So explain 'conestoga'...

If a load does not fit inside can you drive with the sides pushed up front???If there is a way to secure them???

 

Some have a "Run Open" feature, where you can run with the sides rolled up/pushed up. The only one's I've seen with this are the stepdeck one's tho and not sure if it's even an option on the flatbed kits.

To be honest, a "tarp system" would be great, but for most flat bedders, it is not an option due to the restriction such as height and OS/OD limitations. But if you had a certain type of freight you hauled all the time like Les or Classix, then it is the only way to go. If I ever went into running only steel, I'd have one no doubt.

 

Actually some states might have a problem with the tarp not covering the load as these systems make your width around 108 inches wide and are only allowed because it is a tarping system. If your tarp isn't covering a load then you are over width, of course that wouldn't matter for a wide load anyway but I have seen guys with the tarp all the way up and a 40 ft container on the wagon.

 

I would love to have a Conestoga. I'm on a dedicated local route hauling steel weldments. The entire load is nothing but sharp corners and edges that rip a tarp to shreds if I don't blanket it carefully. I also haul a good bit of shotblasted material, so holes and wet tarps are a worry. I average 300 mi. and 2 outbound loads with 2 backhauls per day. Tarping 4 full loads on a rainy day is a giant pain in the tail. I haven't been able to convince anyone that I really need a conestoga as opposed to merely wanting one for the convenience, but if I keep missing my last stop due to time lost tarping maybe they'll eventually listen.

 

I love the statement "you can't do OS/OD with a Conestoga"! Really....how many flatbed OD/OS loads do you haul that pay well enough to justify the hassles? What I really hear when someone makes that statement is...I can't afford one (they can easily run $20k+ for just the kit), I'd rather complain then come up with a solution and/or my company (or I) are/is too lazy to handle the details of finding and booking freight for a Conestoga trailer.

Yes, the initial expense of a Conestoga is high. It's a specialized trailer!! Having specialized freight to go inside one is almost a must. However, if you and/or your company puts a value on time, efficiency, health, safety then a Conestoga may be worth the high cost and extra work to operate one. I hope I NEVER have to go back to regular open flatbeds again!

On the topic of running a Conestoga in the open position, it can be done. Here's the catch.......You may have to remove some of the lifter bows to reduce height. I pull a Quick Draw...that's how I'd have to do it. Also you'd have to have the entire system pushed forward so you could secure the kit to the bulkhead. On a Quick Draw that amount of space is approx. 8 feet. You would also have to pull the tarp sections in as well. As for being over width....NOT an issue with a Quick Draw even on a 102" trailer. In fact pulling anything other then a 102" is senseless IMO. A tarping system is looked at by the DOT as part of the trailer........think about a flatbed with fixed winches at the rub rail. They extend further then 102". Also, your side mirrors......They are wider then 102" ONLY freight that exceeds 102" is deemed OD/OS.

 

So at what point is equipment deemed 'OD/OS'? I've seen trailers that required beacons, flags, banners and escorts when run empty. What's the cutoff? What regulations cover this?

 

Trailers are only allowed 102" wide to be deemed legal. Any trailer over 102" wide is considered oversize and must travel under permit. Tarping systems are allowed another 3 inches per side, so a regular 102" wide trailer with a tarping system can actually be 108" wide, with out a permit. It is in the regs, which I have posted in this forum about 3 or 4 times and ain't looking it up again.

 

round here:
conestoga refers to the "sliding tarp" system . top , side , rear load
curtainside usually refers to the "tautliner" type system. van top and sliding sides. side or rear load only
covered wagon is a flat with a side kit.

been pulling a vango conestoga for years and you are only limited by you or the shippers lack of imagination.

 

Your right. curtain side or conestoga is basicly the same thing. minor differences that dont really effect loading.

 

Wrong answer.