Riiko T34

At a length of 11,150 mm and a width of 2,550 mm, the T 38 is a comparatively compact trailer for its weight class. An unladen weight of 7,700 kg against a payload of around 30,300 kg gives a ratio typical of heavy trailers, with payload making up around four-fifths of the gross weight. The 2020 build year makes the T 38 a comparatively young design, already built to current brake regulations for class O4.

A towing combination with a trailer of this weight requires a category CE licence. The compressed-air brake system must be matched to the towing vehicle and is checked at the periodic roadworthiness inspection together with the lighting and the trailer coupling. In such a compact, high-payload trailer, the load concentrates on a comparatively short chassis length, calling for sturdy axles and a correspondingly sized brake system.

For a trailer from the 2020 build year, buying used means looking first at operating hours and load intensity, since even a young vehicle can show heavy wear on axles and brakes if run constantly near its payload limit. Tyres and brake linings should be checked for even wear, and the frame for signs of overload around the axle mounts. Spare parts for a trailer of this build year are usually readily available from the manufacturer or independent commercial-vehicle parts dealers.