Probably a dumb question

If you run in winter the aluminum deck is going to be pretty slippery... not an issue for me as I don’t run in that crap but you may.

Also, you should look at having D rings in the deck at minimum- they will help you tie equipment down easier. Also, if need to haul things in cradles - being able to nail to the deck is a plus.

I would also inquire about cross member spacing - hard rubber wheeled equipment like forklifts will want to punch holes in the deck.

I don’t run step deck but in my mind being the lightest spec is not always the best spec. I would also make sure I had twist locks for containers just for ease.

 

@RStewart when you have time roam around our flatbed section.

Look at the post flatbed load pics v2.0
Look and read our. Where is everyone now #5

I don't have the links right off hand.

You will see what we pull how our equipment is layed out in a real world basis.

 

Exactly . Most of our outbound freight is light 13k is about as heavy as it gets. Just did a 900 mile trip with 975lbs on the deck. Coming back is usually different The ironic thing is the outbound pays two to three times what the heavy stuff does

 

If you buy aluminum you get the difference in price back when you sell it from what i can see. I paid more for my big bubba than say a combo transcraft that I was looking at. Same years (07). Transcraft with heavy beam was $14lk and the aluminum bubba was $22k.

I bought the aluminum and don’t regret it one bit. It is however a highboy flat and not a step. I also work in the Midwest. If I was in Texas or California mostly the combo probly would of worked out just fine?

 

I've often thought the perfect step deck floor would be apitong outside of the rails on the lower deck. With aluminum between the rails and on whole top deck. Save weight and be a tough where you need it.