If a load does not fit inside can you drive with the sides pushed up front???If there is a way to secure them???
So explain 'conestoga'...
Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by windsmith, Jan 8, 2013.
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Some have a "Run Open" feature, where you can run with the sides rolled up/pushed up. The only one's I've seen with this are the stepdeck one's tho and not sure if it's even an option on the flatbed kits.
To be honest, a "tarp system" would be great, but for most flat bedders, it is not an option due to the restriction such as height and OS/OD limitations. But if you had a certain type of freight you hauled all the time like Les or Classix, then it is the only way to go. If I ever went into running only steel, I'd have one no doubt.Mattchu Thanks this. -
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I would love to have a Conestoga. I'm on a dedicated local route hauling steel weldments. The entire load is nothing but sharp corners and edges that rip a tarp to shreds if I don't blanket it carefully. I also haul a good bit of shotblasted material, so holes and wet tarps are a worry. I average 300 mi. and 2 outbound loads with 2 backhauls per day. Tarping 4 full loads on a rainy day is a giant pain in the tail. I haven't been able to convince anyone that I really need a conestoga as opposed to merely wanting one for the convenience, but if I keep missing my last stop due to time lost tarping maybe they'll eventually listen.
dannythetrucker Thanks this. -
I love the statement "you can't do OS/OD with a Conestoga"! Really....how many flatbed OD/OS loads do you haul that pay well enough to justify the hassles? What I really hear when someone makes that statement is...I can't afford one (they can easily run $20k+ for just the kit), I'd rather complain then come up with a solution and/or my company (or I) are/is too lazy to handle the details of finding and booking freight for a Conestoga trailer.
Yes, the initial expense of a Conestoga is high. It's a specialized trailer!! Having specialized freight to go inside one is almost a must. However, if you and/or your company puts a value on time, efficiency, health, safety then a Conestoga may be worth the high cost and extra work to operate one. I hope I NEVER have to go back to regular open flatbeds again!
On the topic of running a Conestoga in the open position, it can be done. Here's the catch.......You may have to remove some of the lifter bows to reduce height. I pull a Quick Draw...that's how I'd have to do it. Also you'd have to have the entire system pushed forward so you could secure the kit to the bulkhead. On a Quick Draw that amount of space is approx. 8 feet. You would also have to pull the tarp sections in as well. As for being over width....NOT an issue with a Quick Draw even on a 102" trailer. In fact pulling anything other then a 102" is senseless IMO. A tarping system is looked at by the DOT as part of the trailer........think about a flatbed with fixed winches at the rub rail. They extend further then 102". Also, your side mirrors......They are wider then 102" ONLY freight that exceeds 102" is deemed OD/OS. -
Cetane+ Thanks this.
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round here:
conestoga refers to the "sliding tarp" system . top , side , rear load
curtainside usually refers to the "tautliner" type system. van top and sliding sides. side or rear load only
covered wagon is a flat with a side kit.
been pulling a vango conestoga for years and you are only limited by you or the shippers lack of imagination.Kenworth6969 and windsmith Thank this. -
Your right. curtain side or conestoga is basicly the same thing. minor differences that dont really effect loading.
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Wrong answer.Orangees, johndeere4020, Clasix1055 and 4 others Thank this.
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