Question about Transcraft Flatbed Trailers

We have an '02 and an '05 Transcraft. The '02 has lost its arch but the '05 is still holding up good. They have both had some minor welding done to them but nothing to get whipped up about. My only complaint on those trailers is the goofy triangular deals in between the stake pockets. They tear out if you run a chain around them and are to sharp on the sides to run a bungee strap around.

I run a Fontaine with the round spools in between the stake pockets. Much better deal.

 

I have pulled exactly 1 transcraft trailer, it was a 1994 48x102 10'6" spread, it was junk. This was in 2003, the frame had been cracked and welded so many times it was a joke.

The air bag brackets also liked to break off, the whole thing was garbage.

Id look at a used Doonan, you can get an all steel for 15 grand or less.

I have heard that in recent years transcraft has fixed many of the issues, but as far as I am concerned they earned the reputation they have.

 

Look very closely for cracks around the axle mounts. I've seen some cracking in that beam that crosses between the frame rails and as well as the 5th wheel area.
The axle locator bushings will also wear and cause the axles to move out of alignment when backing up. Hook up to it and make some sharp backup moves.