Step deck: the differences?

I also have a 3/4 sized bar in my rack. Came in handy a few times.

 

That's what I got!

 

You'll be fine.

If they are 53' steps,.. the majority of everything you do will go on the lower deck. They will go through tires more than a regular flat because most of the weight will be on the trailer. I'm rarely ever over 28k - 29k lbs on my drives with a 35k - 40k lbs load.

The step offers the greatest versatility for open deck. Its not quite an RGN,.. yet not a regular flat. Its,.. well,.. drop deck. It opens up a whole new level of different types of loads besides the usual bricks n sticks palletized loads. I personally prefer equipment and machinery as its usually just 1 or 2 pieces and eazy peazy to load, chain down and go.

Depending on the type of trailer,.. its nothing to take on 10'3 - 10'6 loads. My lower deck is 39" at its highest point. There are some with even lower deck heights.

Tarping tall loads,.. now that takes some practice and sometimes cajones. I've had a few that had me cursing myself.





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As mentioned, tarping a full deck load, covering the transition from upper deck to lower deck can be done. Its easier when you can use a smaller tarp for the upper deck. But not impossible to take 2 lumber tarps and cover the whole deck.



I think from a drivers stand point, it might be a little more work involved with certain loads. But for the most part, you can treat the step much like a regular flat when loading it. The weight still has to be balanced out accordingly. I have had to get shippers who intended to load the center of my lower deck as the center of the trailer. No,.. with a 53',.. 43' lower and 10' upper,.. come 16 1/2' off the step,.. thats the center i want you to use.

Also,.. with most steps, your not going to be getting any more 47 - 49k lbs loads any more. At least not with most hybrid steps. Mine has a tare weight of 11,400 lbs. Thats before all the chains, coil racks, ratchets, extra straps, tire chains, binders, blocks etc in my boxes. Then add my ramp kit, dunnage and tarps. Full of fuel I'm 34,400 lbs empty on a good day.

As an O/O being able to choose my own loads, I love the 53' step. I see more and more on the road,.. so getting one and expecting better rates will be a mistake. The beauty is in its versatility to be able to cover more types of loads. Being able to set up for partials when in a bad area.

Another advantage, being able to load and unload your self, not having to wait on a receiver. I delivered a boom lift this morning. Brand new form JLG. I arrived at the rental store at 6:30 and waited for the them to come in and open up. To my surprise,.. they did not have a loading ramp or dock. Guy inside said they will do a truck to truck transfer using one of their landolls. Not a problem,.. done it many times. Problem was,. all trucks were already loaded the night before for deliveries this morning. Said I was going to have to wait until 10 - 11 am before they could unload me. I didnt say a word. Walked out,.. pulled off my ramps and unloaded the machine. Came inside and loved the look on his face when I asked him to sign my BOL. He said,.. we dont allow our guys to unload off ramps. I said good,.. I saved you the liability. Its done. Sign please. Have a nice weekend!

Dont sweat it. Its still open deck. You'll figure it out.

Hurst

 

10ft upper and 43ft lower on mine.

The ramp kit I have doubles as load levelers. They sit in the rack under the deck. I have 2 sets of stakes to make 2 load levelers. Though I have never had to use more than 1 leveler.

And truth be told,.. the levelers see more action holding my over sized banner on the back than they ever do with a load on them. Still,.. better to have and not need than the other way around.

Hurst

 

We have a winner!!!!

 

I couldnt hold out any longer.

Felt now was a good time.

Save me a beer for later. Coming up your way this weekend.


Hurst

 

We've got both and we rarely ever hook to the flats. Only reason we ever use a flat is if we need to do a dock load/unload or we need a lighter trailer for a heavy load (our flats are a little lighter than the steps).

Other than being able to haul taller equipment, the main advantage is access to the deck from the ground. Easier to climb up on, easier to chain, not as far to fall.

 

BAM!!!

 

I think we ran out of it yesterday.........

 

LOL

You ran out a long time ago.

Its all good.

At least we understand each other. I have more respect for an honest enemy than a fake friend.

Hurst