opinions on a step deck

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by bigguns, Jun 20, 2015.

  1. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Aug 24, 2011
    Tampa, Fl
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    I have winch tracks between my spreads,.. but it would mean removing them when ever I close my axles together.

    The Fontaine I have is a pretty sturdy trailer. It will take weight pretty well,.. it doesnt bow or bend length way. I've put some loads on there that were pretty brutal for a hybrid deck trailer. The main issue I have with mine is that the trailer flexes/twists more than I think it should when traversing uneven terrain or like hitting driveways at an angle.

    My trailer is a 2013,.. I've had it for 1 1/2 yrs now. What I have been seeing lately is the bolts heads have been breaking off that hold the aluminum deck plates down. It happens mostly at the back of the upper deck,.. and the front of the lower deck. Easy enough to fix. Fontaine used aluminum screws. I've been replacing each one that breaks with a stainless steel screw. They are screwing into steel braces underneath.

    The other issue I have with Fontaine is that the lights,.. while they are all LED,.. they are not serviceable. They are riveted into place. You can not pop out the lense or unscrew any of them. Even the little peanut lights on the rear sides are a PITA. To date,.. other than one peanut light,.. the rest are all factory and still working well.

    Hurst
     
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  3. jpracer1

    jpracer1 Medium Load Member

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    Nov 26, 2009
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    Make sure it a 40 foot bottom for containers,container locks not necessary in my opinion
     
  4. SheepDog

    SheepDog Road Train Member

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    Nov 30, 2008
    Sand Lake, MI
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    My East trailer has lights that are manufacturer lights and have to be bought at an East dealer but can easily be replaces,,,pop out/pop in...lol The wiring for said lights is another issue that the engineer did not think about,,, blow a tire and it ruins the wire's on some lights. My spread is fixed,,,thank God for that.

    I haul 40' containers sometimes and just flag the over-hang...
     
  5. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    Apr 3, 2009
    Oklahoma City, OK
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    Hate to bring this up, but you can't do that with loaded containers.
    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/393126

    'Securement of loaded intermodal containers transported on vehicles other than container chassis vehicle(s).</b></em> (1) All lower corners of the intermodal container must rest upon the vehicle, "
     
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  6. bigguns

    bigguns Road Train Member

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    Jun 13, 2013
    Omega,GA
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    I can recall being told many many years ago that Doonan made a good step deck. It must still be true since they hold their value.
    Thanks everybody for telling me tips that I would probably never think about until it is too late. I plan to get something with winch tracks on both sides to help with securing a load.
     
  7. bigguns

    bigguns Road Train Member

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    Jun 13, 2013
    Omega,GA
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    An on the ball DOT guy could create some problems with the container overhang. Ah tidbits to remember.
     
  8. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Feb 11, 2010
    50 miles north of Rochester, NY
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    good thinking on moving the skid steer Hurst.
     
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