A truck is a large vehicle designed to transport cargo.
Trucks vary greatly in size, from smaller trucks, almost like cars, to specialized, custom-built cargo hauling trucks.
There are 4 main sections on any truck. This guide aims to briefly review each of them.
cab
The cabin is where the driver sits, it is an enclosed space. Some trucks have a space behind the cab where the driver can rest while not driving, this is called a bedroom. There are 3 types of cab design, these are cab over engine (COE), cab next to engine (CBE) and conventional cabs.
Most of the COE trucks are in and around Europe, as the length is strictly regulated. The driver sits in the cab above the engine.
North America has the highest concentration of conventional taxis. The driver sits behind the engine like most car drivers.
Trucks with a cab next to the engine tend to operate in special conditions, for example, dump trucks have CBE designs.
Engine
Most trucks use four-stroke diesel engines. These engines have a turbocharger and an aftercooler. Some small and medium trucks may also use gasoline engines.
drive train
Smaller trucks will use transmissions similar to cars and SUVs, however most large trucks will use a manual transmission without a synchronizer. This type of transmission requires the driver to double-clutch when upshifting or downshifting, but it saves weight in the overall design of the truck.
frame
A truck frame, sometimes known as a ladder frame, consists of 2 parallel steel beams joined by cross members. They are almost always steel, although some trucks have aluminum to save weight.
Although trucks will vary between countries and even between manufacturers, the list above gives you a brief summary of the anatomy of a truck.