About Drop-Deck Semitrailers
A drop-deck semitrailer, also known as a “step deck semitrailer,” is a flatbed trailer built with both a top deck and a bottom deck but no sides, top, or doors, which makes loading and unloading cargo easier. Drop decks can measure up to 53 feet (16.2 meters) long, with a top deck that’s considerably shorter than the main deck, usually at a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4. Drop decks are especially useful for transporting heavy equipment and taller cargo. The main deck can typically accommodate cargo that measures up to 10 ft (3 m) high, which is too tall for a standard flatbed without exceeding legal maximum height limits. The lower height of the main deck also makes it easier to use a forklift for loading and unloading.
Fontaine Velocity Step Deck Trailer
Drop-deck semitrailers often include a ramp at the rear for loading and unloading tasks, and another ramp between the front and rear decks. Common payloads for these trailers include tractors, machinery, and stacked freights.
Characteristics & Equipment
A typical drop-deck semitrailer can transport cargo as wide as 8.5 ft (2.6 m), with maximum freight weights up to 48,000 pounds (21,772 kilograms). Drop decks are commonly constructed of steel, aluminum, or a combination of aluminum and steel, with flooring options that include aluminum, steel, and apitong and other types of wood. Air ride suspensions and tandem or tridem rear axles are common, as is a fixed neck, although you will find some drop-deck semitrailers on the market with a gooseneck or removable gooseneck (RGN). Other features that may be present to facilitate safer, more convenient operation and transport include a tire pressure system, spare tire carrier, cargo tiedowns, sliding winches, and side rail slots.
Find Your Next Drop-Deck Semitrailer
TruckPaper.com offers thousands of new and used drop-deck semitrailers for sale, including from manufacturers such as Benson, Doonan, Dorsey, Fontaine, Manac, Reitnouer, Transcraft, Wabash, and others.
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