How Can A Step Deck Trailer Help You?

Drop deck trailers, sometimes referred to as step deck trailers can give you more flexibility when towing large or heavy machinery.

These trailers might simply be mistaken for flatbeds at first glance, but they offer so much more.

Common Types of Trailers

A traditional flatbed trailer is a common type used for many purposes in various industries. Flatbeds do not have any enclosing sides or roofs, allowing you to load machinery, tools and supplies quickly and easily.

Typically, cargo transported on a flatbed includes heavy equipment or durable, non-perishable items, since these need no protection from the elements.

A drop deck trailer has all the positive characteristics of a flatbed, plus one. The longer, rear half of the trailer is lower to the ground than the front, higher platform. This lower platform has ramps that extend to the ground for easy loading and unloading.

A double drop deck trailer has a lower platform called a well that is closer to the ground and runs between the two axles. Higher-level platforms sandwich it on either side.

Why Use This Trailer?

Drop and step-deck trailers are specifically designed for hauling tractors and other construction machinery. Because these machines are usually very tall, loading them onto a flatbed would result in a clearance issue when the truck passes under bridges, plus it could violate local towing ordinances.

Loading the machinery onto a specialized trailer is easier and safer, due to the decreased height issue, and it also eliminates violations for machinery over 9 feet tall.

Double versions offer even more space for tall cargo, as they are ideal for loading machinery over 10 feet tall. They usually also have a “flip axle,” which can be moved around the well in order to balance out the cargo’s weight.

What Does Your Cargo Call For?

How do you know which type of tow trailer to use? It comes down to weight and height. Flatbeds can handle loads that are 8 feet 6 inches high. Weight is usually limited to 48,000 pounds.

Drop deck trailers also can hold weight up to 48,000 pounds but can carry loads 10 feet tall on their lower platforms. Double drop deck trailers may have lower weight restrictions, with most at 45,000 pounds, but its lower deck can carry loads 11 feet 6 inches high.

Talk to Stauffer’s Towing to find out more about which trailer towing option is fitted for your heavy-duty hauling project. With a multitude of equipment on hand, including a drop deck trailer, you are sure to find the help you need throughout the transport process.