Step decks

[ATCO]

I have been looking at Step Decks and wondered about the sizing of decks... On a typical 48, what is the length of the upper and the lower? What is the typical length of the upper and lower on a 53'? I was hoping to find one with a lower of 40', so that containers wouldn't overhang the deck - do they make a lower 40'? What is the typical ground to lower deck height? What makes a trailer California legal - or if easier what makes one NOT CA legal? I have a feeling it has to do with Kingpin to axel, but want clearification. In vans it seems your best bet is to go 53', how is it in Flatbedding - how many loads can 48's handle? What is the typical unladen weight of an all steel, combination steel/Alum.? For those running Steps, how often would you say you haul vehicles or wheeled/tracked equipment?
Just some general questions... Thanks in advance...

[joerockhead]

Typical 48' step deck is 11' upper deck and 37' lower deck.
Typical 53' step deck is 11' upper deck and 42' lower deck.
If all you want is a 40' lower deck for cans you can buy a 51', I doubt it would be cheaper, so I would probably buy the full 53' trailer.
Typical deck height useing standard step deck tires (255/70R 22.5) is 40". If you drop is 17.5" tires you can get to a 36" deck height, even lower if you have open bolsters. I believe CA bridge is 40' from the trailer king pin to the centre of the last trailer axle. This applies to trailers over 48' in length. The amount of vehicles (trucks, tractors, skid steers, loaders, dozers, excavators) will depend upon who you are leased to and their customer base.

[Curlyfrompgh]

The 51' is not meant to be cheaper. It's shorter to be manuverable in tight places. ;) Most Mfgrs make one with an 8' upper and a 40' lower deck. These were scarce but since DOT has come out with the overhang restriction :angry: , they're easier to find. :D

[Truckdobe]

I have been looking at Step Decks and wondered about the sizing of decks... On a typical 48, what is the length of the upper and the lower? What is the typical length of the upper and lower on a 53'? I was hoping to find one with a lower of 40', so that containers wouldn't overhang the deck - do they make a lower 40'? What is the typical ground to lower deck height? What makes a trailer California legal - or if easier what makes one NOT CA legal?

I don't want to get the answer wrong, so won't comment on the legal ones, but... I run CA quite a bit with a normal 48' spread, just have to stay on STAA access routes. CA legal refers to non-access routes.

I have a feeling it has to do with Kingpin to axel, but want clearification. In vans it seems your best bet is to go 53', how is it in Flatbedding - how many loads can 48's handle?

I've missed 2 loads this year that needed a 53' that actually paid enough to be irritating. It would be nice since I LTL alot, but I don't want the extra length to deal with all the time.


What is the typical unladen weight of an all steel, combination steel/Alum.?

My Transcraft D-Eagle is 10,580.

For those running Steps, how often would you say you haul vehicles or wheeled/tracked equipment?

As often as possible. I don't like strapping, don't like heavy loads and try to haul as much equipment as possible.


Just some general questions... Thanks in advance...