Flatbed trailer construction question
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4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Flatbed trailer construction question
Hey gang. So I’m looking into a flatbed trailer. 18 or 20’. 12-14k. All purpose. Occasionally hauling a small skid steer. Firewood. Building materials. Things on pallets. Vehicles. You name it. I mostly see ones with a lip around the deck. Is this a pita because it’s not flush or am I overthinking, again?
I appreciate any thoughts, insights.
I appreciate any thoughts, insights.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 108
Likes: 69
Lip? Are you asking about trailers that have some kind of a railing (often angle iron vertical members with more angle iron or perhaps tubing on top)?
The railing adds strength to the frame and allows the lower frame members to be lighter/cheaper (often largish angle iron). Without the "ladder" structure of the rail, the lower frame members would need to be beefed up (often C-channel).
Railing can be good or bad. Makes it easier to secure things in/on trailer and you can rig up some side walls for hauling dirt/mulch or household goods. But they also make it impossible to load trailer from side with fork lift, and if you put a vehicle on a trailer with side rails, it can be difficult to open the doors.
I prefer side rails, but your needs/wants might be different...
Good luck with your hunt.
The railing adds strength to the frame and allows the lower frame members to be lighter/cheaper (often largish angle iron). Without the "ladder" structure of the rail, the lower frame members would need to be beefed up (often C-channel).
Railing can be good or bad. Makes it easier to secure things in/on trailer and you can rig up some side walls for hauling dirt/mulch or household goods. But they also make it impossible to load trailer from side with fork lift, and if you put a vehicle on a trailer with side rails, it can be difficult to open the doors.
I prefer side rails, but your needs/wants might be different...
Good luck with your hunt.
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Lip? Are you asking about trailers that have some kind of a railing (often angle iron vertical members with more angle iron or perhaps tubing on top)?
The railing adds strength to the frame and allows the lower frame members to be lighter/cheaper (often largish angle iron). Without the "ladder" structure of the rail, the lower frame members would need to be beefed up (often C-channel).
Railing can be good or bad. Makes it easier to secure things in/on trailer and you can rig up some side walls for hauling dirt/mulch or household goods. But they also make it impossible to load trailer from side with fork lift, and if you put a vehicle on a trailer with side rails, it can be difficult to open the doors.
I prefer side rails, but your needs/wants might be different...
Good luck with your hunt.
The railing adds strength to the frame and allows the lower frame members to be lighter/cheaper (often largish angle iron). Without the "ladder" structure of the rail, the lower frame members would need to be beefed up (often C-channel).
Railing can be good or bad. Makes it easier to secure things in/on trailer and you can rig up some side walls for hauling dirt/mulch or household goods. But they also make it impossible to load trailer from side with fork lift, and if you put a vehicle on a trailer with side rails, it can be difficult to open the doors.
I prefer side rails, but your needs/wants might be different...
Good luck with your hunt.
I guess I’m referring more to the difference between an equipment trailer with a flush edge and a skid steer trailer with an angle edge sticking up above the deck.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 226
Likes: 19
I like flat with stake pockets. The angle iron lip sucks if you want to haul a dually or anything with a wide track. Also my preference is for deck over wheels for this same reason, if you go with one that has wheels and fenders get or change to fenders sloped enough to drive over.
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