Step deck: the differences?

For me, I like stepdecks. Lower to the ground, more stable with tall loads. Tarping is no different to me vs flatbed. They are heavier and some shippers dont realize that and overloaded me before (picked up preloaded stepdeck).
Harder to back into @truck stops and generally maneuvering around corners.

 

Thought this was nice

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That's a nice setup.

Not to take this off topic, it I have been wondering quite a while about a step like that trailer with a dovetail and ramps. what are you veteran stepdeck guys opinions on that setup?

I have hauled a stepdeck a little and a lowboy quite a lot so I like hauling equipment. I'm hauling cattle now but with the mandatory elogs that will make me change avenues and I'm really interested in stepdeck, but if I was to buy a step I would want one like that in the pic with a dovetail and ramps. Kind of seems like that best all around trailer in my opinion. What is the opinion of you veteran step deck guys?

Thanks

 

I've been doing open deck work my whole adult life....not sure I qualify as a veteran step deck guy; but in my opinion a step with a dovetail is useful for really niche work more so than for general freight. I have in my trailer stable a flat, step, 3 axle step, dump trailer, walking floor, and most recently an rgn with a mini deck on the neck. For all around general use my go-to step would be a 50.5' with 40' bottom. R/A slide. HD ramp kit. Pick your composition according to your checkbook and need for weight savings.

Just my 2 tin pennies worth; but we do have a resident professor Emeritus from the National College of Stepdeckology who posts on here; he may be able to steer you better.

 

I think that's a Wilson. Almost bought one just like it but I didn't like the weight penalty that comes with the beaver tail.

 

Here is a really stupid question. It's something that has bothered me since I see the things roaming about with pretty good loads.

When you consider a set of frames under a 48 foot flatbed all the way from 5th wheel to the tandems they are pretty strong, big and capable of bridging lots of weight.

When I look at the step deck I see a potential point of failure right at the step. Am I wrong?

 

That would a why they are thicker than a flat. You will notice the frame rails taper near the axles.

 

Our new Landoll is 50' with 40' in the flat. I really like the 40' flat. Only thing I don't like is the neck is a little short. The short deck space isn't so much of a problem as it is sliding the 5th wheel forward enough to max out the steer. We manage but the neck could stand to be a foot or so longer.

The main thing the 40' deck helps us with, other than scaling, is we can fit a 40' container in the flat. Fairly often, we will get a call to move a container. With the Landoll, we can winch it on and not have any rear overhang.