best stepdeck

How many steel haulers do you anymore running steel trailers?

 

If this is your first trailer buy a decent used combo as they can be bought fairly cheap. If money isn't a object then a full on custom built mac would be sweet.

 

Steel comes in many forms,not just bars,beams and coils.a stepdeck is a specialised trailer,after all the flatbedders delivered their raw materials,companies need a stepdeck to haul the finished product,its pays more and its steel.also theres construction equipment made out of steel and need to be transported(cranes,excavators,boom lifts etc...)and thats what i meant by i takes steel to haul steel.an aluminum flat or stepdeck wont take the abuse of a concentrated load on the rub rail.a coil loaded on an aluminum trailer is supported by the main frame,the frame is designed to hold that kind of weight.now try loading a 45klbs machine with steel tracks from the ground and see what happen to the same trailer.

 

Now I understand what your saying. You should look at some of those fancy macs running around where you live. Cross members on 12, extra braces and so on. Some of those guys seem to do alright but I do understand exactly what your saying.

 

Choosing steel over aluminum is my personal opinion coming from my personal experience,that doesnt mean im right or wrong,its like the argument which engine is better cat or detroit.

 

I've done several 38 - 42k lbs machines with steel tracks from the ground using my ramps to load them on my aluminum deck. Surprisingly the deck takes it well. Where I noticed the most stress is on the end caps that are bolted to the trailer where the ramps attach. I've already had to weld it once after loading a 39.5k paver.

The trailer itself (A Fontaine Infinity Step, rated for 80k lbs of cargo) took the weight and load on the deck very well.

I do agree that I would not want to do these loads on a daily or even regular basis with this type of deck. My loads of choice are rubber tire machines/trucks and various machinery.

I'm 34,400lbs full of fuel with this set up,.. a steal trailer would not allow me to carry the weight. I would need a lighter tractor or drop some gear and just specialize in specific equipment. I'm not currently in a position to do that. My versatility is what has helped me stay profitable. Yes it beats up the trailer. You are right on that account. But for me, its the cost of doing business.

Hurst

 

I have a 48' Lo-Pro spread. I lost fright because I did not have at the time a tri-axle. Don't waste your time with a 48' get a 50' or up to a 53' ,so you can haul containers and you need a lift axle for Ca ( bridge law ). I make around 3$ to 7$ a mile. hauling direct freight and leased to Admiral Merchants. make sure it is steel.