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STEP or FLAT

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Truck609, Aug 11, 2012.

  1. Aug 11, 2012 #1
    Truck609

    Truck609 Light Load Member

    238
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    Dec 17, 2011
    Arizona
    0
    I'm thinking it's about time to buy a trailer. I've been pulling my 45' flat for quite awhile now and it was real useful when I used to run Cali on the 65' overall roads. But now I don't run Cali anymore (refuse to comply with CARB) and it seems everyone wants a 48 102 or a step with a 40' lower. Some shippers are refusing to load my 45 cause they don't like the overhang....width or length (I have a 45x96). It's never really been a problem until recently. On the other hand, I've had a lot of shippers lately say flat only, no steps.....even if the load will fit on a step just fine.

    So, I guess my question is; if you were going to buy a trailer which would you choose? If I go with a step, I may as well get a tri axle 50' with can locks if I'm going to spend the extra money on a step anyway. On the other hand, a plain old 48x102 spread is easy to keep loaded for decent rates. Curious on your input, reasoning and experiences with either.
     
    Truck609, Aug 11, 2012
    Truck609, Aug 11, 2012
    #1
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  3. Aug 11, 2012 #2
    MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    Feb 24, 2012
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    53' cali legal spread or else a 48' flat.

    The 53' step would give you a 42' lower deck for the ones I have looked at. That's what I always looked for.

    And I am still tossed which way to go.

    Right now, just staying with a dry box to put a fund together for a open deck trailer.
     
    MNdriver, Aug 11, 2012
    MNdriver, Aug 11, 2012
    #2
  4. Aug 11, 2012 #3
    Passin Thru

    Passin Thru Road Train Member

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    Mar 8, 2007
    VA
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    48 ft Transcraft Eagle with 10 ft spread, side kit w/5ft sideboards and apitong strips to nail into. Lots of places wont load steps. (Unless you wan to run CN.)
    http://www.truckertotrucker.com/trucking/transcraft-trailers.cfm

    I loved the one I had, don't like to run CN and if you want a good lease try Watkins-Shepard FB. They treated me well, ran me hard and paid ontime with no surprises and discounts for fuel, tires , maint. etc.
     
    Passin Thru, Aug 11, 2012
    Passin Thru, Aug 11, 2012
    #3
  5. Aug 11, 2012 #4
    Passin Thru

    Passin Thru Road Train Member

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    BTW/With the side kit we got more loads by having it and some paid over $3/mi.
     
    Passin Thru, Aug 11, 2012
    Passin Thru, Aug 11, 2012
    #4
  7. Aug 11, 2012 #5
    jeep383s

    jeep383s Light Load Member

    116
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    Dec 15, 2011
    Southern GA
    0
    It's a personal choice. Anything you on put on a flat will also go on a step. Step can take some rgn loads. If I were going to. Uh a trailer I would get a 51 foot with can locks and ramps. Charpell makes a real nice one. A little pricey but it's a tool not an expence
     
    jeep383s, Aug 11, 2012
    jeep383s, Aug 11, 2012
    #5
  8. Aug 11, 2012 #6
    Truck609

    Truck609 Light Load Member

    238
    197
    Dec 17, 2011
    Arizona
    0
    I often get over $3/mile with a plain old 45' flat, so I sure hope you were getting that with a side kit!

    I'm leaning towards a step, just not 100% yet, and even then not sure if I wanna go spread or tri axle on it.
     
    Truck609, Aug 11, 2012
    Truck609, Aug 11, 2012
    #6
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