Step decks

I'm thinking about pulling a lowboy myself and have seen lots of spots where it's going to drag. Kinda makes you scared of RR tracks. After hearing about a few hang ups I starting thinking if I had a 5th wheel lift like a yard dog I could just add some elevation when I saw a hump coming. Don't know how well it would work or how much weight it would add to the truck but I was curious if any had tried it.

 

I would think that the problem would be the lift mechanism, 5th wheel, and maybe the locking mechanism holding up under the stress of lifting while loaded. Also the mounting points of the lift mechanism. With enough time and money, nearly anything can be accomplished though.

 

Hi 4seasons; Lowbedding is good work, but like everything else it is SLOW right now. Would be a tough time to get started. No sense in spending the bucks to get into it, only to work dirt cheap to get the work from someone else. Screwing yourself and rates for everyone else. Wait till things pick up again so there is some work around....
Yes, they do get hung up. If not much of a "hump" trailer can be dragged over. If it is questionable, get out and jack up the trailer. Saves alot of wear on trailer and beats getting hung up in a bad spot (RRX etc).
I suppose a hydraulic fifth wheel might work but adds alot of extras for a little benifit. And i doubt it would pick up 988's, D9's etc. Just my thoughts... david

 

what you need is a non ground bearing detach instead of a mechancial that most of the OTR boys pull, that way all you have to do is hit the hydralics on the trailer to raise over the low spots then set the ride hight back lower if thats what the load calls for

 

I'm not spending the bucks, just going to drive for a small op with 4 trucks. I didn't know you could jack up a lowboy. I've never looked at one real close. I've seen a couple of Pete's over the years with a 5th wheel lift but never talked to the drivers to know what they use them for. I know Holland makes one called Mov On Elevating Series with an airbag lift. This is the only thing that I thought it might be useful for. You wouldn't need hydralics to run it. Your right about picking up a D9 but I am going to be hauling mostly boats.

Mack, I've never even heard of non ground bearing detach. I did a search and found a couple. Looks like they have a ram on the neck I guess to pick the well up to hook up. I've never messed with a detach so I don't really know how they work.

 

Instead of a lift unit for the fifth wheel I would just run air valves to dump extra pressure to the trailer and drive axles. Most double drops I know of have this type of setup and work great, especially if you need the extra clearence for a long distance (off road running).

 

Richie Brothers auctions are a GREAT place to get deals on trailers. Especially detachable. You can set up an account online and watch stuff sell (and buy if you want) that will give you an idea on what stuff is going for. Companies like Sunbelt rentals dump equipment after they own it for a specific time even if it's never been used, this includes trailers.