I don't know how much space. I will check it. Its a freight liner classic, 258 inch wheel base, condo. Sliding 5th wheel. The reason for a 53 step would be mainly for drive on loads. Sometimes it means another piece goes on. But for long pipe type loads , you're right of course. I will probably look for drive on loads if I get a step, then 53 ft might make a difference in what I can fit.
Like the other flatbedders have said, only if you know that you need that 1 foot of deck would be worth a 53. Plus, going into CA, the 40' rule only applies to 53', not to 48', so if you have a load of steel that goes to the end of the deck, then you also have to worry about axle weights, which you wouldn't on 48' spread axle.
I know on my 389, I have a 268 wb I have enough space to allow about 18 inches of front overhang without hitting my tarps in the rack, I only worry about axle spacing with our extendable and multi axle configurations
What have you been running for steer weight? Cuz you can take your steers to 12,500 without any hassle. Anything under 12,000 and your losing out on your full gross of 80,000. With a tandem setup. Won't have to worry about it with a spread axle. I pulled a 53 step. That extra 5 feet was nothing more then useless weighted space. And shippers don't like 53's if your going to be running closed axle states. They prefer 48's and will request more then a 53. Common issue in California. You can go up to 10 feet overhang on the rear without any hassle. But flags and lights are required after 4 feet. I've seen container and pipe loads that well exceed the 4 foot mark. The question to ask yourself, Are you going to be hauling tall loads or standard loads. A step can be nice to have. But unless you're going to haul machinery or whatever. On a daily basis. A flat will be all you need. The majority of loads are standard heights. But having an 8 foot high load is nicer when it's 2 feet lower to the ground. You can also haul more plastic pipe having that extra 2 feet. And cars if you find yourself in that predicament. Cuz you'll need to haul more then 80,000 pounds to make it pay decent. If you can dodge the scales. Hard to do on a flat and not exceed the 14 foot height limit. Along with risers, You'll need 40 foot straps. Won't need them much. But you don't want to be on a load you wished you had them. A load of pipe on the bottom deck that max's out the 14 foot height limit or a container that overhangs on the top deck. Will need straps longer then 30 feet.
I have hauled 60' on a 45' by hanging "oversize load" signs, flags on the corners and light on the rear, without a permit. I'm talking Ca, OR and WA.
It's much easier to do over-length loads on a high-boy, for what it's worth (but don't go 53 in Canada, it's harder to get a permit for over-length on a 53 than a 48, which makes no sense but that's how they do it). Step gives you more height, but less deck space (yes, I know about risers, but I'm used to running high-boys and find them more versatile). Personally, if you are running in Canada, a 48 with a sliding rear split tandem would be a better choice than a fixed tandem 53, since you gain the extra weight on the back when you split it in the US. A 48 step tandem with the sliding split would probably be the best thing for all of North America. US only, 53 with the split is probably best. My $0.02.
So an oversize permit is only good until the next state port of entry, is that right?? What is the procedure on getting an oversize permit?
It is only good till the state line. You better have it before you reach the port of entry. Wyoming is an exception. You need to call the first port of entry that you are going to hit before you enter the state. The procedure varies by state. For overweight loads you will normally need the spread between every axle, the overall bumper to bumper measurement along with the width and height.
