1.5 year Step Deck Review | Miss Flatbed Trucking?
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- I decided it’s time to do a 1.5 year step deck review. Which is better flatbed trucking or step deck trucking? Some days I do wish I still had my flatbed trailer, other days I wouldn’t trade my step deck trailer for anything. You decide! Stay Driven!
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Here’s an in depth look at my new (when I bought it) Step Deck! What do you think?
ruclips.net/video/teOC5W4_AXI/видео.html
Keep your axles closed, don't run over 34000 on the trailer, INFLATE YOUR TRAILER TIRES TO 125 PSI. Always run matched tires, Hankook TH22 highly recommended. It is not an alignment issue, it is not a trailer issue, follow these rules and most of your tire issues will go away. It took me years to figure out what works with these small tires. My trucks are set at 70 mph and we have almost eliminated blown tires. Also just a heads up watch the slack adjusters on these trailer axles, they have been known to fall apart and can be difficult to find replacements on the road. All my trucks carry spare slack adjusters. Stay safe
Solid video buddy, I’m thinking about buying 48ft flatbed when I become a owner operator
What we doing tay? WE TRUCKING MANE
Get a 53ft flatbed
Man, how did I miss this comment!! My boooooooy, we Truckin mane! I understand the 48 flat, however, a 53 flat will never lose you a load but a 48 can (it’s not typical but there are some 53 foot loads out there that can’t go on a 48) hit me up if you want to talk about it. Keep killin that RUclips game, I see you out there 👍🏻👊🏻
We trucking mane!!
Gimme energy
You are sir are worth listening to. I have watched a lot of your videos. Keep on thinking things through and putting more than superficial thought into your videos just like you have.
I run a 48 ft spread aluminum step. I stay pretty much loaded up and moving with Landstar. I can only haul up to 46000lbs . I don’t have any problems with finding loads that keep me moving. I love my little 48 ft step. Great video Brian. Stay safe out there. And Mr. Spooner and I are from the same town in Arkansas. Great guys for getting a lot of interesting information from.
Thanks Mike, he seemed very genuine
What's the best size for upper deck 8ft or 10ft?
@@craigj.651 I have a 10 ft upper deck. I really don’t have any trouble with loads. Even hauling containers.
What is your rate per mile that you normally pull for.?
Because were they step deck.
You should not be pulling less than four dollars a mile.
Unless it's a
step deck / flatbed load
Step deck only loads are very specialized and should be 4.00 a mile bare minimum.
Southern pride trucking owner operators hauling jet engines and super expensive loads I think that’s your next move .$350,to $450 a year . Really enjoyed watching your awesome 👏 videos 👍🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻
They would be a good company to work for for sure
An other you tuber brother of ours had a similar issue popping tires, look at the axle tubing where the shackle bolts attach the axle tube to the leaf springs. that's where the tube cracks and puts the wheels out of alignment.................kills tires , keep safe and healthy!.....Stay Driven!
Spoke to a few guys as well about 17,5 tires blow out issues. All saying triple axle only way to go. On one of the forums found out that Continental htl-2!eco plus 235/75/17,5 are rated for 75mph. You might also want consider 48’5” so can have all 3 axles on the ground and still be legal in all states. But that is if you planning to do overweight or just too heavy loads cuz if you got overweight and oversize you just add few $$ for an extra axle to your permits.
Much appreciated, I keep hearing the same
Can you use 3 axles in California?
@@DarkSideOfTheGame22 yes, 48’5” trailer legal, 53’ trailer under the permit
Hello, enjoyed this video. I was glad to hear you talk about Landstar. I have been waiting to get information on how Landstar is working for you. I have gone through the Mercer application process and I'm about to lease on to Mercer. Thinking my long term progression will be to end up at Landstar, but I want to try Mercer first. Hope you have more info on your Landstar experience in the future. Thanks for your videos.😁
I think it's a good idea to try both companies.
I had the same trailer you have and did not like it. With my Pete I was way to long, to heavy and to low for my comfort. Went back to a flatbed and I’m glad I did. I didn’t think there were enough good paying loads to justify the aggravation. That’s just me, different strokes for different folks. Good luck
Suggestion: If you are going to run Step Deck Run a 41" Deck Height. That way you can Run 22.5" Tires , run as fast as you want & have bigger brakes.
Every time you remove those hoses on that tire inflationand system there is a small rubber O ring that usually needs to be replaced and most tire shops do not replace them after they take them for tire work.
Thank you for the tip, I’ll check into it ASAP
Solid video my man, been watching you for awhile. Just made the jump to Landstar myself. Something that I didn't hear you talk about is the placement of your loads. From your videos I know you are good at what you do, and you know 48' flat and 53' steps disperse weight differently. That was my problem, anyway. Keep up the good work!
We use both flat and step. Personally I do much better hauling boring freight on the flat. The step is often like pulling a parachute or dragging a sled, gets you oddball loads that are harder to tie down, and somewhat limits where you can load. I'm a mileage driver so I can't tell you if it pays better by the load, but I think I can say I get in and out much quicker by marking the center and telling them to belly load a flat. We also have a lot of drop and hook which makes a huge difference. Being constantly at the shipper/receiver's mercy is a pay killer.
For a trailer, you don't see many but ideally I'd prefer a 50' flat which can do anything a 48' or 53' can do.
I think if I was an O/O ,the most important thing would be the insurance rate discount and help with parts and repairs offered. From what I've heard from many failed indie O/O's, the brokers see you coming. There's definitely strength and safety in numbers as long as the one you hook on with is working for you and not just trying to use you...you know the kind of companies I'm talking about. I've also met some very successful small guys who have become rich because they're just good businessmen and seem to be able to find and deal with reliable drivers for their minifleet.
It depends on what you want to do. You said you want to go heavy so a step deck is more suitable for that... The question is what you want? More loads or specialize loads?
Iv had extremely good luck with my routneir flatbeds 48’ split axles. Minimal deadhead. Minimal maintenance and keeping decent rates! Stay safe.
Have you checked you trailor axle alignment. I had a trailor was prone to blowouts, got axles broke loose and realigned and never blew another one
Brian I would check your air system on the trailer and verify that the pressures are set right. At my company we have many issues with the on board air systems... also we have better luck with tape vs dope on the fittings.
But, step deck has the ramps that you could use and turn it into a flatbed??
Thoughts on 3 axle non low profile tires
I’ve always had issues with low pros... gotta but quality tires, keep pressure good, keep speed at 60.
As for the three axle, good option, just make sure one or two axles lift.
As for RGN talk... do it!!!!!!! 😉
What's up brother, can you explain why you left Mercer? And then why you went to landstar, nice video just started watching last few weeks love what you talk about, and why great job be safe..
Thank you, the main reason I left Mercer is because the lack of freight in the Houston area, it was also extremely cheap. I also have aspirations to eventually go heavy haul and overdimensional freight over there was few and far between
Why not get a step deck with lo pro 22.5s
Every time I pulled a lowpro step I blew tires. They just aren’t worth the trouble. Go to a regular step deck and be done with it. Also don’t run caps on your trailer. The TPS monitor system is also more trouble than its worth. Definitely go with a 53. Too many places require it. Look at a East or Mac. Mac will custom build you anything btw.
Mac trailers are sharp
I am gettin brand new same step deck. 💐🥳🎉
How do you back up ?? And do you have a dump valve for when backing up? Could be the pivoting action shortening the life of those tires especially when heavy
I remember you had a accident with the trailer awhile back. Is that possibly causing the tire problem. I don't remember what you said exactly about the damage at the time.
Great stuff Sir! Thanks for sharing. Wish you the best.
19,5s work fin and are cheap to buy to
Thanks for sharing..Have a great 4 of July..Heavy Haul was going through a lot of tires and he had to get a costly trailer alignment..Yes I realize there is a big differences between you and heavy haul but just saying..😀😎👍👍🇺🇸☕️🍫🇺🇸🇺🇸
Can you haul steel say 40ft to 50ft sticks on a step?
First thing I pulled was a step, and it was kind of a pain. Low down, no good place for bungies, and awkward to tarp. Market aside, 53’ flat is my preferred trailer.
Fontaine makes a nice trident step and cali legal too
check make sure that tire inflation system is at right psi setting
What is the best flatbed to start with length width and or step deck though?
Thanks for the great review and your opinion is important to me
You should move up to RGN or OPEN DECK RGN that way you can get better loads and haul lots of machinery and equipment.
I thought the longer the flat or step deck the less weight it can hold, 48' can carry more weight than a 53' just not more items
If most of your blowouts are on 4th axle try not making turns over 90 degrees especially with split axles as they will drag across the asphalt.
Thanks men. Great recommend
Back in my car hauler days, Cottrell trailers ran mixture of 22.5 and 19.5 tires, had good experience with the 19.5's. Do the low pro stepdeck trailers come with the 19.5 option for tires vs 17.5's? Ran 70-75 mph easily on my 19.5 tires, yes they blow every once in a while, but not as much as I seen more times with those 17.5's...just curious.
Yes I believe Fontaine makes one with 19 fives, and I was looking at it too
interesting but looking back is easy to do when you can.. but let's face it one can not go back and like you said it was a great choice at the time :)
still for those on the fence trying to decide which one is going to give them the best end of year bottom line, this video is great.... it's perfect
stay safe and sane driver hehe
I can’t promise anything 😂🤪
@@DrivenTrucking 😆🤣
I wish I still had my step deck! I think I might be looking for a stepdeck here soon.
I’ll trade you!
Nice review man! Good video.
Is your trailer tire tread wear even?
If not, that could lead to your answer.
Few questions for you if you dont mind. I have a heavy combo flat. Weighs 11k. Im at 33.5 with the truck. Was looking at a new aluminum flat which would put me at 31.5. But been debating a step as well. What is the weight of your step? And how much weight does s 3rd axle add. Are steps similar to flat as in most want you to be able to scale 48k?
Battle of the tires are relentless
Great video 👍🏻😊
17.5s will forever be a pain. I don’t see how them over 255/22.5’s make more money to be worth it.
A lot of places that do over size equipment you have to have 17.5s. I ran a tri-axle 17.5s because John Deer and Cat wouldn’t load me otherwise.
Driven, Good to know there som good "Guys" out there1 Sourdough Bob
If you had a hole in the middle, you might have picked up a fist sized rock, in between the tires. So check your tires, if you have been off road.
Flat i ran more miles then a step but the conestoga ran less miles and made more then both. As for 17.5 run contintial 125 psi rate at 75mph . Your auto air isnt right just unhook them . Be safe
Do u recommend conestoga?
@@craigj.651 yes if flat look for at least 100 in inside height and 103 wide if step put on low pro and have it maxed out . If you have one built go with eagle and talk to bill. I pull tarped and non tarped loads . Now a true conestoga load will pay more . I do work for Mercer and there's only 35 to 40 conestoga they avg the best money . If you live above i40 and east of 35 you will be loaded all the time
Another good video!
Flat or Step? The age old question. Who has the answer... Lol
I had a low pro step years ago. Always had tire issues. On the other hand I have talked to people who claim to have no tire issues.
🔥
Hey Brayan i met you at sealy ,tx we both where going to San Antonio tx I can give you my 53 step deck 2020 Great Dane combo let me know I used that trailer 7 months
Hi Christian are you selling the trailer?
I remember! I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet
Fighter's Point of View yes sr
I’m doing something else now
Good info
Owner operator landstar is the only company I have had to fail to pay me been waiting 3 months on the check
Wow, of all the people I’ve talked to, This is the first time I’ve ever heard anything remotely close to this and there’s a lot of bad stuff out there
Use factoring pays next day and don’t have to wait for this brokers to pay you after 30 days factoring guarantees your money and they will wait 30 days to get payed
Why is 53 a problem coming out of Cali
Because of the kingpin law being 40 foot, I can only come out of there if I can scale the load with the axles closed, otherwise it must be one piece and then it’s only a $16 permit but those are rare
Did you watch the loves tech's take off the tires? I think they may have scammed you like I think they did me... maybe they damaged the other tire...
Yeah I looked at it, there’s no way he could’ve done what was going on with the tire
Don't buy the Butterside Michelin series.....and don't buy repaired tires to save money.
B
Only thing i would chage is that ugly as truck with a manual. Get a 2025 cascadia with the dd16 and dt12 and you got a good truck. No reason to have an old truck in 2024😊
Stupid comment. Its clear that you don’t understand trucks or trucking.
One of the best feature of your videos is that I can fast-forward 20 min and not miss a thing.You're still prattling on and on using 500 words to get 100 words of advice. Just sayin'