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any advice for a new step decker?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by chrisbecker, Apr 5, 2012.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Apr 5, 2012 #1
    chrisbecker

    chrisbecker Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    Mar 6, 2012
    Faribault,MN
    0
    I have been truckin for 6 years now mostly long haul hopper work. Well Ive finally had it with the the stupidity of others low balling rates and barely getting by. By a fluke situation I hauled a bulk load for a small stepdeck/logistics company. He told me that he had a spare trailer if Im interested in leaving hopper work. I just laughed it off because he is in California and Im in Minnesota. Well 4 weeks and many arguments later with ignorant brokers about piss poor rates Im parking my hopper for two months and heading to cali to pick up a step deck. Im not afraid to admit I have a lot to learn but courious if any body can remember their stupid mistakes when they started and help me aviod doing the same.
     
    chrisbecker, Apr 5, 2012
    chrisbecker, Apr 5, 2012
    #1
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  3. Apr 6, 2012 #2
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,744
    12,470
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Well, besides securment, DO NOT do any tight U-turns. Step will have a spread axle, need to allow for it when turning.
     
    Allow Me., Apr 6, 2012
    Allow Me., Apr 6, 2012
    #2
  4. Apr 6, 2012 #3
    chrisbecker

    chrisbecker Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    Mar 6, 2012
    Faribault,MN
    0
    Luckily this trailer comes with a lift on the rear axle. Just gotta remember to flip the switch.:biggrin_25524:
     
    chrisbecker, Apr 6, 2012
    chrisbecker, Apr 6, 2012
    #3
  5. Apr 6, 2012 #4
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,963
    29,156
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    Careful with some RR track crossings. Pain in the ### trying to crawl under to do work or inspections. Hope you don't need to acquire pricey/heavy tarps with a 9 foot drop.
     
    STexan, Apr 6, 2012
    STexan, Apr 6, 2012
    #4
  7. Apr 6, 2012 #5
    aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

    5,927
    5,228
    Aug 24, 2011
    Sunny Tampa Florida
    0
    Always measure the load if you question the height, measure twice.
    Always carry your own timber, Oak and have enough for 1 every 4 feet.
    Keep anything not welded down secure and out of eye sight.
    Make sure to buy a 100ft tape measure, just because.
    Learn your weight distribution, spread axles on the trailer are different.
    Lower center of gravity and less belly clearance to remember, I know that may sound stupid but hey it happens when you least need it.
    Learn how to secure the load with chains and binders, if you do not know ask.
     
    aiwiron, Apr 6, 2012
    aiwiron, Apr 6, 2012
    #5
    Whitey14243 Thanks this.
  8. Apr 6, 2012 #6
    chrisbecker

    chrisbecker Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    Mar 6, 2012
    Faribault,MN
    0
    Not afraid to spend money if there is a return on the investment. Luckily though this trailer comes fully outfitted with tarps sliding straps chains load binders removable ramps for both decks and 4 tool boxes
     
    chrisbecker, Apr 6, 2012
    chrisbecker, Apr 6, 2012
    #6
  9. Apr 6, 2012 #7
    chrisbecker

    chrisbecker Bobtail Member

    19
    3
    Mar 6, 2012
    Faribault,MN
    0
    there is a lot of reminders on bridges why to measure twice. Oak timbers without a doubt, pine just don't cut it. Axle weights are defiantly a gray area for me with the spread, I've never pulled one. Securmant well I have a feeling I might be the butt of a few jokes till I get comfortable. Most likely I will go overboard. better safe than sorry when lives and property is on the line
     
    chrisbecker, Apr 6, 2012
    chrisbecker, Apr 6, 2012
    #7
    aiwiron Thanks this.
  10. Apr 6, 2012 #8
    aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    5,228
    Aug 24, 2011
    Sunny Tampa Florida
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    Chris,

    If the trailer has sliding ratchet straps make sure to keep any away from the tires, keep the unused ones tight as well. I lost one the very first time out with the step deck and it was all my fault for not checking to see if the strap was tight. I looked tight, until 200 miles later and was wrapped in my trailer tandems throwing sparks and a friendly N.C. trooper was kind enough to pull me over and let me know.
     
    aiwiron, Apr 6, 2012
    aiwiron, Apr 6, 2012
    #8
  11. Apr 6, 2012 #9
    Skateboarder

    Skateboarder Bobtail Member

    15
    6
    Apr 3, 2012
    Sparks, Nv.
    0
    Weight distribution on spread axles are 20,000 per axle. And no, LOL, you can't split the difference!!! :biggrin_25525:
     
    Skateboarder, Apr 6, 2012
    Skateboarder, Apr 6, 2012
    #9
    DozerCowboy Thanks this.
  12. Apr 6, 2012 #10
    Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

    9,106
    90,316
    Aug 28, 2010
    The City.
    0
    Could have been he was referencing that stepdecks distribute weight a little different than a regular spread axle flatbed. Some have a much shorter kingpin setting which can make a significant difference as well.

    You'll be able to tell a new spread operator by the heavy load vs tight u turn folding the sidewalls of the tire until it appears (or does depending on weight vs force) that its going to tear right off the rim:biggrin_25513:
     
    Ruthless, Apr 6, 2012
    Ruthless, Apr 6, 2012
    #10
    aiwiron and SHC Thank this.
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