Trailer frame rail suspension for electric and hybrid transport

A tractor-trailer vehicle arrangement having a trailer with an articulation coupling at a forward end of the trailer and a plurality of wheels on respective axles at a rearward end, the trailer having longitudinal frame members for engagement with a wheeled suspension, and a slide frame undercarriage device, wherein the slide frame undercarriage device comprises:

• a pair of elongated parallel rails, the elongated parallel rails having a spacing based on an alignment with the longitudinal frame members on an underside of the trailer;
• a suspension assembly adapted to receive one or more axle assemblies, each axle assembly having opposed wheels adapted for road transport;
• an attachment between the elongated parallel rails and the suspension assembly, the attachment transferring a load from the trailer to the axle assemblies;
• and a containment area suspended from a forward extension of the elongated parallel rails on a forward side of the suspension assembly, the containment area adapted to receive and support an electrical storage device disposed across a width of the elongated parallel rails and connected to a vehicle-based load.