Buying a step deck. Should I get the ramps too?

I’ve only ever done 48’ flat deck and currently do dry van. I’m buying a stepdeck instead of a flat because my truck is on the heavier side so it’s not like I can scale 50k loads so mind as well go for volume or tall freight.

Got my eye on a 53’ mac drop deck 11’ top. Trailer is expensive as it is so I’m hesitant to get the ramp kit as well. So I guess my question is how often do you need or use ramps and is it worth the added cost in your opinion?

Ramps are also load extenders to stretch the top deck out for long freight. But the bottom deck is 42’ so might not be required? Also the Ramos can be used on the top deck to move a vehicle up there as well.

The kit is everything shown in the picture and with installation they want to charge me $9k ($7500 kit, $1500 install) from the MAC dealer.

 

1 thats a very competitive price for those parts
2 what year is the trailer? New macs have had the ramp saddles factory mounted for a few years
3 if you have 2 sets of load leveller converters you only need one pair of ramp hangers
4 get the correct height and you won’t need the lumber clips


I can’t offer anything aside from operational point of view on the topic

 

It’s a 2024. The guy said the lumber clips come in the package and if I bought stuff separately it will cost more. Price includes FET/tax. I guess my main question is if I will use the ramps to make it worth $9k

 

@PSM379

 

With the number of step decks I see hauling Ford Transits, stacked cab-chassis, ambulances, etc, I would think there’s going to be a benefit in having them.

For sure, I’d ask over on the car hauler sub-forum for a broker contact out of the Ford-KC plant.

 

I guess I just assumed where you pu and deliver have ramps already. Thank you.

 

A lot of places don't have either one.

 

I see a lot of step decks utilizing the upper portion via ramps moving military trucks, multiple pieces of equipment etc.

Rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

 

Yes its is worth it,cant really imagine having a stepdeck without ramps.
You will need them to load plastic pipes,trucks,construction equipment,galvanized poles,cars.irregular size containers,crane parts tanks and anything that can hold its own weight but longer than the front deck like dumpsters.
I think $9k is a bit steep but i bought mine 8 years ago

 

Hauled fords from ohio to dealers in the east coast,dealers dont have ramps.
Same goes for vans out of baltimore.