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7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo

The WWII-vintage 7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo (also called Semitrailer, 7-Ton, Combination Stake and Platform) is a two-wheel general cargo utility vehicle having dual tires. A spare wheel and tire is carried on a bracket attached to the front of the body. A retracting--type landing gear is attached to the frame, and is operated by a worm screw and hand crank, which is located on the right center side. Auxiliary supports are attached to both sides of the frame forward. The body, which is mounted on a steel frame, is of the open-top panel type, with a maximum payload of 14,000 pounds. The frame is carried on a one-piece axle through a slip-end, semi-elliptical spring suspension. Two combination blackout tail and stop lights are installed on the rear.

The braking for the trailer is done by means of internal expanding (Duo Servo), vacuum-operated power brakes, located on each of the inner dual wheels. The brakes are controlled through the tractor-trailer brake linkage system by an operating valve located on the tractor and operated by the driver through foot pedal or hand brake.

The 7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo is towed by a 2 1/2-ton tractor-truck equipped with a fifth wheel coupling. The upper fifth wheel for this coupling, consisting of a plate and kingpin, is attached to the front end of the trailer.

The 7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo was manufactured by multiple companies during World War II, with a different Ordnance Supply Catalog G number for each, including these:

  • Edwards Iron Works (G-544)
  • W. C. Nabors Company (G-546) Model 2-GC
  • Highway Trailer Company (G-572 and G-596)
  • Gramm Motor Truck & Trailer Corp. (G-595)
  • Carter Mfg. Co. (G-597)
  • Whitehead & Kales (G-598)

The differences among the models are very small; all these trailers have the same outward appearance. Both wood and steel beds were produced. Some of the trailers have tubular axles, while model 2-GC has a solid, rectangular axle. There are small variations in maintenance and loading procedures, depending on manufacturer, noted in the Operator's Manual.

7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo Characteristics

Length, over-all (not including spare) 198 in.
Width, over-all 91 1/2 in.
Height, over-all 94 in.
Height of bed, ampty 51 1/2 in.
Height of bed, loaded 48 1/4 in.
Weight of vehicle, empty 5,530 Ib
Weight of vehicle, loaded 19,530 Ib
Ground clearance, minimum 14 in.
Max speed, surfaced road 45 mph

Table data from TM 9-882, 11 June 1943.

The Technical Manual for the 7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo is TM 9-882.

7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo Photo Gallery

7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo. Photo from TM 9-882
7-Ton Semitrailer, Panel Cargo. Photo from TM 9-882.