Step deck lift for docks?

I've backed up quite a few of them when I pulled drop deck vans hauling auto parts

 

That's what those do? SOB! I used to do grocery delivery (beer) and used to almost loose pallets all the time when I hit the speed jump of a dock plate! Makes sense since the refer trailers seem to always be higher up and thats the height of their dock.

 

Are they called power packers? Looking for something that would work for drop deck 53’ trailers to back into docks and get to dock height.

 

Have you tried to load a step at a dock before? I’m sure there are taller docks but I can get level with most floors by using the overinflation system.
Before Overinflated
Honestly both heights would work for most loads.

 

I’ve only heard them called dock levelers. Here is a picture I took of a trailer we were selling that shows the levelers.

One thing is that most of these traveling axle trailers are already setup and have the brackets to accept the jacks. I’ve never seen a standard step deck setup to accept them, so it would likely require some fab work to get them mounted. Another issue is how you are going to power them. These traveling axle trailers already have hydraulics, so you just tap into the existing system. I would say an electric 12v pump would work. They are also kind of expensive. I bought a set to retrofit a Landoll, and I think the price was around $6,000, and this was a trailer that already was already setup to accept them, I would say the price could go well over $10k if you have to make the mounts and hire somebody to do it. One last thing is weight, I think the set I ordered shipped at around 1,500lbs, and that’s not including something to power them. I say all this to say that unless you are needing to get to a dock fairly often, it’s probably not worth it.

 

If you carry ramps you can put them on the ground and back the trailer axles on top of them to be dock height. In most cases however it’s not even necessary if it’s a regular step with 22.5 wheels.