lawdog800

For all of you in the biz, Looking for some advice. I have the opportunity to start my own business with a dedicated run. approx 5000 lbs in cargo but 5 large tube frames so hauling air basically. in round numbers it is an 800 mile round trip paying $1,200 a trip. 210 loads going, I can average 3-4 a week I believe.

In buying a trailer, is it worth the extra money to upgrade to the Air Ride suspension, and if go with air ride is it worth the extra for the lift axle. Standard deck height with lift, low pro without. next is Electric / Hydraulic Disc brakes or standard Electric Drums? 10k or 12 k axles? Hydraulic Dove, Straight Deck with ramps or dovetail with Monster ramps. My thought with a Hydraulic Dove is more chances for a back load of cars if needed to make more money. Looking at PJ and Load Trail. Load Trail is about $1500 cheaper.

Thanks in advance.

67HotRod

I say step back and take a real look at your costs. I have friends that were in the biz and the insurance ended most of theirs.

As far as the trailer, if you can afford it, get the air ride.

You will be surprised how much air disturbance those tubes will have towing them.
Watch how many tarp the front of the tubes, doesn't sound like weight is an issue.

NE frmhnd

If you're hauling something like a tube frame for cars/off-road buggies, every little piece of metal catches the wind on you. Tarps can be your friends.

lawdog800

So tar ping could get better milage than just the framework with wind blowing thru? they are 5 ft wide 6 ft tall and 9 ft long square tube shipping cages

RAMRODD

I would go with hydrolic brakes. 10/ 12 k axils are ok if you need the load capacity. But they pull a lot harder then 3 8 k with singles

Cummins610

If you can swing running triple 8k axles do it, Go with torsion or air. Dove would be very nice but pricy. Wouldn't bother with the lift axle.

pind

if you're going to run triples, go with air or spring, not torsion. way better control, and far fewer axle problems on a triple setup.
in the event of any roughness or obstacles, you can tweak a torsion axle end very easily, and end up having to replace all 3 axles to get the proper ride height and load distribution across the board.
hydraulic dove is really nice, but adds weight if that is a concern. lighter mechanical doves are available.
good luck

etn550

Some of the trailer companies are offering the 17 (or 17.5??) commercial tires with a 10,000 axle. Thus directly replacing 10,000lb tandem dual axles. 4 singles would be a lot less to check and maintain and easier to pull. Hydraulic tail for sure. I had a tail that lifted flat with a jack and was pinned up or down. It was a $500 option. If I could get hydraulic I would. Nothing like having real useable deck. Just check the load rating at the tail. Some hydraulic tails can't take much load. Sure was nice to grab cars or even winch up a 23ft 8x8 container. Then I could haul fully enclosed using the container.

lawdog800

Thanks for the info. I will look into the 17.5 singles Have pretty much decided I want air ride. PJ or Load Trail Now have to finish deciding Hydraulic Dove or Monster Ramps. The Ramps I worry because they are not smooth for driving cars up.

hot_runner58

So your getting about $1.50 a mile, so depending on your mileage, how do you think you will come out after diesel expenses, maintenance, etc? I realize a guaranteed contract deal is great especially with that many loads. Where I am, I charge $2.00 a mile and up depending on weight, and my $2 is up to 8k lbs GCVW trailer and cargo, and some times a little more depending on some factors. I'm just wondering what going rate is in your neck of the woods, or also any other haulers area. I'm in Southern Idaho and run down into Utah.