Flatbed questions

All steel flats are heavy. I've only ever seen them used locally, never otr. Usually they are pretty well used aswell. Usually with wood decks.

 

On a regular spread axle what good would a 53 do other than light product like insulation and stuff? Or are there a lot of places that won’t let you hang off the deck without a permit? I’ve only pulled a flat out west where you can overhang a 48 without any issues.

 

Not sure other than some places specify 53’ only. Not always light stuff either but I know I have seen people say you won’t use it or don’t need it but maybe it is because I look for those loads specifically sometimes I find quite a few out there Must be 53’ or Must have 53’ Sometimes they are the lighter loads sometimes not. I went to a structural steel place awhile back and they had all the loads arranged and ready to go. There was a 48’ section that had a couple loads and a 53’ only section and there were probably 7-8 loads there. The 53’ were paying $1500 more. Of course a lot of times it doesn’t matter it is once in awhile it pays off. Plus my goal is getting into extended loads and OS stuff eventually so can’t hurt hauling around a few extra feet. Sometimes I wish it would be a bit easier to park it lol. @blairandgretchen can articulate his reasoning much better than me.

 

48' all aluminum with a rear dump valve is the way to go. No need for scales or worrying about where you can go.

 

Ok - I wasn't going to reply to this one, but I will. (Thanks @staceydude . )

 

Who buys a 48' dry van or reefer? Do they even sell them anymore? Why is a 48' flatbed a popular choice anymore?

What does the entire Melton flatbed fleet use?

Why would you buy a 48' step deck to have only 36-38' of bottom deck to use?

These are questions I had to ask myself quickly , before being forced into a purchase position when I started.

I didn't know the answers. You can't know what you don't. After purchase - I discovered, like @staceydude has (he bought my trailer) that there are, (ballpark 10%) of loads, that specify, MUST BE 53'.

Either - need deck space, or needs full support. Sometimes the brokers don't know. Not their fault, but the customer demands it.

Ok - so off the broker goes trying to find a 53' flat.

In the LS system, I can search trailer types and get a count of however many 48's, 53's, RGN, ice cream trucks - whatever, in the system.

Ratio of 48's to 53's? Wow. The amount of calls I got saying I was the only 53' in a 500 mile radius and they had to use a BCO - pretty regular. 53' trailers - less than 50 in the system - 48' trailers - hundreds.

What are the downsides ? Slightly longer trailer and a little tail swing. A combo 53' - steel frame, aluminum deck - maybe 11,500 lbs loaded with boxes.

60' poles/beams - no problem. A spread axle combo 53' can handle the weight off the back no problem. AR, TX, OK - 57' 6" trailer OR load is legal, no permits. Other states? get a permit. Some states exempt structural steel length.

I knew I'd made the right choice within 6 months of buying it. I ignored all the input here advising to buy a 48'.

That's my line in the sand, and explanation of why.

 

Just shows everyone's operation is different. Shouldn't really compair yourselves. They sell and make trailers of all sizes. Especially reefer. Very easy to be over weight before you fill up the trailer.

I could get away with a 25' flatbed if it wasn't for interbridge. Pull a 42'x96" and if I order a new one will be 45'x102".

If I buy used it will most likely have to be a 48'. If I ran otr general flatbed freight, I would want a 53' trailer.