New step deck professional advice and thoughts

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by FLT 76, Oct 12, 2013.

  1. FLT 76

    FLT 76 Bobtail Member

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    FLAT BEDDERS - I am going to be ordering or getting a new step deck to go with new truck - 51 or 53 ft - sliding axle - 22.5 rubber - air ride - etc - out of the 4 or 5 major mfg which one would you think would be the best to do the job - cost the least to maintain - and be worth the most in 4 yrs - of course all used under the same conditions - I know a lot of you have been through this - AND I THANK YOU ALL
     
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  3. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    22.5 rubber on a step???:biggrin_25521:
     
  4. Cluck Cluck

    Cluck Cluck LTL Wizard

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    That's standard equipment
     
  5. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Really?Isn't your step on 19" ?
    From the pictures i have seen off your trailer i got the impression you were on 19".
     
  6. Blind Driver

    Blind Driver Road Train Member

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    My step is 22.5 rubbers with a 40" floor height.
     
    Cheano Thanks this.
  7. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    Mine also is 22.5 rubber at 40-41" floor height.
    You can get stepdecks with 19.5 and 17.5 tires. You'll go thru more tires but can haul taller loads like john deer tractors.

    Ramps are always nice.
    51-53" is better if your truck is over approx. 260" wheel base, don't want to be total lenght over 76' in a few states unless your go with a 48' trailer then total lenght doesn't matter.
    Also container locks is be plus.
    Also you want atleast 40' bottom deck for containers.
    Lift axle is nice also.
    I prefer a combo trailer not all steel. Though all alumium is sweet also for the lighter weight.
     
  8. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    Wow guys I'm learning a lot. Thanks for sharing this wealth of information.

    KH
     
  9. Cluck Cluck

    Cluck Cluck LTL Wizard

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    Mine is on 19.5 rubber 37" deck standard is 22.5
     
  10. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    I prefer wood and steel for a step deck. Some shippers won't load an aluminum deck. It isn't a problem for the most part. It really depends on what you plan on hauling. Aluminum is lighter, but that isn't always a major consideration. Wood will require some maintenance, such as treating the wood once or twice a year or your deck won't last as long. You will find that most step decks run 255/22.5 tires.
     
  11. kwloo

    kwloo Medium Load Member

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    tire size depends on what you are hauling. If its ag equipment - then I would go with 17.5s. The low deck means you are less likely to drop air in the implement tires, therefore less likely for sidewall cracking, beads popping off and implement rims bouncing holes in your deck. Drawback is tirewear, harder to get your bar in the ratchets and those low running lights are hard to se e(especially if you have 25 straps blocking them) when backing up until you get some angle.
    If height isn't critical then go with a higher tire. I prefer a front axle spread because that is what works for my areas. Those California spreads look like you should have hydralic legs on the back when loading/unloading. Some areas will only give you 20k lbs on a 10' spread so you may need to close them up.
    I'm always amazed at the asking price of used Reitnouers. It appears they hold their value but asking and selling can be quite different. I like the tie down rails on the Reitnouers, plus the pop ups and the shiney hiney. My loads are lighter so I often use every inch of the 53' whether the step or the flatbed.
    If you run in the rust belt then make sure you have TPMS. Not often you see people crawling under a step to check tire pressure
     
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