When you need reliable transport solutions to handle versatile loads with minimal difficulty, flat deck (flatbed) trailers are a dependable industry method of transport. They are perfect for a wide range of applications and materials; however, there are common assumptions that flatbeds are one-size-fits-all. In this post, we’re closing the gap between buyer expectations and the operational reality of flat deck trailers.

What You Can Expect From Your Flat Deck Trailer

Flat deck trailers are built with a solid deck made out of wood or aluminum. These decks are suitable for loads up to 48,000 lbs on tandem axles and up to 62,000 lbs on triaxles. This capacity easily permits the transport of taller and heavier items. Haulers who need to move loads such as machinery, construction materials, tools, vehicles, and other kinds of equipment prefer flat deck trailers. For those needing to stack freight, flat deck trailers make it easy to do so without compromising on stability or fuel efficiency.

While flat decks are versatile in the loads they can haul, there are still rules to follow. You can’t haul any load under provincial regulations. Alberta’s commercial vehicle dimension and weight regulations restrict the weight, length and width of commercial vehicles travelling on the highways. This is important to understand when choosing the size and weight of your flat deck and the cargo you load onto it. All of the flat decks at Kingpin Trailers are spec’d to meet Canadian highway standards and regional codes.

Expectation: Flat Deck Trailers Are Low-Maintenance

Reality: Regular inspections are essential to safety and longevity. If you’re new to the industry, you might assume that a flat deck will require less maintenance, because it has fewer components than a full trailer. The truth is that every trailer will need regular maintenance and inspections in order to be roadworthy. Without these regular inspections and upkeep, you’ll find:

  • Decks warp
  • Wear on the winches and tie-downs
  • Corrosion of the undercarriage

Don’t underestimate the level of maintenance your flat decks require. Kingpin Trailers’ certified fleet maintenance technicians are highly skilled and experienced in routine repairs. Our team offers cost-effective fleet maintenance services that reduce the risk of breakdowns. Routine maintenance ensures your trailer’s efficiency, reduces downtime, and can help maximize your profits.

Expectation: Flat Deck Trailers Are Cheaper Than Other Trailers

Reality: Lower cost upfront, but add-ons add costs. The cost of your flat deck trailer is going to vary depending on what kind of hauling you’re doing and the add-on structures you’ll need. Flat deck trailers don’t have the enclosed parts of standard trailers, which require additional maintenance and repairs. Between repairing cracked walls, leaky roofs, and broken doors, the operational costs of standard trailers can add up quickly. Due to their open design, flat deck trailers avoid these costs outright.

Kingin Trailers offers various customization options for Hyundai trailers, like installing an underbody toolbox, ladder, chain holder, dunnage rack, or even a forklift. Although the addition can be expensive, a Hyundai flat deck trailer is a worthwhile investment that will benefit you for years to come.

Expectation: Any Truck Can Haul A Flat Deck

Reality: Hauling capacity will depend on vehicle load types. Before you purchase a trailer for your truck, you need to make sure your truck model and the flat deck trailer are compatible.

While this is likely common sense to more experienced operators, it’s a frequent mistake for new operators to misjudge their trucks and trailers’ weight capacity. To ensure you complete your transport safely and prevent potential accidents, make sure your truck and flat deck trailer are compatible with weight capacity limits, power, safety ratings, and other important factors.

Kingpin’s staff is highly knowledgeable about the capacity limits of our trailers. We’re more than capable of assisting you with finding the right flat deck for your trucks. When you purchase from us, you’ll leave confident in your ability and capacity to haul.

Expectation: You Can Find A Flat Deck Anywhere

Reality: Not all dealers are reliable or regulation-compliant. Kingpin is the only authorized Hyundai Translead parts dealer in Western Canada. The warehouse also doubles as the Canadian Parts warehouse for Hyundai Translead proprietary parts.

Kingpin Trailers offers regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs. If anything goes wrong with your trailer while you’re hauling, our 24/7 mobile repair service is available to help. If the part you require is not in stock, we can order it the same day and ship it directly. Kingpin offers the fastest shipping in Western Canada.

If you’re looking for reliable, safe, and efficient flat deck trailers, you’ve come to the right place. Kingpin Trailers offers in-house financing and leasing for trade purchases of dry vans and flat decks. Contact us if you have any questions about purchasing or financing your brand-new flat deck trailer.