New to Step Deck

why not get a 50' or a 51' step? that way you can pull loads for a 53' but without the added wasted space and weight, and the stupid sliding axles. 50' and 51' trailers are legal with a regular fixed spread in all 50 states and canada. Also you'll have a 10' or 11' top deck and a 40" bottom deck, allowing you to haul TWO 20' containers or One 40' container....You can spec trainers with contrainer locks so you dont need to put all the chains/straps on it (although i would still throw a few straps over it anyway).

Get it with a Lifting front axle (to save 1mpg while deadheading) and a rear axle dump valve (to make the trailer pivot on the front axle to get into tight spots)



American Trucker

 

the price difference probally.

 

No AT spreads ARE not legeal in all parts of Canada.

 

Chains? yep, I carry 12 of them
Binders? yep, I carry 12 of them
Straps? yep, I have 24 sliding winches, I carry a strap for each and 2 extra's.
Ratchets? umm what kind? I have ratchet straps, ratchet binders so exactly what are you asking?
Load levelers/Ramps? nope I dont carry them but nice to have on occasion
Tarps? yep, this oneis your hardest decision as you need to figure out what mostly you will be hauling. Should have been thinking of this BEFORE you spend money on the trailer. Make sure you are buying a trailer that will suit your area and needs.

 

Triple M hit it dead on, buy a trailer and equipment for what YOU plan to haul. I would suggest just for the basics:

12 chains and binders
12 4" straps
12 2" ratchet straps
40 edge protectors
Lots of extra rubber strips (old mud flaps work good)
Hammer and nails
4x4x8 lumber
With a SD I would also suggest t,j,r hooks and some axle straps.

As for a trailer, a 48x102 will do just fine. And if u can find one with a low deck height then you'd be really well off. Many loads for a SD can be oversize in height, but if u have the lower deck u will not be OS but can still get the OS rates

 

"why not get a 50' or a 51' step? that way you can pull loads for a 53' but without the added wasted space and weight, and the stupid sliding axles. 50' and 51' trailers are legal with a regular fixed spread in all 50 states and canada."


Not altogether correct. Any trailer over 48' must maintain a 41' kingpin to rearmost axle measurement in California. If your spread is fixed, you still have to keep the rear axle at 41', huge overhang. Might get away with a 50' for awhile. I agree with the 40' bottom for reasons already mentioned.
My step is a 8/40 with can locks.

 

Thanks SHC and Triple M has a nice ring to it, I like it.

SHC has a good starter list there and there are tons of things you can and will carry. I know I have replied to threads before the flatbed forum was started that had very detailed lists on flatbed equipment carried. I guess we could start a thread here if needed.

 

i carry 8 coil racks and enough 4x4x8 lumber for at least 3 coils, so four, but have had to scrounge for more before. seems like every return load i get is coils.