Not many people are aware that different trailers and trucks are designed to transport different types of loads or goods when it comes to shipping. Let’s look at some step deck trailer facts, how they differ from flatbeds, and why you might want to use one in the future.
A step deck trailer resembles a platform because it lacks sides, a roof, and doors. This particular trailer has two deck levels, the higher, shorter one being located closer to the front. It is a semi-trailer. Although it can also be lowered to accommodate taller loads, the higher, shorter deck level is intended to clear the edge of the tractor unit. To maximize the additional space and move more items at once, stack goods on the lower level.
For more details, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Step Deck Trailer Definition
A step deck trailer is designed to carry cargo that is too tall to go on a flatbed truck. You can move loads with a step deck truck without getting special permission to exceed the height restriction. These trailers have a lower and upper deck, hence the use of the term “step” in the name. In particular when using a forklift, this makes it much simpler to load and unload machinery.
Depending on your needs for loading and unloading, you can use different types of step deck trailers, such as fixed-neck, gooseneck, or removable gooseneck. A fixed-neck trailer has limited options, whereas a removable gooseneck can be loaded either on the front or back of the trailer. How tall is a step deck trailer? The deck height of these trailers is typically 3 feet 6 inches or less.
Freight Carried on Step Deck Trailer
What sort of cargo is typically transported on step deck trailers? These trailers usually accommodate heavy machinery and freight that tends to be higher. The average load capacity of this trailer, also known as a drop deck or “lowboy,” comes in at around 46,000 pounds, which is why these open trailers are particularly useful when it comes to hauling anything heavy. The typical step deck truck loads include the following items:
- Excavators
- Tractors
- Building Materials
- Agricultural Materials
- Other Machinery
These things are obviously quite tall, and depending on the state law, they might be higher than what is legally permitted—especially for things like bridge clearance. Step deck trailers are extremely useful in this situation. Because these trailers can accommodate loads up to 10 feet and 2 inches tall, they are ideal for taller items that cannot be transported on flatbed trailers. The “step” gives the necessary extra room to fit those large freights that would otherwise fail to make it under low bridges.
Step Deck Trailer Dimensions
For standard trucks, these are the step deck trailer dimensions.
Step Deck Trailer Height
- Top Deck: 5′
- Bottom Deck: 36″ to 42″
How Long is a Step Deck Trailer?
For top decks, step decks are typically 11′ long, while bottom decks range in length from 37’ to 41’.
- Top Deck: 11′
- Bottom Deck: 37′ to 41′
How Wide is a Step Deck Trailer?
The standard step deck trailer width is 8’6″ for top decks and bottom decks.
- Top Deck: 8’6″
- Bottom Deck: 8’6″
Step Deck Vs Flatbed
In the assessment of step deck vs flatbed, there is one glaring difference: the step down to a lower deck on the step deck truck.
A step-deck’s function is to transport taller machinery that wouldn’t fit on a flatbed otherwise. On a step-deck, there are two distinct levels, which contrasts this.
The top deck, which is closest to the truck’s cab, is 11 feet long and 60 inches tall.
The more vertical space is made possible by the lower deck’s complete descent to the wheels. The bottom deck is 36 inches up to 42 inches off the road. It can also be between 37′ and 41′ in length.
As opposed to a normal bed, a flatbed is flat (you don’t say?) and stays flat. Both have a width of 8’6″ and maximum cargo weight of 48,000 pounds.
Step Deck Trailer Vs Lowboy
The vertical capacity of a step-deck truck makes a lowboy truck laugh in comparison. The bottom deck of a lowboy is just slightly off the ground. A lowboy trailer’s highest point is just above the wheels, and the lower deck is only a few inches off the ground.
Lowboys are perfect for hauling oversized equipment, as they allow for the maximum amount of vertical room. A double drop is another name for a lowboy. Transportation restrictions apply to any cargo that is taller than 8 feet, and a lowboy can accommodate loads up to 14 feet tall.
For a typical double-axled trailer, a lowboy can tow a maximum weight of 40k pounds of cargo. With extra axles, a lowboy can carry an extra 80k pounds.
Step Deck Vs Drop Deck
Different names for the same thing include step decks and drop decks. A drop deck, or a step deck, whichever name you want to use, looks like a flatbed trailer that includes a “step” up at the cab end of the trailer. Step decks and drop decks trailers are both wide open and living free.
Pros and Cons of Step Deck Trailers
While a flatbed trailer can work great when you need to carry loads of heavy materials, flatbed trailers have limitations. Step deck trailers can help with this.
Drop decks give your cargo a broad, flat surface to be strapped to, just like a typical flatbed trailer. However, step decks accommodate for taller loads with their signature lowered deck, allowing you to transport higher loads. This eliminates any physical or legal obstacles that might arise when moving heavy equipment and machinery underneath bridges.
Before reaching the maximum height for a trailer, you gain 20 inches by using a lowboy trailer. The maximum height for a drop deck is about 10’2″, which gives you nearly two feet on the 8’6″ regular flatbed trailer. Step decks also include a ramp for loading and unloading materials, which is particularly helpful if you lack a crane.
Having a lowboy trailer deck has some disadvantages, of course. Even with the additional room, some cargo is too tall to fit on a lowboy trailer. Step decks expose your cargo to the elements, which could harm it. Although a tarp will help protect your load, fragile equipment can still sustain damage while being transported.
How Do You Load a Step Deck Trailer?
Cargo can be strapped to the vehicle and trailer and dropped directly and carefully onto the platform, much like a flatbed truck. However, it’s important to keep in mind that in order to evenly distribute the weight, you must distribute the freight across the platform. Cargo should be placed at the front of the step deck trailer to help spread it out and extend the life of your tires.
FAQs
How Much Does a Step Deck Trailer Cost?
Condition, model, and features all affect how much a step deck trailer costs. Most used step deck trailers cost somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000, with newer models exceeding $70,000.
How High Can You Load a Step Deck Trailer?
In safety procedures, the maximum height is extremely important. If you go over the limit, you risk legal trouble, damage to the cargo, loss of federal placards, and disruption of roadway services. Cargo on step deck trailers can only be as high as 10 feet; however, cargo on double-drop trailers can be as high as 11 feet, 6 inches.
How Much Weight Can a Step Deck Trailer Haul?
Accordingly, step deck trailers can tow up to 48,000 pounds, just as conventional flatbed trucks can with 48,000 pounds of weight capacity.
Summary: What is a Step Deck Trailer?
A step deck trailer resembles a platform because it lacks sides, a roof, and doors. This particular trailer has two deck levels, the higher, shorter one being located closer to the front. It is a semi-trailer. Although it can also be lowered to accommodate taller loads, the higher, shorter deck level is intended to clear the edge of the tractor unit. To maximize the additional space and move more items at once, stack goods on the lower level.
Step deck trailers should be considered if the size of the freight you need to ship necessitates a greater degree of versatility.
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