Drop Deck Trailers For Sale

What is a step deck trailer? Step deck trailers, also known as drop deck trailers, are a type of flatbed semi-trailer that features a unique two-level deck configuration—an upper and lower deck—specifically designed to transport taller cargo. These semi-trailers typically range in length from 40 feet to 53 feet, with the 48 feet and 53 feet models being the most common. Read More
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Featured Item
2013 Reitnouer DropMiser Drop Deck Trailer
33 0

2013 Reitnouer DropMiser Drop Deck Trailer

$37,000 USD
2013 Reitnouer dropmiser 51 ft × 102 in Aluminum. Lower deck 40 feet long upper deck 11 feet . Well maintained, almost everything was installed new: tires, whole brake system (new drums,...
ConditionUsed
L x W51 ft. x 102 in.
Suspension4 Bag Air Ride
Rear AxleTandem Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
RampsYes
MLS Number12975387
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated5/17/2025
Location
Bensalem, PA, US
Sold By

Private Party

2015 Reitnouer 53ft Drop Deck Trailer - All Aluminum, Aluminum Floor, Rear Sliding Axle, Toolboxes
16 0

2015 Reitnouer 53ft Drop Deck Trailer - All Aluminum, Aluminum Floor, Rear Sliding Axle, Toolboxes

Newly Listed
$29,990 USD
2015 Reitnouer 53 ft Step Deck Trailer, , Model: Reitnouer Big Bubba 53' Drop Deck Trailer, Aluminum Frame, Aluminum Floor, Sliding Rear Axle, Air Ride Suspension, Four Toolboxes,...
ConditionUsed
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTandem Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
Stock NumberALMF
MLS Number13727019
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Frostburg, MD, US
Sold By

ITAG Equipment

2017 Reitnouer 48ft Drop Deck Trailer - All Aluminum, Aluminum Floor, Fixed Spread Axle, Toolbox
3 0

2017 Reitnouer 48ft Drop Deck Trailer - All Aluminum, Aluminum Floor, Fixed Spread Axle, Toolbox

Newly Listed
$39,990 USD
2017 Reitnouer 48 ft Step Deck Trailer, , Aluminum Frame, Aluminum Floor, Fixed Spread Axle, Air Ride Suspension, 48x102 - 48 foot stepdeck trailers for sale, Toolboxes, Aluminum...
ConditionUsed
L x W48 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTandem Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
Stock NumberALMF
MLS Number13728136
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Stockbridge, GA, US
Sold By

ITAG Equipment

2013 Reitnouer 53x102 Drop Deck Trailer - All Aluminum, Aluminum Floor, Ramps, Toolbox, 19.5 Tires
10 0

2013 Reitnouer 53x102 Drop Deck Trailer - All Aluminum, Aluminum Floor, Ramps, Toolbox, 19.5 Tires

Newly Listed
$26,990 USD
2013 Reitnouer 53 ft Step Deck Trailer, , Model: Reitnouer Big Bubba 53' Drop Deck Trailer, Aluminum Frame, Aluminum Floor, Sliding Rear Axle- CA and FL Legal, Air Ride Suspension,...
ConditionUsed
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTandem Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
RampsYes
Stock NumberALMF
MLS Number13734758
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Owenton, KY, US
Sold By

ITAG Equipment

UTILITY 53x102 Combination Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Sliding Spread Axle
9 0

2015 UTILITY 53x102 Combination Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Sliding Spread Axle

Newly Listed
$21,900 USD
1073912-SD, 2015 Utility - 53' Rear axle slide Step deck , 53'x102" Drop Deck flatbed, Rear axle sliding suspension, Run as Closed California or Canadian legal, Or run as widespread for...
ConditionUsed
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTandem Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number1073912-SD
MLS Number13734358
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Orting, WA, US
Sold By

Trailer Source, Inc.

Dorsey TRI AXLE DROP DECK Drop Deck Trailer
17 0

2026 Dorsey TRI AXLE DROP DECK Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
Call for price
CAPACITY - Heavy Duty Beam Package - 100,000 lbs. GVWR (80,000 in 10' Span Closed), OVERALL LENGTH - 53' - Base Weight, UPPER DECK LENGTH - 11'(Requires Min. 3/4" Bottom Flange Neck Only),...
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number45425B
MLS Number13635519
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Dorsey TRI AXLE DROP DECK Drop Deck Trailer
17 0

2026 Dorsey TRI AXLE DROP DECK Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
Call for price
CAPACITY - Heavy Duty Beam Package - 100,000 lbs. GVWR (80,000 in 10' Span Closed), OVERALL LENGTH - 53' - Base Weight, UPPER DECK LENGTH - 11'(Requires Min. 3/4" Bottom Flange Neck Only),...
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number45425A
MLS Number13603481
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Dorsey TRI AXLE DROP DECK Drop Deck Trailer
17 0

2026 Dorsey TRI AXLE DROP DECK Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
Call for price
CAPACITY - Heavy Duty Beam Package - 100,000 lbs. GVWR (80,000 in 10' Span Closed), OVERALL LENGTH - 53' - Base Weight, UPPER DECK LENGTH - 11'(Requires Min. 3/4" Bottom Flange Neck Only),...
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number45425
MLS Number13587081
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Dorsey BEAVERTAIL W/ GOLIATH RAMPS Drop Deck Trailer
14 0

2026 Dorsey BEAVERTAIL W/ GOLIATH RAMPS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$54,900 USD
CAPACITY - Standard Beam Pkg - 80,000 GVWR (60,000 in 10' Span), OVERALL LENGTH - 53' OAL, TOP DECK-LGTH/HGT - 10'6" Length = 59" Height, LOWER DECK-LGTH/HGT - 38' = Front 41", Center 42"...
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTandem Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
RampsYes
WinchYes
Stock Number45414
MLS Number13587062
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BIGGER BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
16 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BIGGER BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$89,900 USD
2026 Reitnouer Bigger Bubba Drop, 10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to...
Quantity3
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number75507
MLS Number13584468
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BIGGER BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
16 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BIGGER BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$89,900 USD
2026 Reitnouer Bigger Bubba Drop, 10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to Center...
Quantity3
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number75505
MLS Number13584467
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BIGGER BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
16 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BIGGER BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$89,900 USD
2026 Reitnouer Bigger Bubba Drop , 10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to...
Quantity3
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number75506
MLS Number13584452
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Tri Axle Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Fixed Axle
19 0

2026 Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Tri Axle Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Fixed Axle

Recently Updated
$83,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Container Locks for 1-40' or 2-20' Containers Heavy 20', Lift on Center Rear Axles, Cal. Legal when Rear Axle Lifted, LP22.5 Michelin...
Quantity2
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74502B
MLS Number13544674
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Tri Axle Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Fixed Axle
19 0

2026 Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Tri Axle Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Fixed Axle

Recently Updated
$83,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin, 41" Deck Height, Container Locks for 1-40' or 2-20' Containers Heavy 20', Lift on Center Rear Axles, Cal. Legal when Rear Axle Lifted, LP22.5 Michelin...
Quantity2
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74502A
MLS Number13544668
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 19.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
12 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 19.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$79,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 38" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to Center Axle, LP 19.5 Michelin Tires on...
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74629
MLS Number13533615
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 19.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
12 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 19.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$79,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin, 38" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to Center Axle, LP 19.5 Michelin Tires on 12...
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74625
MLS Number13533599
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Tri Axle Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Fixed Axle
19 0

2026 Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Tri Axle Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Fixed Axle

Recently Updated
$83,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Container Locks for 1-40' or 2-20' Containers Heavy 20', Lift on Center Rear Axles, Cal. Legal when Rear Axle Lifted, LP22.5 Michelin...
Quantity2
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74504
MLS Number13501120
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Tri Axle Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Fixed Axle
19 0

2026 Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Tri Axle Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Fixed Axle

Recently Updated
$83,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Container Locks for 1-40' or 2-20' Containers Heavy 20', Lift on Center Rear Axles, Cal. Legal when Rear Axle Lifted, LP22.5 Michelin...
Quantity2
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74503
MLS Number13501119
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
17 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$79,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to Center Axle, LP 22.5 Michelin Tires on...
Quantity3
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock NumberTri 22.5
MLS Number13461781
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
17 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$79,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to Center Axle, LP 22.5 Michelin Tires on...
Quantity3
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74497
MLS Number13461778
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
17 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$79,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to Center Axle, LP 22.5 Michelin Tires on...
Quantity3
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74496
MLS Number13461776
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer
17 0

2026 Reitnouer TRI AXLE BUBBA DROP ON 22.5 MICHELINS Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$79,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin , 41" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to Center Axle, LP 22.5 Michelin Tires on...
Quantity3
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock Number74495
MLS Number13461775
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Dorsey COMBO DROP DECK REAR AXLE SLIDE Drop Deck Trailer
10 0

2026 Dorsey COMBO DROP DECK REAR AXLE SLIDE Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$51,900 USD
CAPACITY - Standard Beam Pkg. - 80,000 GVWR (54,000 in 4' Span), OVERALL LENGTH - 53', OVERALL WIDTH - 8'6", TOP DECK - 10'6" Length / 59" Height, LOWER DECK - 42'6" Length / Front 41",...
Quantity2
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTandem Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
Stock NumberDC53 RAS
MLS Number13452858
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer BIG BUBBA DROP TRI AXLE LOW PRO 35" DECK HEIGHT Drop Deck Trailer
21 0

2026 Reitnouer BIG BUBBA DROP TRI AXLE LOW PRO 35" DECK HEIGHT Drop Deck Trailer

Recently Updated
$79,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin, 35" Deck Height, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Lift on Center Rear Axles, 40' from King Pin to Center Axle, Michelin Tires on 12 Aluminum...
Quantity3
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTri Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
MLS Number13440774
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Sliding Spread Axle
16 0

2026 Reitnouer Big Bubba 53x102 Aluminum Drop Deck Trailer - Air Ride, Sliding Spread Axle

Recently Updated
$69,900 USD
10'8" Upper Deck w/ 24" king Pin, 60"-121" Axle Spacing Sliding Rear Axle Cal. Legal in Forward Position, Hendrickson Intraax IN250L Air Suspension, Michelin Tires on 8 Aluminum Wheels,...
Quantity6
ConditionNew
L x W53 ft. x 102 in.
SuspensionAir Ride
Rear AxleTandem Axle
Floor TypeAluminum Floor
WinchYes
MLS Number13437555
CategoryDrop Deck Trailers
Last Updated7/31/2025
Location
Columbus, GA, US
Sold By

Booth Trailer Sales Inc.

Did you find what you were looking for? Yes No

Understanding Step Deck Trailers

Step deck trailers are designed to transport taller shipments or specialized equipment that standard trailers cannot accommodate. They are commonly used in industries that frequently move oversized loads such as construction equipment, tractors, and other large machinery.

Key Features and Benefits of Step Deck Trailers

Wabash Transcraft Combo Step Deck Trailer
Wabash Transcraft Combo Step Deck Trailer

Two-Level Deck Structure

The unique two-level deck structure is a defining feature of step deck trailers, with a shorter upper deck at the front and a lower deck at the rear, allows for diverse cargo types. The lower deck's reduced height accommodates taller freight without exceeding legal height restrictions, while the upper deck provides additional space for other cargo.

Optimized Load Distribution

Step deck trailers achieve optimized load distribution through their unique two-level design, strategic axle placement, and advanced suspension systems. These features collectively ensure safer transport operations, enhanced fuel efficiency, and prolonged vehicle durability by evenly spreading cargo weight across all supporting structures.

Increased Cargo Capacity

The lower deck height enables step deck trailers to carry larger volumes of cargo without breaching height restrictions, ensuring taller loads stay within legal limits.

Adaptability for Various Cargo Types

The flexible design suits multiple industries by allowing different types of freight, such as oversized machinery and construction materials, to be loaded easily.

Common Industries Relying on Step Deck Trailers

Several industries benefit from the unique features of step deck trailers:

  • Construction: Ideal for transporting pre-fabricated building parts, scaffolding, steel beams, and large industrial components that benefit from the lower deck height but don’t need the extreme height allowance of a lowboy.
  • Agriculture: Suitable for moving large tractors and other oversized farming equipment. This makes them indispensable during harvest season or when moving equipment between farms.
  • Manufacturing: Large industrial components that require careful handling and transport, like factory machinery or oversized building materials, are often shipped using step deck trailers.
  • Tall Freight: Perfect for shipments that exceed the height limitations of standard flatbed trailers, such as large tanks and oversized HVAC units, and prefabricated building sections or modular homes.

Step Deck Trailer Dimensions

Understanding the dimensions of a step deck trailer is critical for planning transportation logistics, ensuring compliance with legal restrictions, and optimizing load capacity.

Width

The standard width of a step deck trailer is 96 inches to 102 inches. This width provides plenty of room for wide loads while still following legal width limits in most areas.

Length

The length of a step deck trailer can vary significantly. Commonly, these trailers are around 48 feet to 53 feet long, although some models can extend to accommodate longer cargo. Extendable step deck trailers can reach lengths of 80 feet and offer additional flexibility by allowing the length to be adjusted based on specific transportation needs.

  • Upper Deck Length: Typically between 10 to 12 feet long.
  • Lower Deck Length: Ranges from 21 to 43 feet in length.

Height

The height of a step deck trailer is usually around 40 inches to 42 inches from the ground for the lower deck. This lower height allows for the transportation of taller cargo that would exceed legal height limits if carried on a regular flatbed trailer.

Key Considerations When Buying a Step Deck Trailer

Choosing the right step deck trailer involves balancing various considerations to match your specific business needs. Evaluating these aspects can help you make an informed decision that optimizes both efficiency and safety in your operations.

Weight and Size of Cargo

Evaluating the weight and dimensions of the cargo you plan to transport is crucial.

  • Weight Capacity: A typical drop deck trailer has a load capacity of around 46,000 pounds. Ensure the trailer you choose can handle the maximum weights you intend to carry.
  • Cargo Dimensions: Consider the height, width, and length of your typical loads. An extendable step deck trailer might be necessary for extra-long items, providing additional flexibility without compromising safety or legal compliance.

Trailer Length: 48' vs. 53'

One of the first decisions you'll make is choosing a length, most commonly between a 48' step deck trailer and a 53' step deck trailer.

  • 48' Step Deck Trailer: Typically more maneuverable and easier to navigate in tight spaces. Ideal for shorter hauls or routes with many turns.
  • 53' Step Deck Trailer: Offers additional length, providing more space for longer cargo. This can be particularly beneficial if you're frequently transporting lengthy items such as construction beams or large machinery parts.

Trailer Composition and Flooring

Drop deck trailers come in various compositions, including aluminum, steel, and composite, commonly referred to as "combo". Aluminum trailers are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for long-term use in harsh environments. Steel trailers, though heavier, offer superior strength and durability, suitable for carrying extremely heavy loads. Composite trailers combine the benefits of both aluminum and steel, providing a balanced option that offers both strength and reduced weight.

The flooring options for drop deck trailers typically include hardwood, aluminum, or composite materials. Hardwood floors are durable and provide excellent traction but can be heavier and more susceptible to moisture damage. Aluminum floors are lightweight and resistant to corrosion but may be slippery when wet. Composite floors offer a middle ground with good durability, reduced weight, and better resistance to environmental factors.

Fixed vs. Sliding Axles

Choosing fixed axles for your step deck trailer ensures stability and sturdiness, perfect for consistent loads and straightforward routes. Sliding axles, on the other hand, offer superior flexibility in weight distribution and enhanced maneuverability, ideal for varying cargo weights and tight spaces. While fixed axles limit adaptability to different load sizes and road conditions, sliding axles bring versatility but may require more maintenance due to their mechanical complexity.

Standard vs. Low Profile Step Deck

Step deck trailers come in standard and low profile options. Standard decks usually have a lower deck height of around 40 to 42 inches from the ground, while low profile decks typically have a lower deck height of about 36 inches from the ground.

Low profile decks, also known as just "low pro", are designed to make it easier to load and unload cargo with lower clearance. They also provide a little extra space for slightly taller goods. However, there are some trade-offs with low profile decks. Because they sit closer to the ground, low profile decks may have reduced ground clearance limiting the ability to navigate uneven terrain or obstacles. To compensate for the lower height, low profile decks are often built with additional materials, making them heavier and potentially reducing fuel efficiency.

With Ramps or Without

When choosing whether to seek out a step deck trailer with ramps, think about the cargo and different ways you can load it. If you have access to forklifts, cranes, or loading docks, you may not need ramps. However, if you don't have lifting equipment or if their availability is uncertain, having ramps is crucial for easy and efficient loading and unloading.

Where to Find the Perfect Drop Deck Trailer for Sale

MyLittleSalesman.com provides a wide selection of step deck trailers for sale to suit different budgets and needs. Whether you're a truck driver, owner-operator, or fleet manager, we're confident you'll find the ideal trailer for your transportation needs. From new models to budget-friendly used step deck trailers, we have it all.

Got a drop deck trailer to sell? In minutes, you can create an online listing for your drop deck trailer and advertise it to thousands of buyers.
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