What is a Bobtail? Is it just the cab of a tractor-trailor? This question refers to some hotels which permit Bobtails only. What is this? - Jinx
Bobtail trucks are smaller trucks than full-blown tractor-trailer combination.
Here’s a picture of a bobtail truck: http://www.jarco.com/
Here’s a computer model of a cargo bobtail: http://www.midtownmotors.co.uk/vehicles/b/bobtail_truck/bobtailtruck.php
I expect the hotels just don’t want bigger trucks in their lot.
Bob tailing is driving a semi truck without the trailer.
At least it used to be when Dad did it for over 40 years.
I worked at a trucking company for several years, ending earlier this year. All the truckers there used justwannano’s definition of “bobtail.”
Example: “Bobtail over to Jimbob’s Manufacturing and pick up that trailer.”
Consider the origin: any flatbed, pickup, delivery van, tanker, dump truck, etc. will have at least some portion of the cargo section extending back behind the rear axles. The tractor of a tractor-(semi)trailer ends at the rear wheels. Its tail is bobbed (meaning gone).
Hmmm. Considering the hotel signs mentioned elsewhere, this clarifies something I saw at a hotel this year. There was an empty lot next door with a few trailers in it and, as I watched, a truck pulled in, unhooked the trailer, and then pulled into the hotel.