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Trailer quality?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by RollinThunderVet, Jan 16, 2019.

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  1. Jan 16, 2019 #1
    RollinThunderVet

    RollinThunderVet Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 19, 2014
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    Looking to pick up a 53 step,
    Most of the options are new Jet/ Dorsey
    Newer 16-18 transcrafts
    or older 10-14 doonan, Wilson, reitnoeur, mac, manac....
    Prefer an all aluminum trailer and adding a full ramp kit...
    So are the new and newer trailers worth it?
    35k is the ballpark I'm staying in, but every time I see a steel framed cheap trailer that's more than a couple years old it looks rusted to hell...
     
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 16, 2019
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 16, 2019
    #1
    Al. Roper, cke and jamespmack Thank this.
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  3. Jan 18, 2019 #2
    RollinThunderVet

    RollinThunderVet Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 19, 2014
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    No one has any input on the quality of these trailers?
     
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 18, 2019
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 18, 2019
    #2
  4. Jan 18, 2019 #3
    Arkansas

    Arkansas Medium Load Member

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    Dec 20, 2014
    LA- Lower Arkansas
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    I'd check Richie Bros or Taylor and Martin upcoming auctions. Sometimes a man can get a good deal on a trailer there. I'd avoid the steel trailers myself. My opinion is the same as yours. Most of the time there in bad shape if they have any age on them. Or if they've been run in the salt very much.
     
    Arkansas, Jan 18, 2019
    Arkansas, Jan 18, 2019
    #3
  5. Jan 19, 2019 #4
    RollinThunderVet

    RollinThunderVet Heavy Load Member

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    Mostly curious about brands such as doonan, Wilson, east, XL are their aluminium models equal quality to Reitnouer, Mac and so on.
     
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 19, 2019
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 19, 2019
    #4
  7. Jan 20, 2019 #5
    1johnb

    1johnb Medium Load Member

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    Jun 13, 2012
    New Paris Ohio
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    Don't rule out Fountains revolution steps. Every one I have talked to love them, plus they are fairly light
     
    1johnb, Jan 20, 2019
    1johnb, Jan 20, 2019
    #5
    cke and RollinThunderVet Thank this.
  8. Jan 21, 2019 #6
    Lost Navigator

    Lost Navigator Light Load Member

    51
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    Feb 2, 2014
    Spring Lake, NC
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    I'm in the same boat RollinThunderVet. Looking for a stepdeck as well. Want to purchase one that would be the most versatile. Dove tail? Container Locks? Ramps for sure. I would like a 12' upper deck and 40' lower. Disk brakes.
    When I worked for Landstar before deployment I pulled a 48' step with 17.5 rubber. did well with it just can't remember the make. Biggest issue I had with it was brakes locking up(no ABS). Made for some interesting driving on wet roads in town!
     
    Lost Navigator, Jan 21, 2019
    Lost Navigator, Jan 21, 2019
    #6
    RollinThunderVet and cke Thank this.
  9. Jan 21, 2019 #7
    RollinThunderVet

    RollinThunderVet Heavy Load Member

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    Yea I'm just not sure 17.5s are worth the 5-6 inches of clearance. Especially if you plan on doing ODOW. No beavertail( for me) as that's lost deck area. Plus you cant load from a half-dock. I haven't looked at 48s because I want an 11' upper and at least 40 in case i need to haul a container. Ramps/levelers are a must, in case of no docks. Tire inflation also.
    My problem is whether the few older trailers are worth the risk. At 35-40k for a full aluminum, I'm almost better off buying new for 10-15k more.
     
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 21, 2019
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 21, 2019
    #7
    cke and Lost Navigator Thank this.
  10. Jan 21, 2019 #8
    RollinThunderVet

    RollinThunderVet Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 19, 2014
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    You weren't a butter bar were you? Otherwise that user name is wayyyy too funny...
     
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 21, 2019
    RollinThunderVet, Jan 21, 2019
    #8
    cke Thanks this.
  11. Jan 21, 2019 #9
    Gumper

    Gumper Road Train Member

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    Butte, MT
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    I’m interested in dumping my flat for a step as well. Tired of hauling commodities for cheap. Looking for a 53’ with a spread and ramps. How much is the weight difference between an aluminum vs steel step? Found a fairly nice Jet steel for sale local with spring ramps that lay flat on the beaver trail.
     
    Gumper, Jan 21, 2019
    Gumper, Jan 21, 2019
    #9
  12. Jan 21, 2019 #10
    Lost Navigator

    Lost Navigator Light Load Member

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    Feb 2, 2014
    Spring Lake, NC
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    Nope, SFC, but I can relate to the reference :) I was looking at some Landstar Spec 53's with ramps. Reitnouer's. Pricey1
    Let me know what you come up with.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2019
    Lost Navigator, Jan 21, 2019
    Lost Navigator, Jan 21, 2019
    #10
    RollinThunderVet Thanks this.
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