Everything There is to Know Before Buying Your Next Flatbed ...

Everything There is to Know Before Buying Your Next Flatbed ...

Looking to get a new flatbed trailer? If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

Choosing The Right Flatbed Trailer

Choosing the right flatbed trailer depends heavily on what you’re hauling, where you’re hauling, and your intended duration of use. For those who want flashy looks, an aluminum trailer might be ideal. But if you need a reliable workhorse, consider a combo or steel trailer.

Aluminum Flatbeds

Aluminum flatbed trailers are the lightest, featuring entirely aluminum structures including beam, side rails, and floors. Though costlier upfront, they have a higher resale value. They’re built with an arch to allow for weight leveling due to aluminum’s deflection.

Combination Flatbeds

Combination trailers merge steel beams with aluminum floors and side rails, offering aluminum's weight savings with steel's strength. These are less expensive than aluminum but slightly pricier than all-steel models.

Steel Flatbeds

Totally made of steel, these trailers are heavier but less costly initially. They offer durability but come with a lower resale value and are more susceptible to rust.

• Pros: Durable, cheaper upfront, and versatile for dunnage securement.
• Cons: Wood floors wear out, steel is rust-prone, and they have lower resale value.

What Are Curtain Side Trailers Used For?

Curtainside trailers blend the features of dry vans and flatbeds. They offer an enclosed trailer with accessible sides for easy loading but don’t allow top loading. They are excellent for loads needing protection and special handling.

• Rear door like a dry van.
• Support system for roof and sides.
• Modifiable for various flatbed types.
• Heavier due to additional structural components.
• Allows both side and rear loading.

5 Ways to Reduce the Weight of Your Flatbed Trailer

The key to maximizing payload is minimizing your trailer's weight:

1. Start with a lightweight flatbed—Choose options like the MAC or 4000AE aluminum models.
2. Aluminum cross members—They save about 400 lbs over steel ones.
3. Increase cross member spacing—Going from 12" to 18" spacing saves 300-400 lbs.
4. Wheels and tires—Opt for Low Pro 22.5" tires on aluminum wheels.
5. Closed tandem slider vs. spread axle—Spread axles are lighter by up to 500 lbs.

Why Are Some Semi Trailers Bowed?

Aluminum trailers have arches (camber) to handle flex under heavy loads. This isn't ideal for long flat materials; dunnage racks can help fill gaps.

Combination and All-Steel Trailers

These have less camber and are thus flatter. Cross braces provide additional weight distribution support.

How To Keep Screws from Popping and Waves in Your Flatbed Floor

Proper cross member spacing can prevent floor damage:

Aluminum Crossmember Spacing

Reduce spacing to 12" for rear loading or concentrated loads.

Steel Crossmember Spacing

While stronger, 12" spacing is recommended even for steel cross members.

Know Your Trailer's Capabilities

Ensure your trailer specs match your hauling requirements.

Load Securement Options for a Flatbed Semi-Trailer

Winches and Straps

These are popular and can be mounted on either or both sides of the trailer. For tall loads, consider securement points on both sides.

Spools and Pockets

Different manufacturers offer varying ratings for spools’ load limits. Always verify manufacturer and DOT regulations.

J-Hooks

• Provide multiple placement options along the trailer length.
• Removable and storable on racks or toolboxes.
• Rating varies by manufacturer.

Step Deck vs. Lowboy, Which is Best?

Step decks are great for loads under 10 ft tall. For larger, heavier equipment, a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) or Lowboy is recommended.

Find out more about: low bed semi trailers on our website.

What is The Best Bulkhead for My Flatbed Semi-Trailer?

Flat Bulkheads

• No extra space sacrificed, allowing pallet loading against the bulkhead.
• Available in corrugated and flat metal.

Wrap Around Bulkheads

• Extra support for the load and easier side rail kit usage.
• Available with returns of 10" to 24".
• Both DOT or Non-DOT rated.

Flatbed Accessories

Toolboxes

Various configurations are available to meet different needs.

Dunnage Racks

Available in many styles, they offer storage for wood or other materials, freeing up trailer bed space.

Interested in more? Visit AUTONE.

2024 Best Guide of Lowbed Trailer

What is the low bed trailer?

A lowbed trailer typically features an open beam frame with a swan-neck front section that connects to the towing vehicle and a rear wheel frame. It's commonly used to transport heavy machinery.

Different types of lowbed trailers vary by axle number and tire size, affecting payload capacity and stability.

Application

Lowbed trailers are mainly used for transporting heavy vehicles, machinery, and other large cargo. Their low center of gravity enhances stability and safety.

Different types of lowbed trailers

From two axles to multi-axle setups, lowbed trailers come in various configurations to meet diverse hauling needs.

Lowbed trailer specifications

Typical specs include size, weight, load capacity, axles, tires, suspension, material, and more. Custom options are also available.

Panda lowbed trailer packaging and shipping

Panda lowbed trailers receive anti-corrosion treatment before shipping, ensuring they remain in top condition during transport.

Loading test of semi equipment trailers

Each Panda lowbed trailer undergoes load testing to meet quality standards. We also offer usage guidance.

The low loader flatbed trailer factory image

Production process

From cutting steel sheets to painting, the production process ensures each lowbed trailer meets high standards of quality and durability.

1. Cutting of steel sheet material

Steel is cut according to design specifications.

2. Submerged arc welding crossbeam, crossbeam fixed

Fixed and welded beams form the structural backbone.

3. Aligning beam, aligning beam

Proper alignment ensures tire wear is minimized.

4. Connect the side beams and weld the main pin

Side beams and traction pin are welded to form the frame structure.

5. Welding frame and suspension

Suspension welding is critical for load-bearing capacity.

6. Connecting gooseneck

The gooseneck is welded and reinforced.

7. Lay the base plate

The base plate is welded to the frame.

8. Start sanding and painting

The trailer is sanded and painted to ensure durability and aesthetics.

How does the lowbed trailer work?

Lowbed trailers are used for medium and long-distance freight. Their low center of gravity makes them ideal for transporting heavy and tall loads.

Detailing

Key points include welding method for linkage draw bar, reinforcement plates for the girder, and proper suspension welding.

Feature

1. Main beam: 500mm thickened main beam made of high-strength steel.

2. Side beam: 10mm thick side beams offer greater load capacity.

3. Powerful ramp: Made of high-strength steel for loading heavy equipment.

The lowbed

Various construction types cater to different needs, such as transporting large equipment and machinery. The design ensures smooth and stable transportation.

Vehicle maintenance

Brake pad maintenance

Clean brake fluid and inspection of brake pads are crucial for safety.

About the replacement of gooseneck low boy trailer’s brake pad

Check and replace brake pads regularly to avoid total wear.

About the tire inspection

Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect for wear and foreign objects regularly.

Main points of buying the low boy trailer

• Consider manufacturer’s technology, steel plate material, and accessory selection.

Contact Us

If you have low bed semi trailer needs or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for a professional consultation.