What are the advantages/disadvantages to having a bulkhead on the trailer versus just a flat trailer and a tractor mounted box?

Edit: Also, what is the typical financing on a new trailer? 5 or 6 years?

 

I prefer the bulkhead, but a headache rack will work. If you have a bulkhead, it can help keep your freight on the trailer should you have to hit the brakes hard. The disadvantage is that you can't hang over the front if you get a long load. Most new trailers can be financed for 60 months.

 

Bulkheads on the trailer can only be considered a securement device IF the load is touching the bulkhead. This means that there are only a few types of loads that can be loaded against the bulkhead without having a weight problem, especially with a spread axle trailer you want the weight centered one foot behind the middle of the trailer.

If you have chains or securement devices hanging on the headache rack on the tractor you need to climb up on the catwalk, obtain the stuff, climb down, walk back along the trailer and then possibly climb up on the trailer. Without a bulkhead you can simply walk back and forth.

With a few loads like styrofoam insulation you need every foot of the trailer for the load and you can't have a bulkhead taking up space.

Now if you are pulling a covered wagon you want everything in a bulkhead box on the trailer so you can secure stuff after putting the tarp over the top in bad weather. :wink:

 

We overhang the front lots of times. I'd leave it off. Could make the difference between getting a load or not.

my $.02

 

The headache rack and overhang have gotten me some good $$ loads before. The headboard has lost me some loads before. Depends on what you will be hauling, but if you are going to wildcat/freelance what ever its called these days, I would go with the headache rack.

 

Guarantee if you pull sheet steel you're gonna want the very best bulkhead you can find.

 

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

LOAD IT, nice to see you posting, seems like its been a while. I always respect your advice/opinions.

I hear ya there yoopr, in a accident situation one could come out HALF the man he once was. :wink:

 

Hehe sheet steel id rather prefer to pull that on the bottom step on a step deck if possible so if it comes forward it should only cometo the step. Id rather have a headache rack a place to put my chains and binders and ladder