Looking to purchase a Step deck trailer.

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by UltraZero, Oct 25, 2014.

  1. UltraZero

    UltraZero Medium Load Member

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    Good evening. I am looking at purchasing a step deck trailer.

    What I want is a USED 53' hybrid trailer. aluminum wheels, min 2 side boxes, (Maybe?) coil package, twist locks for 20/40' containers, 40+ foot well. Ramps, dunage rack. Oh yeah, sliding rear axles for California and Canada.

    Is this something that is hard to find used??

    I have not had any luck. Was thinking I was looking in the wrong places. I have been looking for about a month now with no such luck.


    Thanks
     
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  3. barroll

    barroll Road Train Member

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    With all the little things you're looking for in it, it's going to be hard to find what you want. You'd be better off just looking for something that can cover the kingpin law, then add on what you need. Everything you want is a bolt on/weld on part, and the sliding axles just happen to be the most expensive/difficult to retrofit.
     
  4. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    I own a 53' step deck that I bought new. I spoke with the people from whom I purchased it new and was told that it is difficult to find a 53' step deck. I have the container locks you mentioned as well as the sliding rear axle. According to my old dealer most people hold on to those trailers. Other than the floor, mine has held up very well. You might be as well off to buy new. Used step decks really hold their resale value. I paid $30,000 new. The dealer told me than mine is still worth up to $24,000.
     
    dannythetrucker Thanks this.
  5. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    I've been looking for a 48/102. Found quite a few, none have all the extras I want. 48s are pretty common nationwide: if I'm having trouble, I'd imagine finding a 53 with even more options yet is tough. What's the reason to go used? As stated, they hold value well: so big down payment and monthly $ on a new one may be better long term.
     
  6. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    A friend of mine bought a step deck similar to mine a couple of years ago. His was a 2004. He paid $17,000 or $18,000 for it. I don't think he had tool boxes. He also didn't have ramps. He did have a sliding rear axle. 53' steps do hold their value very well. If I do upgrade to something new, I might go with a 3 axle with a lift instead of a 2 axle spread. Having container locks has come in handy on several occasions. I rarely haul containers on my step, but when I do, it is really great having the locks. I probably haul more machinery and equipment than other types of freight.
     
  7. Cluck Cluck

    Cluck Cluck LTL Wizard

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    That's a very specific trailer.
     
  8. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    I bought it to do some specific type of hauling. The way it is set up the trailer is very versatile.
     
  9. UltraZero

    UltraZero Medium Load Member

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    Interestingly enough, I think 48 foot flat beds are much easier to drive. Not o mention, step decks make me a little nervous due to the lower bottom. I get the feeling one must be careful with them. Maybe I am thinking about low boys. Railroad crossings and certain Weigh stations give me butterflies. I don't want to bottom out nor get hung up. Has anyone experienced these problems??

    Also, regardng my search, I agree. buying new seems to be the ticket, although I didn't think I wanted to have to come up with that kind of bread. I was trying to put away for a heavy haul truck and a low boy trailer several years down the road.

    Also, I don't know how easy it is to setup a trailer after it is built for twist locks.

    Thanks
     
  10. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    I've got a 53' Fontaine step. Its a 2012 and has been holding up pretty well. I dont think they are that bad. A little on the heavy side and the trailer does twist on uneven terrain more then I think it should. But it carries weight pretty good.

    46k lb coil. Despite its modest size,.. I think this was one of the most stressful things I ever hauled on this trailer and it handled it well.
    [​IMG]

    .


    I was pulling a 2002 48' Transcraft and I hated that trailer, the rear axle always locked up braking when empty, I adjust my own brakes and short of backing them off completely, they always locked up.

    I then pulled a 48' all Aluminum Benson,.. loved it. Empty you hardly knew it was back there. Then got a 2013 53' Fontaine Infinity for a few weeks before finally spending the last year with the step I have now.

    Hurst
     
  11. UltraZero

    UltraZero Medium Load Member

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    I've pulled a 48 foot transcraft trailer which had twist lock connectors on it. I use to move generally lots of containers on it. Easy. Load and go. A few straps on the container for the customer, but, didn't do anything for Mr. DOT. LOL...

    I hear the transcraft are know as transcrap trailers. The trailers were older hybrid trailers. Wooden deck. The trailers IMO never hauled more than 35K. I have a fountain trailer now. Everything works on it, but, I have noticed it is a little touchy when empty. Same issue with brakes. Got to be careful. The deck has a few holes in it. (Minor ones) but, I mostly hate the fact
    the company specs the trailers with not enough strap spools and I have to purchase ratchet straps. I think Ratchet straps are good for loads that don't require a lot of tension on them. I don't think the force can be placed on these straps like on a spool. Anyway, I abasically am either forced to buy more flat hook straps or buy spools an put them on the trailer which I don't want to do because if I do it, I'm sure I'll forget if I need to trade the trailer in and someone else will enjoy additions to the trailer.

    I don't really want to pull a 53 footer, but, if it allows me to be more flexible in getting loads, so be it. 48 footers work fine. No issues in California, but, unless the axles can be put closer together, I can't take more then 20K in certain areas of Canada.

    There always has to be some stupid restriction...

    California, Canada. Must be a C thing.

    BTW Nice trailer. what are the rating of the ramps? Do Step deck trailers have a bow in the back like flat bed trailers??
     
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