We have been hauling grain for a few months and we see that it will peter out by June. Want to pick up a flatbed and start running small loads locally and to adjoining states on 24-36 hour runs. Perhaps pick a lane to concentrate on - say STL to KC, STL to CHI or such. See some loads on the spot market that look a whole bunch better that what we are making on grain. Got our eye on a older East all aluminum flatbed - 1996. 45x96, with chain pockets and a coil kit. Owner is retiring or it would not be for sale. Very clean, good arch, no broken welds. Has a bulkhead. Has all of the rigging that the owner says goes with the trailer. Has a couple of old tarps that probably need replaced. He used to haul coils out of Granite City. Price is good based on comparisons on truckpaper. We can afford it just fine. Other option is to lease. There are some pretty good leases for between $250 and $750 on new trailers either in STL or CHI. 48x102 steel trailers or combos, mostly transcraft or fontaine. Would have to purchase rigging. Can't swing a new loan at this time so those are our options. How important is ABS on a skate? What would you do starting out?
Abs is nothing but a bucket of problems. The computer on my new great dane died within the first year. Off the top of my head I can't remember when trailers were required to have abs but it's in the green book. I'm pretty sure a 1996 would need to have it.
1997 for trucks and later for trailers. I don't know why 2003 sticks at n my mind. Might be the little abs light.
Trailers manufactured after March 1, 1998 is the ABS date, IIRC. This trailer does not have it. There are additional dates for enhancements, such as the one where it uses the stop signal if the abs power stops working.
45 foot is fine, especially for heavy concentrated loads. The only thing that I am not sure of is will the inner bridge still allow you to gross 80,000 pounds?
Ok. For some reason I was thinking 80s. I need all my brain cells for other stuff lol. I think you're really smart for buying used what you can afford though and not having a loan hanging over you.
ABS is not important in my opinion. A 45x96 is good for steel. That's about all anymore. I had a 48x102 east. It was a good trailer. Fontaine also makes a quality trailer. Transcraft? Eh, I'm not a big fan. Lots of em on the road though. I had a 48x96 Ravens too. Never had any problems loading a 96 wide. Except stuff like mulch, but it's cheap and I wouldn't haul it anyhow.
I'd go buy it. A 45/96 will accommodate the VAST majority of loads; even in this world of "gotta be 53/102" Being debt free will outweigh any possible downside; this will get you into the market and serve you for a few years
