Step deck trailers

Types of Step Deck Trailers

A step deck trailer is also known as a drop deck trailer. It is a type of flatbed trailer that has two deck levels. The upper deck is for loading freight that needs to be taller than the standard height of a trailer. The lower deck provides easy loading and unloading of freight. A step deck trailer is mostly used for large freight transportation. There are various types of step deck trailers, including the following:

• Standard Step Deck Trailers

  These are the most commonly used types of trailers. Standard trailers have a two-deck system. Each deck has a different height that makes it easier to load and transport freight. The upper deck height is 5 to 6 feet. On the other hand, the lower deck height ranges from 3 to 4 feet. Standard step deck trailers can carry freight with a maximum height of 10 feet.

• Extended Step Deck Trailers

  Extended deck trailers have longer lengths compared to standard trailers. The length of these trailers ranges from 53 to 65 feet. The longer length provides more space for loading freight. An extended step deck trailer also has a two-deck system. Each deck has a height of 5 to 6 feet. The freight height capacity is also 10 feet. Extended step deck trailers are ideal for transporting long freight.

• Removable Gooseneck Step Deck Trailers

  These trailers are designed with a removable gooseneck that provides more loading space. The gooseneck can be removed and placed on the ground in front of the trailer. The removal makes it easier to load freight that is wide or long. The RGN step deck trailer also has a two-deck system. However, each deck can have different heights, ranging from 7 to 8 feet. The maximum freight height is 12 feet. Moreover, RGN step deck trailers can carry heavier freight weights.

• Lowboy Trailers

  Lowboy trailers are a type of step deck trailers. They are designed with a low-to-the-ground design. The height of lowboy trailers is between 1.5 to 3 feet. The low height of the trailers provides easy loading of heavy freight. The maximum freight height for lowboy trailers is 8 feet. However, lowboy trailers have a limited freight width since they are narrow.

• Multi-Axle Step Deck Trailers

  Multi-axle step deck trailers are designed with more than two axles. The trailer can have 3 to 6 axles depending on the design. Each axle provides an extra weight capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. The added axles also improve the stability of the step deck trailer during transportation. Multi-axle step deck trailers transport freight that is extremely heavy or oversized.

Specification and maintenance of step deck trailers

• Dimensions

  Step deck trailers have the same width as traditional flatbed trailers, with a loading area that measures 102 inches wide. The length of a step deck trailer can be anywhere from 75 to 53 feet long. The lengths are as follows:

  Kingpin to the back of the trailer: 4 to 6 feet

  Loading deck (front to rear): 10 to 12 feet

  Upper deck (front to rear): 30 to 34 feet

  Lower deck (front to rear): 10 to 12 feet

• Weight

  Step deck trailers can carry weights of up to 50,000 pounds. The gross weight of the trailer itself can range from 10,000 to 20,000 pounds. The weight varies depending on the number of axles, which can be 2 to 5. More axles lead to a higher weight capacity.

• Material

  Commonly used materials for constructing step deck trailers include aluminum and steel. Aluminum offers advantages such as lightweight, corrosion resistance, and high strength-to-weight ratio. Steel is more durable and has a higher load-bearing capacity than aluminum.

Proper maintenance is crucial for safety and step deck trailer longevity. Here is how to ensure the trailers are in good condition:

• Regular inspections: Step deck trailer inspections should occur before and after every trip. This helps to identify worn parts, cracks, and damage. Inspections should cover the frame, tires, lights, loading ramps, and the trailer's overall structure. Wheel bearings, axles, and suspension systems should be inspected regularly for wear and tear.
• Tire maintenance: Step deck trailer tires should be regularly checked for proper inflation. This prevents blowouts and punctures. The tire tread depth should be inspected, and the tires rotated regularly for even wear. In addition, the tires should be free from debris and thoroughly cleaned.
• Lubrication: Proper lubrication of moving parts should be done regularly to prevent friction and wear. Step deck trailer owners should refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the right type of lubricant to use and the recommended maintenance intervals.
• Electrical system maintenance: Wires and connections should be inspected for corrosion and loose connections regularly. This helps to ensure the proper functioning of the step deck trailer's lighting system. The electrical system should be free from moisture and debris, and any damaged components should be replaced.
• Load security: Load security should be checked regularly to prevent shifting or falling during transportation. This prevents damage to the load and the trailer. Step deck trailer owners should inspect the tie-downs and straps for wear and tear regularly and replace them if damaged.
• Cleaning: Step deck trailers should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, debris, and moisture. This prevents corrosion and damage. Hard-to-reach areas such as wheel wells and underbody parts should be cleaned, and any build-up should be removed.

How to choose step deck trailers

Before buying a step deck trailer, it is important to consider various factors to ensure it meets specific needs. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

• Load Height

  Consider the height of the cargo that needs shipping. If the cargo is tall, opting for a low-profile step deck trailer with a lower deck height is advisable.

• Weight Capacity

  Different trailers have different weight capacities. Buying a step deck trailer with a higher weight capacity than the intended load is advisable.

• Load Width

  When choosing a step deck trailer, considering load width is important. The trailer should accommodate the cargo without protruding the edges.

• Tie Down Points

  Step deck trailers have different numbers of tie-down points. It is important to choose a trailer with sufficient tie-down points for security during transportation.

How to DIY and replace step deck trailers

For those who own a step deck trailer, it is important to learn how to replace it in case of wear or damage. The good news is that, with the right tools and parts, one can easily replace a step deck trailer. Below are steps on how to replace a step deck trailer:

• Inspect the trailer

  Before replacing a step deck trailer, it is important to inspect it thoroughly. This will help see what is wrong with the trailer. Is it the axle, suspension, or tire that is damaged? After inspecting, the next step will be to replace the damaged part.

• Gather necessary tools

  Once the inspection is done and the damaged part is found, the next step is to gather all the necessary tools that will be needed to replace the part. Some of the tools that will be needed are wrenches, jacks, and sockets. Also, when replacing a new step deck trailer, it is important to have the right hardware components, such as bolts and brackets.

• Elevate the trailer

  For safety reason, make sure the trailer is elevated before replacing it. Use a jack to raise the trailer and ensure it is on a solid ground. After the trailer is elevated, disconnect the damaged part carefully.

• Install the new part

  Once the damaged part is removed, the next step is to install a new part. Follow the manufacturer's instructions while installing the new part to ensure it is installed correctly. After the installation is done, make sure all the bolts and nuts are tightened properly.

• Lower the trailer

  Once the replacement is done and all the necessary precautions are taken, the next step is to lower the trailer. Carefully remove the jack and ensure the trailer is on a solid ground.

• Test the trailer

  Before hitting the road, it is important to test the trailer to ensure everything is working perfectly. Check the lights, brakes, and other important components of the trailer to ensure they are working properly.

Q and A

Q1: What is a step deck trailer?

A1: A step deck trailer, also known as a drop deck trailer, is a type of flatbed trailer used in the transportation of freight. Its design features two deck levels that ""steps"" down, which allows for the loading of taller cargo that would otherwise exceed height restrictions when transported on a standard flatbed trailer.

Q2: What are the benefits of using a step deck trailer?

A2: Step deck trailers offer several advantages. Their dual-level design enables the transportation of oversized cargo. They also have a lower height compared to traditional flatbed trailers, making loading and unloading easier. The open design provides less cargo protection than enclosed trailers.

Q3: What types of cargo are typically transported using step deck trailers?

A3: Step deck trailers are ideal for transporting oversized equipment and machinery, building materials such as concrete pipes and steel beams, vehicles including cars and boats, and large industrial goods like pallets and furniture.

Q4: What is the difference between a step deck trailer and a flatbed trailer?

A4: The key difference between step deck trailers and flatbed trailers is their design and height. Step deck trailers have two deck levels (a deck that steps down), while flatbed trailers have a single-level deck. This makes step deck trailers more suitable for transporting taller or oversized cargo.

Q5: Can a step deck trailer transport cargo that is taller than the standard height restrictions?

A5: Yes, step deck trailers are specifically designed to transport cargo that is tall or oversized. Their two-level deck design provides additional vertical clearance compared to standard flatbed trailers.

Popularity Trends

The web search volume for "step deck trailers" has shown a consistent average monthly search rate of 9,900, but has experienced a significant decline of 18% over the past year and three months. This trend is evident from the detailed monthly data, which reveals fluctuations between 8,100 and 9,900 web searches.

Analyzing the monthly search data, "step deck trailers" saw a noticeable dip to 8,100 web searches in December 2023, January 2024, and again in July and October 2024. Conversely, the web search volume returned to its peak of 9,900 web searches in February, March, April, May, August, and September 2024. This pattern suggests a periodic decline in interest, possibly tied to seasonal variations or market dynamics affecting the trucking and transportation industries.

The observed fluctuations and overall decrease in web search volume over the past year could indicate a shifting market demand or changes in consumer behavior related to the purchasing or leasing of step deck trailers. However, without additional context, the exact reasons for these trends remain speculative. The data clearly points to a cyclical interest in step deck trailers, with peaks and troughs that may correlate with specific times of the year or industry-specific events.