Some numbers for new O/O

I'll try to break down each question here...but, for clarification purposes, you are talking about 2 different types of trailer, one being a Conestoga the other being a "covered wagon".

The covered wagon is sometimes referred to as a "side kit". The side panels are hard, and are in sections that come apart. The ribs that hold up the tarp do come out. When it is all put together, along with the tarp, it creates a moisture barrier. The benefit being, you can load or unload and cover the trailer pretty quickly without having to dismantle the entire side kit. And, you don't have to pad the load because the tarp isn't touching the load. The other benefit is, if you want a completely open trailer, you can. I have also seen some that can run partially with the side kit and partially open. The one downside to a covered wagon is the inside height clearance is limited.

As for a Conestoga coming completely apart like a covered wagon, I haven't seen one like that...I think it would be pretty difficult to make it strong enough to completely disassemble.

A conestoga is a more permanent structure, on a rolling track, but, unlike the covered wagon, the conestoga tarp system rolls back and forth, like an accordion, it can be open partially or all the way forward, all the way back, in the middle, and it moves back and forth pretty easy.

It is held in place with hooks in front and back via tension. To open the conestoga, you release the tension first and then unhook either the front or back hooks (or both if you want to roll into the middle). But, as the Conestoga folds in, the support ribs are moving up about a foot higher than the clearance when completely shut. So, if you ran down the road like that, you'd be exceeding 13'6".

As a result, to drive down the road with a conestoga open, you need to lower each of the support ribs about a foot or 2, then using bungees, the flaps that make up each tarp section get pulled into the middle. It is typically pushed forward and then locked down into place although, with a "run open" kit, you can have it pushed all the way to the rear as well. The rear flap rolls down. It leaves you with about 90-95% of the trailer floor open, which if you have a 53' trailer, should be plenty of room for your wide load.

As for the question about the tarp of a conestoga being in sections, yes, it is typically sewn together and sealed, but, in panels. Each can be replaced if they become seriously damaged or ripped. Small holes and rips can be patched, usually from the inside using a fast drying cement and matching patches. I have done some myself with marginal success, but, if you take it to an expert, they can make it so you hardly even notice the scar.

 

You can get them sectional. It isn't something you take apart yourself, more so, it is built that way in case you need to replace a damaged piece.

Like anything else, the decision to have one comes down to time and money. For me personally, it is because I am old and lazy. A lot of drivers want them for the very same reason.

I had the "run open" kit on my last conestoga, it was a 45 min process to set it up, and another 45 min to put it back, so, I rarely would do it. I also heard that running down the road open put more wear on the tarp.

As for longevity, a lot depends on how you take care of your stuff. I was told, keep the tarp system wound tight, don't let it flop around going down the road.

With that said, I can't tell you how many guys I see driving conestoga's, you can see the ribs, the tarp is so loose. Maybe it doesn't matter anymore...I don't know. It takes an extra 5 or 6 turns to get the tarp tight on both sides, so, maybe to shave a few minutes, and a few beads of sweat, these guys are not pulling it tight. My last one was always pulled tight, you looked at it from a distance, it was a shade of light grey, you'd swear it was a regular van trailer.

My very first conestoga was an Aero...I didn't like it. Within the first month, I noticed rivets coming loose where the nose and tarp came together. No Bueno. My second was a FasTrak and now, for my third, I looked at Verdun and ended up back with FasTrak.

It is $5K to replace the tarp...you will do that long before you replace any of the posts, track or rolling wheels. I had to replace a few of the rollers on my last conestoga, but, nothing major...and in fact, it was covered under warranty.

The "bones" of the tarp should last, again, if you take care of it.

They say a tarp itself should last at least 5 years, maybe 8-10 if you take good care of it.

Yes, this is an added expense. But, the loads that specify "conestoga only" typically pay much better. Usually it is some specialized machine that would otherwise take a LONG time to tarp and would probably destroy the tarp before you got to the other end. A lot of this equipment is new, and, they don't want the tarp beating on the finish going down the road.

I like my Conestoga because, I can close it up in 5 min and, if I need to, I can stand inside it and do most of the work to secure my load...if I am using transport chains, I might be able to do ALL the work from inside.

 

I forgot to say...I didn't spec the new one I am getting with the "run open" feature. If I can't find a load out that can go inside the Conestoga, I'll run empty home or to a load that will further away.

The other slam on conestog kits is, it adds weight to the trailer.

It does, about 1,500 lbs. So, depending on your empty weight, it might limit your payloads.

My trailer is a combo deck...I suppose if you had an all aluminum conestoga trailer, the weight wouldn't play that big of a factor.

I haven't gotten mine out of the shop yet to re-weigh, but, should be able to haul 48K. Rarely do I see loads in the areas I run exceeding 48K.

 

Ya if it wasn't for the od loads id buy one for sure. I just don't trust the tarp to last if ran open regularly. Combine that with loads i run regularly that i would have to replace...There are two customers that always get me back into Florida at a very strong rate that i couldn't do even with the run open, unless i went with a longer trailer.

And there is one specific short run across the state load that i do a dozen or so times a year that would be out. Its long, tall, and wide. But pays good enough that i could buy a trailer just for it. But if I'm gonna buy another trailer its gonna be a stretch just so i can chase my buddy around and steal his freight.

 

Different strokes for different folks!

It's nice that you can get in and out of FL at good rates. That is rare...I can find ALL kinds of loads that pay good going INTO Gator Country, but, the rate going out makes it simply not worth it for me to head out that far.

I just hate tarping loads. Even if they pay a "tarping fee", it usually isn't worth it to me. I can't imagine how much more I'd hate in the heat. I've done plenty of it...just glad I don't have to now.

But, kudos to you!

 

Ha! I can barely do 45k, and that's if i run with half tanks.

 

And...even if you can only get 5 years out of the canvas on a conestoga, what does a good set of 8' drop tarps cost that will cover 48' of trailer? How long will those last? Probably works out to be about a draw at least on replacing canvas. As for the conestoga frame, I just look at it as how much time and wear and tear on my body it saves me.

But, I get that you might personally have built your business and need to stay with an open deck.

I'm building mine around running the conestoga. It seems like when they first came out, a lot of people didn't understand them and automatically refused to work with them due to ignorance. Even DOT made them more of a hassle, but, you see them everywhere now. I want to build a fleet of them, but, we will probably always keep some open deck trailers too just for the OD loads.

 

You either got a steel trailer or a heavy girl for a tractor.

 

Combo trailer so could shave about 1800 lbs of i went all aluminum. The truck is heavy as sin tho.

 

YA!!! Kind of figured. I used to have a W900L...it was heavy too...over 22K on its own. I now have a Intl 9200 and I think the weight on it is around 19K. Definitely not as nice a ride, looking or otherwise, but, I don't go as far and, WAY better fuel economy! The ELD mandate looked eminent, so, I sold the '07 and opted for a pre-2K and on paper logs! Plus, no EGR either!!!