Conostega, Is it worth the buy

the way I look at it is, if I tarp more than once a week it would be cheaper to buy the "rolling tarp". I have no doubt that the next trailer I get will be a regular flat with the rolling tarp!

 

Well, having bought a fasttrack equipped trailer a few months back: it's a great system. Works smooth, easy to use. The things it's good for: it's great for. Things it isn't great for: it's a pain in the D.

Make sure when loading things are real straight and well secured or they do walk and make it challenging to slide the system. For weather sensitive palletized freight, sheet goods, and smaller LTL loads it's a breeze.

You do loose some deck space against the headboard, and about 3" on each side at the last 3.5' or so. The big triangular brackets that tighten the tarp system set right there. Cuts the usable width down to 96" agai and that can make a difference.

 

I feel that the money to be made with a conestoga is getting a stepdeck with one. Loads that are 10' tall and require tarps usually pay VERY well, since nobody wants to drag them 30x30 tarps. With the tarp kit, you just pocket all them tarp fees and the better rate. Sure there are loads that pay for conestogas, and they pay pretty well, but your main gravy will equipment and machinery loads that require BIG tarps and are off ball shaped like mills, presses, and lathes

 

Thanks for pointing out the triangle tensioners being narrower. I'm still shopping before I'm ready to start calling.So far "the Look" and "Aero" are at the top of my list. I like the Look for it's tensioning device. I also like having 100" height, and with quad uplift bows, the pleating only drops down either 3" or 5". I could load a 40' container! I also would like a DOT approved bulkhead with cabinets for storing all my securement. It would be great if the bulkhead would overhang the front by a footso it won't take up any of my usable 48' length for freight.

 

The Quickdraw system on my trailer was put on when the trailer was new in 06. It has held up very well. The inner rollers do need some attention as it binds up every now and then requiring you to push it one side at a time until it frees up again. Not bad if there is someone that can push the other side at the same time but it tends to only do it when im the only one around, go figure. I thought they were something I could just easily replace but turns out the whole system has to come off so when I do get out that way I will just have them put all new ones on. They qouted me around $700 for that which isnt bad. You do loose some space on the rear for strapping but this hasnt really been an issue, only once I had to get creative. Still beats tarping.

 

I think I was under the wrong impression. I'd been thinking about step because I thought those loads were less likely to require tarping. But if a conestoga / step would pay well, I'm all in.

SHC or others, if you pull a conestoga step 53', is being able to load 45k an acceptable capacity?

 

45K is all i can haul without a conestoga lol

Most machines are under 40k, and majority of my stuff is also under 40k, usually around 20k-30k

 

Guy around me has a few flats and steps with the quick draw system and the drivers love them. They haul some odd shaped stuff and LTL freight and the time savings over tarping is huge. Very expensive and you lose some mpg depending on what your hauling but they say there well worth it. If your not into oversize it's probably a no brainer if you tarp alot.

 

only your imagination will limit you with a conestoga.

 

i have 2 of them. both Vangos. absolute best money ever spent.