Formula applied to calculations where applicable
Optimal payload
Optimise the dimensions of the truck body or trailer and calculate the optimal maximum payload carryable.
Optimal payload for the design is calculated on the fly
Multiple point loads
Graphically plan a multiple point load, for example when carrying a palletised load or steel coils, etc. Move load items forward or backward to correct overloading of a particular axle.
Multiple point load
Deloading Curve or Diminishing load curve
The Diminishing Load Curve demonstrates how the weight distribution over the axles changes as a load is offloaded from the rear of the truck or trailer. In some cases, a truck that started its journey in a legal state becomes overloaded on the front axle if part of the load is offloaded from the rear of the truck.
Diminishing load curve
Turning Circle / Turning Radius
The turning circle or turning radius of a truck denotes the smallest circular turn that the vehicle is capable of making. This calculated circle is compared to the largest turning circle allowable by the relevant jurisdiction’s legislation. Customers with space restrictions in their parking areas are also interested in these figures.
Truck turning Circle
Cab tilt arc
Use this measurement to ensure that there is sufficient clearance between the cab and the fridge unit when the cab is tilted.
Cab tilt arc
Available Configurations
The following are the truck and trailer types which are supported by both programs:
Truck Configurations
- dual-axle / 4×2 / 4×4
- standard triple-axle / six-wheeler / 6×2 / 6×4 / 6×6
- standard four-axle / eight-wheeler / 8×4 twin steer
- eight-wheeler with triple bogie / 8×4 single steer
- five-axle (ten-wheeler) truck
Available axle layouts
Trailer Configurations
TruckScience and TrailerWIN allow you to configure truck and trailer combinations with 1 or 2 trailers
- drawbar trailers with 2, 3, 4 (2+2 or 1+3) or 5 axles
- pup (single-axle or centre-axle) trailers, with single axle, dual-axle or triple-axle bogie
- semitrailers with 1 – 4 axles
- 1, 2 or 3 axle interlink trailer (for B-double combination)
Database
Both programs include a database of vehicles & standard equipment, as well as legislations to be applied to the calculations.
Database of vehicle specifications
How TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator and TrailerWIN are different
Users
Our user feedback suggests that TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator is very usable by non-engineers, while TrailerWIN is more suitable for engineers.
Technology Platform
TrailerWIN is a desktop application, whereas TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator is available online.
Data Addition
TrailerWIN provides comprehensive data updates on a regular basis, whereas TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator adds vehicle, trailer, body and equipment data on request, and they become available to the user immediately thereafter.
Cost
There is no upfront cost associated with TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator. The annual cost of TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator is €432.
Advanced Features
TrailerWIN has some advanced features that are not available in TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator, such as Stability calculations and Load Curve.
– Stability Calculations
Stability calculations are provided by CraneWIN, an add-on to TrailerWIN, at additional cost. This program calculates the static stability of vehicles with extended vehicle cranes.
– Load Curve
TrailerWIN’s Load Curve calculates the maximum payload achievable with the COG (center of gravity) at various points along the deck.
– Turning Calculations
TrailerWIN caters for complicated turning calculations with an additional add-on, CornerWIN. This add-on is available at an additional cost.
Export File Types
TruckScience calculations can be shared as TruckScience (.tsc) files or exported to PDF for sharing with non-users of the program.
TrailerWIN calculations are additionally save-able in DXF format, for use in CAD programs such as AutoCAD, as well as .BMP bitmap graphics image file format and .TXT text files.
Language Support
TrailerWIN is currently available in many European languages, while TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator is currently available in English only.
Have we missed anything?
As with most things, there is no perfect solution, but a best solution for you. We provide this guide with the best intentions, in order to inform your decision when choosing an axle load calculator. Please TruckScience get in touch if you have anything further to add to this discussion, for the benefit of anyone who may be evaluating TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator and TrailerWIN for use in their organisation.
Try TruckScience for yourself
If you’d like to use TruckScience Axle Weight Calculator, please sign up for a trial on the right of this page and we will send you login details immediately. Alternatively, email us or call +353 98 39130 to request a callback.
