You might have come across different types of semis with flatbed or drop deck trailers over the years and may not wonder how they are different from each other. You might even have no idea what a drop deck trailer is. Let us make it clear to you. When it comes to hauling weighty items then drop deck trailers offer many advantages. These are also termed step decks or lowboy trailers.
Let us find out more about drop deck trailers in this blog. We will evaluate the facts about step deck trailers, the distinction between them and the flatbeds and their usage.
What is a Drop Deck Trailer?
A drop deck trailer has been designed to haul cargo that is great in height to go on a flatbed truck. This type of trailer is the best to help you transport loads without the need to get special permits for going beyond the legal height limit. These trailers come with a lower and upper deck which is why they are called step or drop deck trailers. Their build makes it easy to load and unload equipment, especially with the help of a forklift.
There are several types of step deck trailers, including fixed-neck, gooseneck, and removable gooseneck trailers, that can be used to suit your loading and unloading needs. Fixed-neck trailers have limited options, while removable gooseneck trailers can be loaded from either the front or back. The deck height of step deck trailers is typically low, measuring 3 feet 6 inches.
Type of Freight Carried Via Drop Deck Trailers
Drop deck trailers are meant to accommodate bulky machinery and freight that is huge in height. The trailer’s average load capacity is 46,000 pounds which is why these open trailers are very convenient options for hauling anything heavy. The following things are transported via the drop deck trailers.
- Excavators
- Tractors
- Agriculture Materials
- Building Materials
- Other Machinery
The above-mentioned items can have huge heights and based on the respective state law, they may go beyond the maximum permissible height, especially for bridge clearance. The role of drop trailers is quite vital in hauling these kinds of materials
Flatbed Trailer vs Drop Deck Trailer
There is a notable difference between the step deck and flatbed trailers, but it mainly lies in the step deck’s dimensions. While the length and width of both trailers are similar, there is a crucial difference in their height. The lowered deck of a step deck trailer allows for larger cargo to be transported, even if all other specifications, including the weight limit, are almost identical.
Freight Carried on a Flatbed Trailer
Flatbed trailers are suitable for hauling large loads with high freight weight, but they are not ideal for taller loads. Common cargo transported on traditional flatbed trailers includes:
- Raw materials
- Construction materials
- Agricultural equipment
- Scrap metal
- Heating and cooling units
- Certain oversize loads
Pros and Cons of Drop Deck Trailers
Flatbed trailers can work wonders to transport bulky freight but they do have their limitations. Here is when drop deck trailers come to the rescue.
Just like a typical flatbed trailer, a drop deck offers a huge and flat surface to strap your cargo to. However, drop decks can easily adapt to the need to load taller loads with their signature lowered deck which lets you accommodate higher loads without any hassle. This also allows massive items and machinery to be carried under the tunnels or bridges without confronting legal or physical challenges.
A lowboy trailer can give you access to an additional 20 inches before reaching the most elevated height for a trailer. The maximum height witnessed for a drop deck is approximately 10’2” which offers you around two feet on the the 8’6” regular flatbed trailer. This type of drop deck is also equipped with a ramp for hauling materials on and off and is especially viable in the absence of a crane.
Certainly, there are certain limitations when using a lowboy trailer deck. Despite the additional space, some cargo may exceed the height restrictions on such trailers. Furthermore, step decks do not provide complete protection from the elements, which may result in damage to the freight. While a tarp can provide some protection, delicate equipment can still suffer harm during transit.
To Sum Up
As per the above-mentioned discussion, it can be said that drop deck trailers are quite useful for carrying large height loads with ease.
Are you looking forward to buying high-quality drop deck trailers? If yes then count on Spartan Quip, a reliable provider of HGV semitrailer and rigid truck bodywork manufacture. We have a forte in creating top-notch design solutions and great build quality for commercial use.