Question on a Flatbed trailer?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by tnpete, Mar 31, 2020.

  1. tnpete

    tnpete Medium Load Member

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    Being I have never owned a Ravens Aluminum Flatbed trailer. Or for that matter any aluminum flatbed. Can someone tell me if I'm guessing right on this one? That all the arch is gone out of it? I see them and there humped up in the middle when Empty. But this one for sale looks more like my Steel built trailer.
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    [​IMG]Click For Full-Size Image.
    Also would not be hauling heavy on it anyway. AS what I'm looking for, is 42 to 45ft Aluminum trailer to pull with a single axle tractor.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2020
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  3. FoolsErrand

    FoolsErrand Road Train Member

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    Look for cracks and plates at the 5th wheel and under the spread. All ours are repaired and they definitely flatten under a belly load. Ravens AL spreads.
     
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  4. FoolsErrand

    FoolsErrand Road Train Member

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    Also see if the welds are broke on the spreader bars for the trail arm bushing mount. Ive welded all them too.

    Still making money, just par for the course.
     
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  5. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Its not good to have that tank against the forward bulkhead. Its nothing but foam and posts, The arch has gone out of that one to a certain degree.

    The one I had was designed to accept 52000 on the middle marker which should be in the area of that spare tire rack in the middle. 20 feet span for that weight.

    You want to eyeball under that deck all welds along both rails of the frame and at the spreads back there. Also check every pull up chain in the deck at both edges front to back. Those trailers should have a arch when carrying nothing on the deck.

    If it was a steel fontaine for example there is no arch. And those would be heavier and take less weight for payload onto the deck against 80000 pounds limit.
     
  6. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    Thats how they are made, it will not have any sway to the side when you get on a off camber road, but look at the bolts that run thru frame at axles for bad repairs?
     
  7. FoolsErrand

    FoolsErrand Road Train Member

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    If it has hauled a lot of coils itll usually be cracked at the forward spread mount starting from the crossmembers downward. And the popup plates will crack away from the ends of the crossmembers theyre welded too. Youll see it from underneath looking outward.
     
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  8. tnpete

    tnpete Medium Load Member

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    Thanks guys, this one I have not looked at yet. As its so wet, could not get it out for a few weeks anyway. It was used to haul rock slabs in. To be turned into headstones.
    Guy has no use for it now. As he is no longer hauling his own in anymore. Tires are 80% on it and its 42' long. Know most want a 48 or better these days. But I'm trying to be an odd ball.
     
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  9. FoolsErrand

    FoolsErrand Road Train Member

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    Youre hittin close to home now. Im a TN quarry hauler running ravens.

    42 is okay for coils, palletized stone, brick block etc. since its so heavy you can never cover a 48 deck. but short for slabs unless theyre very thick.. I have a hard time maxing out weight with a 48 while loading thinner slab from end to end.

    42 may be long enough for hardwood loads if you dont run a headboard but its awful short for lighter stuff like pine lumber, insulation, rebar, OSB, hardieboard or steel mesh. Those have always took all of a 48 for me. I guess hardieboard they could stack higher if a broker would book it.

    Are you gonna be dedicated or spot market?
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2020
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  10. tnpete

    tnpete Medium Load Member

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    Most will be Dedicated, and bulk stuff. But at the same time, only use 20ft of the deck 95% of the time. That is the reason of going with a 42ft trailer. Every week will be the same stuff, but a time of so on coming back. The trailer may cause an issue. But the guy is doing it now with a 40ft Gooseneck and 3500 pickup. But I will not try to sleep in a pickup. When I have a sleeper truck.
    Back haul will be around 15,000 lbs. And its all within 18ft of floor space. If this works out, I may even go so far as mounting a Conestoga kit on the trailer. As the items do have to be in the dry. Can be upwards of 2 to 7 drops per trip also. So lots of tarp moving.
    Also I can't see spending $20K for a air ride Goose neck trailer. When I can buy a used flatbed for way less. And have way more trailer. I would have to set the bed off my T600. But that only take a few hours. And then put fenders and a light bar on the back.
     
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  11. FoolsErrand

    FoolsErrand Road Train Member

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    Having known freight and established contacts makes a short trailer not so crazy at all.. Sounds like youll be fine.

    Now a guy who just got his CDL, his truck, his authority, his loadboard, and a 42... Oh boy. Tough times ahead.
     
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