Conostega, Is it worth the buy

with my kw t660 I am at 32,520 full of fuel and DEF with the conestoga and with a flatbed im right around 30,000 somewhere so its a couple thousand more but still plenty worth it if you ask me but I'm biased

 

An additional 1500 pounds.

 

It may depend on which model, but I had read 1700lbs.

How much does an average set of tarps and bungees weigh for a flatbed? I'm talking average, I know everyone chooses to carry different items.

 

Good point.

 

Thanks, but I was actually asking, as well as making a point. Would tarps and bungees be in the 5-700lb range?

 

Eight foot lumber tarps @ 100 pounds each x 2 =200 pounds
Four foot steel tarps @ 60 pounds each x 2 =120 pounds
Multiple pre-tarp blankets less than 100 pounds total
Tarp straps less than 100 pounds

 

Thanks - that's less than I thought.

In any case, that's about 400lbs or so to help rationalized the Conestoga. Personally, unless I learn something new, I'm pretty set on the Conestoga on a step deck. I figure it will be a whole different world with one of these babies. I'm looking forward to the interesting loads and securement challenges however, I see no joy to be had with the whole tarping thing. Thanks to the OP for starting thread.

 

What the conestoga gives up in weight will be nothing compared to the time you save not having to tarp any load ever. I have saved countless hours just strapping or chaining down take two seconds to close the curtain and roll. I keep a roll of plastic on hand because I get water in the back and sometimes in the front but I think that is just this model. I would prefer the chameleon compared to the conestoga 2 by aero but hey its a company ride and I am lucky enough to pull it so im not complaining

 

How about loads that are legal width with sharp edges say like 5 to 8 feet up. Do the sides move in and out at road speed or in high winds where they would rub? I hope my explanation makes sense.

 

The sides do move but not enough to rub up against something and wear on the curtain from what ive seen. The bad part is when you get loaded with something wide and you get all strapped down and go to close the curtain and cant. also we haul loads of door molding and the bundles have to be strapped just snug so the bundles like to spread out on the bottom of them during transport so when you go to unload you cant open the curtain until the forklift operator pokes his forks inthere and pushes the bundles together again