There’s nothing like a step-deck trailer for hauling heavy or oversized stuff. The deck height of these trailers is lower than that of traditional flatbed trailers, allowing them to carry taller cargo with greater clearance.
Step deck trailers are typically 48-53 feet long with an 11 feet top deck, 8 feet 6 inches wide, and have a 60-inch top deck, and a 42-inch bottom deck. They can carry up to 43,000 lbs of weight.Â
In this article, I will provide an overview of step deck trailer dimensions and how they can impact your shipping operations.
Types of Step Deck Trailers
Step deck trailers come in several sizes, including 48 feet, 53 feet, 45 feet, and 40 feet trailers.
48 feet and 53 feet step deck trailer
The most common type of trailer is the 48-foot step deck trailer, which has a maximum legal weight capacity of 48,000 pounds. The 53-feet. step deck trailer is another popular option, with a maximum legal weight capacity of 44,000 pounds.
40 feet and 45 feet step deck trailer
The 45 feet step deck trailer is a shorter trailer that is often used for local or regional deliveries. It has a maximum legal weight capacity of 45,000 pounds. The 40 feet step deck trailer is the shortest of the step deck trailers, with a maximum legal weight capacity of 34,000 pounds.
Step Deck Trailer Dimensions
Step deck trailers are special trucks used to move large and heavy cargo that is too big for regular trailers. These trailers are usually about 48 to 53 feet long and 102 inches wide.
They have two platforms, with the top one higher off the ground than the bottom one. The top platform is smaller measuring 11 feet (3.4 meters) in length and 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the ground and the bottom one is longer measuring 37 to 42 feet (11.3 to 12.5 meters) long and standing 36 to 42 inches (0.9 to 1.1 meters) above the ground.Â
They usually have a ramp at the back to make it easier to load and unload cargo. It’s important to plan carefully when using them because they have specific weight and size limitations.
Step deck trailers are special trucks without side walls, which allow you to load and unload cargo from any side. These trucks have a lower platform that is closer to the ground and can carry heavy and large equipment easily. By using these trucks, you can avoid getting extra permits as they comply with the height regulations.
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The Maximum Weight and Height Limit of a Step Deck Trailer
Step deck trailers are legally allowed to transport cargo weighing up to 48,000 pounds (21,772 kilograms), with a total vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds (36,287 kilograms). This gives them the ability to carry large and heavy equipment over long distances, making them a reliable option for transportation. With this weight limit, step deck trailers are suitable for shipping bulky items and machinery.
The maximum height limit of a step deck trailer is typically around 10 feet, although this can also vary depending on the trailer and the regulations of the region it is being operated in.
Step deck trailers are designed with a lower platform to make it easier for drivers to load larger cargo without exceeding height limits. This makes them an excellent choice if you’re looking to transport cargo that stands over 8 feet and 6 inches tall (2.6 meters). By using a step deck trailer, you can ensure that your cargo is safely and securely transported without any issues.
FAQs
What are the dimensions of a 53-step deck trailer?
The dimensions of a 53-step deck trailer would depend on the specific design and manufacturer. However, a typical step deck trailer would have a deck length of approximately 37 to 43 feet and a maximum legal width of 8.5 feet. The height would depend on the specific design, but would typically be around 11 to 12 feet.
What are the dimensions of a trailer?
A trailer is a vehicle that is designed to be towed by another vehicle, typically a truck or tractor. Trailers come in various sizes and designs, including flatbed, enclosed, and specialty trailers.
What is the width of a deck trailer?
The width of a deck trailer, whether it is a flatbed or step deck, would typically be 8.5 feet, which is the maximum legal width allowed on highways without requiring special permits or escorts.
What is a step deck trailer?
A step deck trailer, also known as a drop deck trailer, is a type of flatbed trailer that has two decks, one at the standard height and another lower deck that drops down after the trailer’s wheels to create additional vertical clearance.