Charging cable for truck and semi-trailer – safe power supply between tractor unit, trailer and tail lift
The charging cable is the live connecting element between tractor unit and trailer or semi-trailer and ensures the central power supply for safety-relevant consumers. It feeds not only ABS and EBS systems and the trailer lighting, but also the tail lift on the semi-trailer – without an intact charging cable, the tail lift cannot be reliably operated in trailer service. In this category you will find charging cables for the typical voltage levels 12 V and 24 V, matching plug systems, coiled cables and connecting elements for continuous use on trucks and commercial vehicles. At SULEJ Ladebordwand, decades of experience in maintenance and repair flow directly into the selection of these components – for stable voltage supply, low transition losses and reliable operation even under harsh conditions.
Function on the tractor-semitrailer combination and connection to the tail lift
A charging cable transports the current from the on-board power supply of the tractor unit to the trailer or semi-trailer. On semi-trailers with tail lift, the tail lift is supplied with energy via a dedicated, sufficiently dimensioned supply line. This line connects the tractor's battery via fuses, isolating relays and matching plug connectors to the supply input on the semi-trailer and continues from there to the control box and hydraulic power pack of the tail lift. A correctly dimensioned charging cable keeps voltage drop low and thus secures full pump performance when raising and lowering the platform.
Designs, cross-sections and plug systems
Charging cables are manufactured in various designs to meet the different requirements in tractor-trailer operation. Common are fixed lines for on-board distribution within the vehicle, flexible coiled cables as a connecting line between tractor unit and semi-trailer, as well as pre-assembled versions with plug connectors according to common standards.
The cross-section of the individual cores is decisive: for tail lift supply on the semi-trailer, significantly larger cross-sections are typically used than for the normal trailer charging cable, in order to cover the high current demand of the hydraulic pump without significant voltage drop. Robust sheath materials such as PUR or oil-resistant special compounds protect the cores against mechanical stress, road salt and weather influences, while tinned copper conductors keep the contact resistance at clamping and plug points low. In addition, cable protective sleeves and spiral tension compensators are used.
