Buying flatbed

Make sure you look at the support "ribs" and where the airbags hook for cracks.

I use utility and get good service from them.

Reitnhouser,mac and raven all did me well.

 

Aluminum trailers the older the model the more chances that it has cracks in it depending on who owned it before,what they were hauling with it etc.

 

Fontaine Revolution 53 or Revolution 60 .... Just my preference.

 

Since I pulled a rietnour I am a little partial to them. They just don't feel as bulky as the companies alum utility I got stuck with for a trip. The most important option as far as I'm concerned on a 10' 1' spread is to have the elec dump valve hooked up to dump air from front axle air bags for cornering and tight maneuvering. This makes a huge difference and easier on tires.

 

I like my dump valve on the back axle. Turns like its a 38' trailer when its dumped.

 

Look really closely at the areas where the suspension connects to the frame. What you are looking for is cracks and electrolysis corrosion between the steel suspension and the aluminum frame. Also check the fifth wheel area for the same plus cross members under the fifth wheel plate deteriorating. If the fifth wheel plate is deflecting inward move on to another trailer. Some of the older Rietnour's had problems in this area. I would look at every crossmember where it connects to or goes through the frame especially between the main beams.