Step vs flat for lumber/pipe

I'd go for a flat.

Winches on a step are too close to the ground. And with a heavy load of lumber you will have lumber on the top and bottom deck of the step. If you need to tarp it, then you need to finagle the straps tight all along the bottom deck with a few clicks at a time from the winch/pawl and then tarp around the step in the deck.

Steps are nice when you chain down equipment... Strapping down/tarping genaral square shaped loads is easier on a flat.

 

ive never personally seen a 5ft dock... like beast said MOST are just over 4ft.
the only ones ive ever HEARD that had higher docks were specialized plants that want their floor level with the flatbed trailers for side loading.

 

THIS....
again, if your truck and trailer are light enough for 48k+ then get a flat as its less headache.
if you arent under 32k empty weight them, go with a step and plan on moving things other than lumber and pipe. Your setup will determine what you can and cant haul.

 

this is exactly why i dont carry tarps... lol it would be a PITA.
although ive never hauled lumper, i have no issue with the winches on my bottom deck..

 

Flat

 

Today I learned flatbed docks and van docks are different heights so technically we're both right here.

Practically however a stepdeck wouldn't be loading at a van dock because they want those commodities in a van most the time hence why they have a dock built for vans.. A stepdeck would be loading at a flatbed dock.

A bit ago I got a load a stepdeck couldn't load after showing up because he couldn't get up to dock height even with his over inflate valve. It was a 60" dock like most all flatbed docks...

 

I have bumped my flat at a van dock many time with no problems. Idk wat u guys talking about

 

LOL, idk either.
ive backed to docks inside buildings before, loading items with a forklift.
especially when the customers forklift doesnt have the reach to do an overhead lift.
its always within a few inches.

 

Ive picked a flat many times. Get into a standard dock any time, inside out, sideways or back in.

Stepdeck when you load larger items or bulky out in volume like plastic sewer pipe. I usually run steel or aluminim and lumber of all kinds.

Deck on those is chest high give or take. You get used to it.

 

Going to disagree with you there.
I had a Fontaine Infinity Hybrid step. 53ft with 43ft lower and 10ft upper deck lengths.

In order to slide the rear axle the bags over inflate when you flip the valve. When fully inflated the rear of my trailer would reach within 2 inches of full dock height. Thats enough for them to lay the plate and fork lifts can ramp on and off. I have also used this method to off load containers.

Wish I had pictures,.. I dont so you will just have to take my word for it.

Hurst