48' or 53' What is everyone using?

Depends on the specs....my 48 Utility weighs 15500 when the unit is on it...deduct 1800 lbs without

 

They have a brand new 48' flatbed sitting out front of the Great Dane dealer in N. Little Rock that says 9,800 lbs!

 

My neighbor just bought a brand new 53' Dane last week. He had a 53' dry box before and I asked him why he switched and his answer was "now I can haul more freight, and still do the same dry van loads as well. Plus the refer on the nose helps with aerodynamics" He runs a midroof Pete so that made sense to me. Plus now he can haul the high paying dry van loads to FL and get some descent produce coming back out. Same with AZ and the west coast.

 

A good schnauble will make some good $$$...



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that's funny... every fridge i've ever hooked to droped my fuel mileage. And i've hooked to alot of them.

 

I want those high paying dry van loads to Florida... I do better leaving than going in.... maybe that's Florida's way of getting rid of me!

 

I am looking for a reefer also, and I am torn on the whole '48 or '53 issue. I think on my outbound loads I would be just fine with a '48. But, looking at load boards for return freight I am finding a fair number of loads calling for a '53. I like to run a lot of out and back, and stay somewhat regional. I really want a '48 spread, but, that chance of missing a good reload has me thinking a '53 is best. Is there a right answer?

I also have found a trailer that is '48 closed tandem. I like the thought of this one from a maneuverability standpoint, especially since I have a longer truck. Also, it has low hours, great maintenance records, very clean, and the price is right. I figure weight might be better as well being shorter, and not a spread. So many variables, I guess all one can do is make a decision and go with it, and make the best out of what you have.

I invite any and all opinions that you all might have.

 

I want to be flexible, so is it a good idea to get a 53 reefer to haul dry loads when there is no reefer loads. common sense yes but if the load says dry you can haul it in the reefer?

 

Some load boards will say van/reefer in that case. MANY brokers will just post van, and I've never let that stop me. I've called and asked if a reefer will do. In many cases they say yes. One thing that might come into play is the weight. Vans weigh less than reefers due to no insulation and cooling unit. Keep an eye on that as well.

I got a reefer for that reason, and being a spread allowed me to take on some heavy loads.