48' or 53' What is everyone using?

tire size won't matter, old docks that where built 50 years will be one height, then you have docks that go down an incline and on those you will need to push those rear tandems all the way back, then you have the new docks, there nice and level, but if you can get those 22 inch tire's grab it cause theres alot of 13'6 over passes you will hit, so lower is better, new black top street paved, now that height is 13'5 your trailer will hit that puppy

 

Almost every broker wants a 53ft, also an air-ride will cover all jobs.

 

Huh? Not really.... most all food/produce brokers are quite familiar with 48's and never have an issue with it. Sometimes we run into a broker who wants a 53' but when you remind them that you can fit 22-24 pallets on a 48' too they're cool with it. Now of course you won't be getting the paper towel loads and such because they can and want to fill up a 53'.

 

Okay, good info.
So, what is the best trailer to buy, period. In other words, what trailer will make you the most money; dry, reefer, step, flat,,,,etc.

Thanks and stay safe.

SheepDog

 

I have a 53' reefer. Doesn't cost any more to pull the extra 5 feet and occasionally it does help getting a load albeit pretty rare.

 

Reefer freight tends to keep higher averages according to the reports i have received from Internet Truckstop and Transcore. There are other variables thou fuel mileage with a flat is better and on and on But i think it has to do with your personal preference more than anything, also maybe where your based out of.

 

I would go with a 48 spread axle. Stay with a fixed spread less parts to wear out and easier to keep aligned. With a tandem you have the slider rails and box with pins all that stuff gets wore out and is a pain to deal with.

 

but you had an old stainless spread didn't you? that's where the weight came from

 

how much does 48 ft spread axle weigh? i know 53 ft sliding tandems from great dane and utility are around 14k

 

Those old 51 foot trailers were great,

but you don't see them anymore..........