New Driver purchasing flatbed. Length question

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Tonytruck98, Nov 18, 2021.

  1. shooter19802003

    shooter19802003 Road Train Member

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    I absolutely love my Mac. It is my first all aluminum trailer I've owned. I have nothing bad to say about it at all. Only thing I wish it had were the stairs and not steps. Order the stairs!
     
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  3. Tonytruck98

    Tonytruck98 Bobtail Member

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    I will call and see if its early enough in production to order the stairs. Ya, its a lot of money and they are increasing the prices of the trailers in another month or so. It just seems crazy to me but they are still flying out the doors at that price. I feel I was lucky to find one within three hours of me.
     
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  4. Tonytruck98

    Tonytruck98 Bobtail Member

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    I’m finding it hard to pull the trigger on tarps. I know they are going to be the biggest headache when it comes to load securement. Don’t want to make a mistake. I plan on running all over the country and hauling whatever I can find that pays well, so, to nail down the type of freight and getting tarps to match is going to be hard to do. Carolina tarps has a 3 piece set with 8ft drops 8' Drop Heavy Duty Lumber Tarp 24' x 27' 18oz Vinyl Flatbed Tarp (120 lb) Black | Carolina Tarps
    I am looking at this option pretty hard. Carolina tarps also has this in a 4ft drop option Steel Tarp 4' Drop, 16' x 27' w/ Flap, 2 Rows D-Rings for Flatbed Trailers | Carolina Tarps
    I figured I might purchase two of these 4 foot drops and the 3 piece 8ft drops to start out with. Anyone think this company and this setup would be a good starter kit?
     
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  5. Tonytruck98

    Tonytruck98 Bobtail Member

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    IFTA, insurance, MC# is all done. Straps and edge protectors, dunnage, 3/4 chains and wrachet binders are easily picked out as well as Tarp padding. Now I’m hauling the last of my corn crop to the elevator and waiting on my MAC flatbed to get here. Hopefully I’ll be out on the road early February. Ive been looking at the DAT load board and am excited to get started. I’m going to miss farming a little but am really excited to take this next leap. Looking forward posting load pics and contributing to this forum in the future. Ive already been helped a lot by you all so far.
     
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  6. shooter19802003

    shooter19802003 Road Train Member

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    I've never owned a 3pc tarp. However, literally everyone that I know that has had them said never again. They all went to (or back to) two piece.
     
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  7. Rickp

    Rickp Heavy Load Member

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    My last set of 8 ft drops was a 3 piece and i agree they are a pain in the rear. If i ever decide to carry big tarps again im definitely going to get a 2 piece.

    I get my tarps at Tricity canvas in granite city il. Been happy with them.
     
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  8. cke

    cke Road Train Member

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    You didn’t get 3/4 inch chains did you ??
     
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  9. God prefers Diesels

    God prefers Diesels Road Train Member

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    Legend says he's still trying to drag them to his truck.
     
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  10. bumper Jack

    bumper Jack Heavy Load Member

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    48x102 is pretty much still industry standard. A 48x96 will still work 99% of the time. But with lazy brokers and shippers that think everything needs a 102 wide will make it a little more difficult.
     
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  11. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    I feel like more brokers will blindly require a 53’ more than they say 102” wide.
    “DRIVER IT HAS TO BE A 53’!”
    ~it’s a coil?~
    In the real world- not really that common that a load needs a 53’ flat vs how often brokers claim it.
    96” wide does 99% I agree.
     
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