New trailer????

If it helps you get load home a little easier I'd consider it.

 

I never needed a 53. I even ran a couple 48x96. Just depends on what you haul I reckon

 

You'll always see the odd load something else would be better. If it's worked why change?

 

I too have a 48 high boy.

Rest of our company pulls 53’ high boys.

They swear that at least once a month they make more money because of the extra length.

I’d love a step but most what I haul today is a ”no go” on a step. Same with a conistoga..... they can be a pain to get loaded off the boards.

If I bought a NEW flat today for loadboard freight it would be a 53’ highboy.

 

I agree a regular flat is best. Step decks are just a pain. I also think a 48’ is better than a 53’.

It’s so rare a 53’ will net you more money that the weight savings of a 48’ instead just might make up for it. Also a lot of shippers just don’t know how to load heavy on a 53’ and you have to do a lot more explaining.

 

Get a flat unless you absolutely need a stepdeck.

I’m pulling a stepdeck right now and it’s an absolute pain since none of the loads need a step. The weight is always on the trailer and it rides like absolute donkey.

Nevermind the fact that it’s not a fixed axle trailer and I lose a good chunk of strap space in the last 10 feet anyway due to lack of winches and/or tire placement. I don’t mind grabbing portables but dang if a flat doesn’t make more sense....

 

Another thing to consider is 53's can be a pain in some states.