Need some help choosing a trailer

Discussion in 'Heavy Haul Trucking Forum' started by shmyreal, Jun 1, 2019.

  1. shmyreal

    shmyreal Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2017
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    Just got a delivery of my new truck and now is a time to get a trailer for it. I was searching and found a few decent trailers. Currently, I have 60-ton Fontaine east cost design with nitro booster 2+2+2 setup, and I like it. I found:
    Trail king 65 ton 2+3+2 east cost design with nitro booster and power tower. 130k lb in 10'
    XL Specialised 65 ton 2+3+2 west cost design and power tower 130k lb in 10'
    Fontaine 75 ton 3+3+3 east cost design with a spreader bar 130k lb in 12'

    I have a few questions and would appreciate if somebody can answer them.
    1. Power tower pros and cons never used one would appreciate any input on it
    2. West Cost design walking beam, any idea how much weight can be transferred to the booster if trailer axles loaded to 60K lb? what should I be aware of when inspecting a trailer?
    3. Any input about above trailer manufacturers.
     
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  3. biggest question what do you plan on hauling? That will determine your trailer, if you have a dedicated run spec it for the customers product.
     
  4. shmyreal

    shmyreal Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2017
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    Dozers, excavators, crushers, cranes... this what I have been hauling mainly last few years.

     
  5. heavyhaulershotcaller

    heavyhaulershotcaller Light Load Member

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    Sep 1, 2017
    South Central U.S.
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    My opinion if you do not plan on going to CA and you don't need to haul over 120k then keep your 60ton and add a 3rd axle to the trailer for the 20k per axle states so you can scale out the capacity of the trailer.
    Answering your questions 1. pros is a little less empty weight and is more "compact" to fit loads over and around it if necessary, cons more trouble to "short neck" when getting in and out of tight places when loaded. I'm sure a "power tower" person may chime in to help out a bit more. 2. Typical std. weight transfer is a 60k/40k between the 3+2. I have seen exceptions on odd-ball custom builds. You can get them built to split anyway you like it though. Best way is to contact trailer manufacturer with the serial number to ask them how it splits. 3. Trail King is an awesome engineered trailer in my opinion. Hard to beat. The XL you mentioned as a power tower is rare to see. Typically they are all hydraulic necks. Someone special ordered it I bet. The Fontaine...3+3+3 75ton rated 130k in 12'? If that is true and you need a better rating just strap the deck. If it is not a hydraulic nitro stinger then it needs to be converted.
     
  6. shmyreal

    shmyreal Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2017
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    Thank you heavyhaulershotcaller, I think I will try to get that 65ton Trail king. Trying to get financing is a PITA...


     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2019
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