Trucking in North America vs around the world

Due to their restrictive Weight limits,US Trailers are (mostly) Aluminium which a lot softer/flexible than Steel hence the Need for Large Camber set into the Trailer.

Here in Australia Trailers are Steel & mostly only have about 75mm (3") Camber, But you can substantially overload them & the Camber won't alter at all.......

 

More fake news....?

 

Compared to ............?

 

what would be normal dead weight for flatbed trailer in AU?
also what kind of spec, length, tyre size, suspension type, trailer hook on back, headboard, type of floor, brake type, wheel material....

 

200lbs save on gearbox is impressive, most used gearbox on MB road tractors weights 538lbs dry , stronger model 639lbs

 

Anywhere from 7000kg for a lightweight Steel carting Spec up to 8500kg. for a heavy duty Roadtrain trailer with Container Pins.

Have a read here..

https://www.trucksales.com.au/items/details/2020-freighter-st3/OAG-AD-18661213/?Cr=24

https://www.trucksales.com.au/items...-flat-deck-semi-trailer/OAG-AD-16734781/?Cr=4

 

Great Question...

 

My family's flatbed of choice.

Trailers - Reitnouer Trailers

 

here such trailers are not common at all. here we dont have weight problems and more or less curtainsider covers all jobs you typically do with flatbed.
they have headboard in any case, this is probably impossible to buy without.

if i am in market to buy one i would look for this:
-external rail with lashing points every 4inch
-rings on floor for load every 30inch some of them can be 2,5t some 5t or stronger
-trailer should have slots for timber stacks, 8 on each side, they should be able to go in by 22inch and extend by 22inch, so you can load wide steel mesh as well
-pockets for pillars inserts, you need at least 30 of them at various location on trailer
-container locks for 2x20ft
-hinges for sideboards and side pillars, in case you load bricks and similar things
-extendable console on back 5ft (if you load steel in italy, it cannot hang back of trailer).
-reinforced crossmembers and floor
-selfsteering rear axle
-stowage space underneath for equipment