Flatbed & Trailer Questions for... well... Flatbed Driver's

I just did what you are considering. .I went with a used Melton truck 10 speed...had the same concerns about 10 vs 13 speed but you where prolly running around at max weight and flat bedding you wont have to deal with that that often...it's geared 2:64 rear ends and a direct drive high gear so no prob getting good mpgs...I signed on with Mercer and thru their store I have about 2500 in chains and binders straps and tarps etc..the truck already had a headache rack so i didn't need to get one....as far as costs..I put 6 grand down on the truck and the aforementioned 2500 on equipment ..add in a couple grand incedentals.. (btw..i'm lease purchasing the flat from Mercer. .so no upfront costs there)..hope this helps..Mike

 

You don't need that trailer, unless you have a job for it. Expensive and heavy. Probably cost more than your truck

 

Listen to the. Old man

 

Prob should post this in the flat bed section and or O/O section. But to answer your question. I have a 18 and drive it like a 13 even when heavy. Only time I split low range was when I was off road going up a long winding hill loaded with about 70k on my back. So 18 is prob overkill unless you get a deal on one. As far as 10 vs 13 it's really just personal preference because either will work pulling a flat 80k gross. Like Old Man said unless you have specific work for that trailer you'll be wasting your money buying it on a hope and dream. For flatbed equipment, unless you're specifically leasing onto Mercer look to spend about $6000 for new for everything you'll need, but if you nickel and dime it would prob still cost $2500-$3500 for used stuff unless you get super lucky and somebody pretty much gives it to you.

 

Oh ok well if your coming to Mercer then $3000 tops for everything need with only half down will get you started. I always tell everybody I like 13 or 18 better then a 10 speed.

 

15 is a knuckle buster

 

Get more horsepower, the 15 is not good for fuel milage,