Dropdeck-48' vs longer
 

As far as getting more loads, is it an advantage to have a 51', or 53' foot trailer or does a 48' do the job? What is the most common upper deck length? What is the best kingpin setting or does it just depend on the wheelbase of your tractor? With a drop deck is it a hinderance or an advantage to have load levelers or are they a pain to keep out of the way? Just gathering info and appreciate any and all opinions. Thanks.

Load Levelers aren't a problem. I'm using them right now for a 40 foot long load. I have an 06 all aluminum east 48 foot 11 foot upper 37 lower and I generally don't have problems.

If I were to spec another trailer, I'd try to get an 8 foot upper and 40-45 foot lower. To help with weight distrubution with large pieces. I had one load I had to turn down because of that.

But that's partially because I run a 72" spread(Canadian legal) which is only rated for 34,000 lbs. Some guys run front sliders, but most don't bother.

If I were to buy a trailer new, I'd probably spec a 53 foot Chaparral with 8 foot upper, 45 foot lower, 34" deck 28" drop and 17.5 tires. Probably a tridem as well. Talked to the local dealer, he said they come in around 11,700 lbs.

But it all depends on your customers, or potential customers. Many loads at my company will only load on flats.

Personally I wouldn't consider a flat. Step is the way to go.

48 foot vs. 53. Most everyone at my company said just go with a 48 because you're California legal no matter what. With a 53 you may need a lift axle or sliding system. That will either add weight or interfere with load securement.

Kingpin setting depends on many factors, including clearance and where you put your 5th wheel. I have an 18" kingpin and I like it. It really depends on the truck, total length, clearance, etc.. but unless you have a very custom truck say with a large sleeper and shorter wheelbase, any kingpin setting should be fine.

I appreciate it allan5oh. I'm just in the learning phase right now, trying to decide what I want to do. Ideally, (in my dreams), I would like to have a Ritennouer spread. I saw a nice 51' used with a sliding axle. I would think a fixed 48' would be handier, not having to worry about bridge distance, axle placement and weight. Just wondering if it was worth it to have the extra 3 or 5' as far as getting loads. Thanks again.

You need 40' on the bottom to haul 40' containers. You may not haul them but it will help resale.

I bought a 53' step deck a few years ago. There have been a few loads that I have gotten due in part to the 42' lower deck. I have 11' on top. I also have container locks and a sliding rear axle so that I can be legal in California. Closing the tandem also saves wear and tear on the tires. A 48' will do most anything that you want. Having a bridge that also converts to ramps will so help you find more loads. I keep extra padding, tarps and securement on my step deck. You never know what you will get into on the road. Sometimes a flat works better and other time a step is best. It all depends on what you want to haul and where you run. There are areas where a step works better and others where a flat is preferred.

53 combo for me. Add some levelers and you can carry 60' long without a permit in a lot of states.

You can't extend beyond the rear of a 53' trailer in most states without a permit. If you want to be able to extend beyond the 53' you may want to consider a 51'. If you extend forward and rearward then you could conceivably haul a 60' long load without a permit.

Hmm. I've done it a few times with 35" of rear overhang on a 53' step. Can you post a link to show me if I violated any laws in DE, PA, NY or ON?

Appreciate all of the reply's. Hey G-MAN, how long have you been in the "biz"?