Flatbed Question

I can and do haul 48 bushels and more on my steel flatbed. My truck and trailer weighs 31,460 with half tank of diesel juice and me sitting in the seat. I can burn the fuel down and scale 49 bushels. FLD 120 with a Detroit 450.

 

I drive a Pete 379 with a full complement of flat bed equipment on the back. That means: 12 snap binders, 12 chains, 2 lumber tarps, 1 top tarp, 20 4" straps, 1 smoke tarp, plus incidentals. Total weight, with full tanks and pulling a Wabash 48' 102" empty trailer (trailer was aluminum with steel girding), according to CAT scale is apx 31,000lbs. Weighs more when I am pulling a Fontaine.

Maybe other trailers weigh less. I don't know.

"Normal" or "regular" really depends on what you mean.

 

If you really don't want to worry about it just get aluminum trailers then you will never need to worry. Really, if you are buying equipment to start a business, retailers of truck and trailers can give you the gvw.

 

Mostly when it comes down to it, how you treat the truck overall will depend on your fuel economy. If you do your pm service regularly, maintain your tires, practice safe braking, and are proficient in your shifting patterns, you will get more out of a truck than someone who doesn't maintain. Its the engine not the model truck really. I prefer a Detroit Diesel engine over a Cat. My experience with Detroit engines has been nothing but good. I also prefer a Classic over a Pete 379. To me a Classic is more driver friendly.

However, if your fleet is to be exclusive to the Northeast I would probably lean towards the new Peterbilt 387 or Freightliner Columbia or Coronado. If your looking to start your fleet with used trucks as opposed to new, I would look into the T2000, Volvo's, or Century's. ONLY BECAUSE better turning radius and less nose sticking out than a Classic or 379 or W9. Things can be tight up in the Northeast.