My favorite Trailer was a GD 48' with a spread axle. I did a lot of multiple stops, so it was nice to have a tail loader, and not have to stick my weight up at the nose.
Also, some deliveries I had were in some real tight spots, even though I could manage a 53', life was easier with that 48'.
East Coast has some small places to deliver with these big OTR rigs. Philadelphia was the worst. My delivery was downtown where those roads use to be horse & buggy.
With my 53 footer and my 270" wb Pete, you could hear the curses at me from blocks away, as I took up 3 lanes to make a turn. Fuggum
... and if they don't move, I'll scrape them off me on those narrow streets.
As far as reviews go, I have always heard drivers like Utility over Wabash... for what that is worth. The Utility I pulled did seem to cool down fast, compared to my Dane.
But my Dane never failed me in Texas heat. If you have to haul there in the summer, no matter what trailer you have, it's going to be running 10+ warmer.
Great Danes will hold the temp better in extremes, I think they use different material that seals the insulation better... at least the Super Seal does, and that was what I had.
If you ever get an ice cream load, you want a Super Seal.
I liked the 53' going to California, but you have to watch those bridge laws. One of the worst yards for me to deliver was in California, where I was picking up Oranges.
I fortunately had the 48' spread, and was glad I didn't have to get the 53' in there. Plus I didn't worry about bridge laws with the 48'.
If you are going to be hauling 40K it's easier to balance your load and not get in trouble at the scales, with a 48' spread. I know with my 53' I didn't like getting loads over 36-37k.
If you have a 53' and are hauling 2000+ miles, you know they are going to stick as much weight on you as they can,
and you have to be on top of it, or you may be returning to them, after you try to scale, to have them take that last @#!~ pallet off! (plus the wasted time)
I could load the 48' up to the back doors, but going 2000+ miles... especially on Hwy. 80 out west, the 53's run so much smoother.
I hauled frozen mostly. One time I hauled frozen Chinese. I didn't even know that was legal, but out of L.A. they are glad to get rid of those bastards. Frozen is the only way to stop the bitching.... and you don't want to be around when they thaw out.
I know... I'm not even the tiniest bit PC.
MAGA