Thoughts on a Manac all aluminum flat

I am on my second Reitnouer; both have had forklift mounting kits (installed at the factory) and I have not had any structural problems with either the first (ran about 7 years) or the current one (about 9 years). Other builders were skittish about doing such a thing on an all-aluminum trailer. Both of mine have been their "Big Bubba" model, they also have a "Bigger Bubba" as well. Don't believe there could be a better trailer, and very good people to deal with!

I have been told that Manac uses a lesser-grade aluminum in their trailer construction; Reitnouer, and everyone else that builds aluminum trailers, uses 6061-T6 and Manac does not, hence the cheaper cost to buy. Might want to check this out for yourself.

 

Manacs are the only trailer my company will buy...they seem to be decent trailers so far.

 

my thought is I want one ! but the 53' stepdeck with three position axles. I personally don't care for the high arch of the Big Bubba trailers. Although they're a little heavier I am also curious about their galvanized trailers, if anyone has experience with them I'd like to hear.

 

I believe Reitnouer can build trailer with less camber if that is what you want.

 

I have a 2010 Manac 53 ft stepdeck that is all steel with apitong wood floor. This also has the slider spread. I have been pretty happy with it. I can haul 46,500 lbs with full tanks. I wasnt impressed with the aluminum trailers and havent heard much about them so I went steel. Only thing I think I would do differently is have them (or yourself) put like an undercoating, line x, etc type coating on the front of the landing gear and frame rails at the neck. The slider spread is easy to operate and weight distribution will be easy to figure out after a while so you wont have to run around spread all the time and save your tires some. Is there anything specific you need to know?

 

I am pulling a 48' spread aluminum Manac this week. We have had the trailer about 6 years and has held up well to being abused by some drivers who are rough on equipment. We haul a variety of stuff and really do not recall anyone having any specific problems with it.

 

I just left my co of 5 years & went to another co, still going same run's, just with another co, they have, what I think is a good trailer program, although most of their drivers think it is not good. $200.00 a week every week out of your check, until paid off. here is what I like. all trailers are reitnours, what ever the cost the co pays for it upfront, YOU the driver pays nothing down, no credit, NO interest. You just pay what the co paid. it may be a little steep. but you will get it paid off quicker. I am not getting one, but thought it is a good option.

 

We run a lot of manacs; step & flat in both regular and trombone flavours, super-B trains and others, but nothing aluminum. They seem to stand up pretty well as we're primarily oilfield and heavy haul and we spend a lot of time on some pretty bad roads. About the only thing I don't like is the winches they use can get seized up with fine (off) road grit and some times it takes a bit to get them loose, especially the catch. If you're primarily on road though, it shouldn't be a big issue. I also wish the winches had a little more distance between the winch and the carrier body and I prefer the trailers that have the winches all on one side. HTH