Not many people know that different trailers and trucks are designed to transport different types of cargo or goods when shipping. Let's look at some facts about flatbed trailers, how they differ from flatbed trucks and why you might want to use one in the future.
a step followerit looks like a platform because it lacks the sides, roof and doors. This particular trailer has two deck levels, with the taller and shorter closer to the front. It's a semi-trailer. While it can also be lowered to accommodate heavier loads, the higher and shorter platform level is intended to clear the edge of the tractor. To maximize extra space and move more items at once, stack items on the bottom level.
Read on for more details.
Index
Staggered trailer definition
A step deck trailer is designed for hauling cargo that is too tall to be transported on a flatbed truck. You can move loads with a pickup truck without special permission to exceed the height limit. These pendants have an upper deck and a lower deck, hence the use of the term "tier" in the name. It makes loading and unloading the machines much easier, especially when using a forklift.
Depending on your loading and unloading needs, you can use different types of semi-trailers with fixed neck, gooseneck or detachable gooseneck. A fixed neck trailer has limited options, while a detachable gooseneck trailer can be loaded on the front or back of the trailer. How tall is a low loader? The bed height of these trailers is typically 3 feet 6 inches or less.
Cargo transported in passing trailer
What type of cargo is typically transported on flatbed trailers? These trailers often carry heavy machinery and loads that tend to be taller. The average load capacity of this trailer, also known as a flatbed or flatbed trailer, is around 46,000 pounds, which is why these open top trailers are particularly useful when it comes to hauling something heavy. Typical stairlift loads include the following elements:
- Bagger
- The tractor
- construction materials
- agricultural materials
- other machines
Obviously these things are very high and could be higher than the law allows under state law, especially for things like bridge cleaning. Covered trailers are extremely helpful in this situation. Because these trailers can accommodate loads up to 10ft 2in high, they are ideal for larger items that cannot be transported on flatbed trailers. The "step" provides the extra clearance needed to accommodate the large load that might not otherwise fit through low bridges.
Step bed trailer dimensions
For standard trucks, these are the dimensions of the low-loader.
Trailer height with step bed
- high deck: 5′
- bottom cover: 36″ and 42″
How long is a covered trailer?
For the upper decks, the tiered decks are typically 11 feet long, while the lower decks are between 37 and 41 feet long.
- high deck: 11′
- bottom cover: 37' bis 41'
How wide is a covered trailer?
Standard step trailer width is 8'6″ for upper and lower decks.
- high deck: 8'6″
- bottom cover: 8'6″
Stepped Platform vs. Flat Platform
When evaluating the step in front of the bed, there is one obvious difference: the step to a lower platform on the step car.
The function of a step deck is to carry larger machines that would otherwise not fit on a deck. On a step deck there are two distinct levels that contrast it.
The upper deck, closest to the truck's cab, is 11 feet long and 60 inches high.
Lowering the lower deck onto the wheels allows for more vertical clearance. The lower deck is a 36-inch by 42-inch off-road. It can also be between 37' and 41' long.
Unlike a regular bed, a cot is flat (didn't you say?) and stays flat. Both measure 8'6″ wide and have a maximum payload weight of 48,000 lbs.
Step-Deck-Trailer gegen Lowboy
The upright ability of a stepped truck makes a low truck laugh in comparison. The lower deck of a low-loader is only slightly above the ground. The highest point of a flatbed trailer is just above the wheels, and the lower deck is just a few inches off the ground.
Lowboys are perfect for transporting large gear as they offer maximum vertical space. A double drop is another name for a lowboy. Transport restrictions apply to all loads over 2.5 meters high and a low trailer can accommodate loads up to 4.4 meters high.
On a typical two-axle trailer, a hauler can tow a maximum weight of 40,000 pounds of cargo. With extra axles, a lowboy can tow an additional 80,000 pounds.
Step-Deck vs. Drop-Deck
Different names for the same thing are step decks and drop decks. A fold-down bed, or step bed, whatever you want to call it, looks like a flatbed trailer that includes a "step" at the end of the trailer cab. Step Decks and Drop Deck Trailers are open and free.
Pros and Cons of Step Deck Trailers
While a flatbed trailer can work great when you need to haul heavy loads of materials, flatbed trailers have limitations. Covered trailers can help with this.
Suspension flatbeds give your load a wide, flat surface to tie down, just like a typical flatbed trailer. However, step decks take on heavier loads with their unique low deck, allowing you to carry heavier loads. This removes any physical or legal obstacles that may arise from moving heavy equipment and machinery under bridges.
Before you reach a trailer's maximum height, gain 20 inches by using a lower trailer. The maximum height for a collapsing dolly is about 10'2", which gives you almost two feet on the regular 8'6" trailer. The step platforms also include a ramp for loading and unloading materials, which is especially useful if you don't have a crane.
Of course, owning a flatbed truck has its downsides. Despite the extra space, some loads are too tall to fit on a low trailer. Step covers expose your cargo to the elements that can damage it. While a tarpaulin protects your cargo, fragile equipment can still be damaged in transit.
How do you load a deck trailer?
The load can be strapped to the vehicle and trailer and placed directly on the loading area, just like with a flatbed truck. However, it's important to note that to distribute the weight evenly, you need to spread the load along the length of the deck. The load should be placed at the front of the trailer with a step to distribute the load and extend tire life.
frequently asked questions
How much does a Stepdeck trailer cost?
Condition, model and equipment all affect the cost of a crossover trailer. Most step bed trailers range in price from $30,000 to $50,000, with newer models exceeding $70,000.
How high can you take a deck trailer?
In safety procedures, the maximum height is extremely important. If you exceed the limit, you risk legal trouble, cargo damage, loss of federal billboards, and disruption to freeway traffic. Loading onto trailers can only be up to 10 feet; However, the load on double trailers can be up to 11 ft 6 in.
How much weight can a flatbed truck carry?
Consequently, Step Deck trailers can tow up to 48,000 pounds, just like traditional flatbed trucks with a 48,000 pound weight capacity.
Summary: What is a covered trailer?
a step followerit looks like a platform because it lacks the sides, roof and doors. This particular trailer has two deck levels, with the taller and shorter closer to the front. It's a semi-trailer. While it can also be lowered to accommodate heavier loads, the higher and shorter platform level is intended to clear the edge of the tractor. To maximize extra space and move more items at once, stack items on the bottom level.
Step deck trailers should be considered when the size of the load to be shipped requires a higher level of versatility.
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