Help me decide deckover or low pro

[LD1]

Both a deckover and drop deck will haul the TLB just fine if thats the main goal.

I think you need to look long and hard at what "other" uses you have for the trailer.

Hauling pallets, or long material (beams, logs, culvert pipe, etc) the deck over is better IMO. When hauling something that is the length of the trailer, or a tad longer....like the 25' steel beams I bought to build my crane, They would have been hard to unload with the forks on a drop deck, as the fender would be right near the mid-point where I need to get in there.

A drop deck also limits you on pallet placement if you haul stuff on pallets. Makes it harder to get a good load balance with limited side access.

On the other hand, if the trailer is used alot to haul cars, especially lower profile ones, you will find it difficult at times getting them onto the higher deck of a deck-over trailer without bottoming out and rubbing .

 

[downslope]

Have you checked into a "drive over fender"? They move the deck height up between the two trailers you're looking at. This way if you have something a little wide you don't have to worry about it fitting between them.

Does the trailer with "drive over fender" also become a full 96-102 inches for the entire length? That could be handy when loading pallets two across at the front.

Another thing I was wondering, is the only reason the low-boy trailers are lighter than deckover is that they are narrower, or is there something else in the design that reduces weight?

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Does the trailer with "drive over fender" also become a full 96-102 inches for the entire length? That could be handy when loading pallets two across at the front.

Another thing I was wondering, is the only reason the low-boy trailers are lighter than deckover is that they are narrower, or is there something else in the design that reduces weight?

I think it has more to do with the I beam construction of deckovers and there's obviously more steel in a wider deck though I'm sure not much.
It looks like the geometry of the hitch would make the deckover a rougher ride while being towed. I mostly will be hauling the tractor but there will be times I haul other stuff. I occasionally haul wood pellets by the ton but I should easily get 2 pallets on the low pro with out issue.
The other items I'd see myself hauling is the occasional logs in the 20' length. This would be rare as I have the 16' dump trailer to haul the bulk of them.

Matt

 

[The Fred]

My deckover pulls hard and when the tires hit bumps it sends you through the roof of my 07 Duramax with a dump body.

Air ride trailer would be the cat's meow for a ton truck, Fred

 

[farmer2009]

Does the trailer with "drive over fender" also become a full 96-102 inches for the entire length? That could be handy when loading pallets two across at the front.

Another thing I was wondering, is the only reason the low-boy trailers are lighter than deckover is that they are narrower, or is there something else in the design that reduces weight?

Some do, some don't. You'd have to check with manufacturer. I've seen them both ways.

I think your weight savings is in the construction of the trailer. Usually C channel instead of I beams. Deck might save a couple hundred pounds.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Yes the tail is included in the 21' length.



I don't do any offroading with my trailer'sut the low deck height is a valid point. I have seen the adjustable beaver tail Mortiz offers and it's pretty slick, unfortunately there's no dealers in my area. I was interested in looking at Cornpro but the closest dealer only stocks the horse trailers. Bwise is another manufacture I was looking hard at but they PC their trailers and 102" for deckovers it what they offer. I've thought about the getting the CDL but that opens another can o worms with insurance, reg ,med exams. I very rarely do work for hire and even then it's a friend or acquaintance.

Matt

I just figured it was worth mentioning if you travel into other's property much. The adjustable tail is very awesome to have. Much more handy than the pop up tails. The CDL isn't as big of a deal as people make it out to be. I've had mine for right around 4 years or so now, and I think my license per year is about double the cost of a class c. The insurance doesn't go up, medical exams are good for two years and only cost $70 at walmart.

 

[George2615]

Congrats on the new trailer.
I have the PJ 22' TF model (Actual size 23'9" bed incl.tail) 14K full tilt but I know your not fond of PC trailers. 82" between the fenders.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I just figured it was worth mentioning if you travel into other's property much. The adjustable tail is very awesome to have. Much more handy than the pop up tails. The CDL isn't as big of a deal as people make it out to be. I've had mine for right around 4 years or so now, and I think my license per year is about double the cost of a class c. The insurance doesn't go up, medical exams are good for two years and only cost $70 at walmart.

Your point is well taken and you never really know where you'll end up with a trailer.

Congrats on the new trailer.
I have the PJ 22' TF model (Actual size 23'9" bed incl.tail) 14K full tilt but I know your not fond of PC trailers. 82" between the fenders.

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate PC trailers. I've owned several PJ's a was close to buying another. What really got me thinking about going paint over was when I got the quote for the options on the PJ.

I wanted them to put the hydraulic pump in a box under the deck as they do with the GN version. Then I wanted to have an additional box on the opposite side of the trailer under the deck. That sent the cost up over 10k, so I mentioned I'd just add the boxes on my own later. Then I came to the realization that welding them to frame was going to be an issue with the PC.

Matt

 

[kevin37b]

Congrats on the new trailer.
I have the PJ 22' TF model (Actual size 23'9" bed incl.tail) 14K full tilt but I know your not fond of PC trailers. 82" between the fenders.

Nice trailer . Where do they hinge the bed ? Curious .

 

[George2615]

Nice trailer . Where do they hinge the bed ? Curious .

Bed is hinged just behind the rear axle. Trailer sits fairly low to the ground. Tows great.