Buying a Side Kit for my flatbed. What do you recommend?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by ProfessionalNoticer, Oct 6, 2021.

  1. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    I have a PTO, chains/binders on a headache rack and about 200lbs of tools on the tractor. If I took it all off I should around 19k with 300 gallons of fuel in a flat top W9L with an E model CAT. That's not too bad.
     
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  3. Speed_Drums

    Speed_Drums Road Train Member

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    265" wheelbase on the W900L?
     
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  4. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

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    No Sir, if memory is right it’s like 253, I need to measure it again to be honest. It’s an oddball Glider ordered by Sheppard gear that makes our steering boxes….
     
  5. special-k

    special-k Road Train Member

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    If you have a true flat top w-9 then l would go with 4' boards and 24" bows if you're short. If you're 6' tall then go with 30 or 36" bows. If you have a mid roof type bunk l would go with the 5' boards. And 24" bows or 18" if your short.
     
  6. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    It seems that he's going with a conny.
     
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  7. special-k

    special-k Road Train Member

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    Roll-tites are nice until they get hit by a crane. Then the crying starts. Plus the hit on fuel mileage empty or loaded.
     
  8. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    This would be the best of both worlds! Screenshot_20211020-215904_Chrome.jpg
     
  9. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    It's a true flat top. Bean and I are truck twins. The w9 in his avatar is the same one I have. I'm tall so 6' is important but I also want to make sure I can squeeze a good sized coil in there too. I like the idea of 5' boards so I can get as much height as possible later down the road if I want to.
     
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  10. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    I'm going to look at it tomorrow. There's a good chance it's going to be a POS though. The asking price seems low to me and I'm sure it's because there are issues with it. So I'm not 100 percent sure I'm going to buy it yet. Have to go over it real good first and go from there. Frankly, I like the side kit idea better but they both have their pros and cons I guess.
     
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  11. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    Their fragile nature is certainly a turn-off for me and the mpg hit is definitely not cool. Driving a hood with a big block is already pricey enough. I can raise my rates a little to compensate but with so many people hauling the same commodity in the area it's easier said than done. If I do end up with a conestoga, I'll be looking for someone that needs it specifically for their freight.
     
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