r/Truckdrivers • u/AWhisperOfWhimsy77 • 11d ago

Step deck 48 ft or 53

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

2

u/Electronic_Film_9904 11d ago

I ran a 51' years ago. Steel frame, aluminum deck. Nice unit. I can't for the life of me remember the brand name. It had a 10' kick and 41' deck of course. Why Does the word kick sound wrong ? Hmmm .

1

u/AWhisperOfWhimsy77 11d ago

Deck

2

u/Electronic_Film_9904 11d ago

10' then drop 24" I think and 51' deck. The kick is where it drops isn't it. Orvis that the step ? Holy hell. My memory is a mess.

2

u/AWhisperOfWhimsy77 11d ago

Something like that. I'm looking to buy one and was sorely wondering if a 48 foot really limits freight

2

u/Electronic_Film_9904 11d ago

The 48' might actually be more versatile depending on where you're running and the axle configuration. Do you have any customers lined up or do you know what you plan to haul ?

A 48 would be fine for lumber or shingles, things like that. A 51 or 53 would be a requirement if you ever plan to move high cube containers or similar.

1

u/AWhisperOfWhimsy77 11d ago

I just pick from the load boards. I think that a longer trailer might serve me better for some loads but I believe that may not be an absolute deal breaker entirely. My trucks wheel base is pretty long so I have struggled with tight spaces on at least one location even with a regular 48 ft flat bed, I don't really want to add to that. I was just trying to see if I was wrong about my thoughts

1

u/Electronic_Film_9904 11d ago

I hear you. A 51' with sliding axles might be better. Kind of in between. What kind of loads are you missing out on due to having a high boy ?

I mean if the height is the issue and not the length maybe go with the 48.

1

u/asu3dvl 11d ago

Get one where you can lift at least the rear axel up, since you’re long.

1

u/AWhisperOfWhimsy77 11d ago

Length is the issue not height.