Question about Transcraft Flatbed Trailers

I've owned numerous Transcrafts and not had problems with them and we used to really put the test to them. Like you say some people dislike them. A closed tandem puts less stress on a trailer than a spread does. A dump valve on a spread helps but a tandem turns easier and it is also easier on tires. The price seems high to me. Real high! Anytime you look at an older trailer be sure to check out the crossmembers front to rear. That is probably what is wrong with the 5th wheel plate the crossmembers under that plate have rusted away. Take a look on thetruckpaper.com may be just plain truckpaper.com. Another suggestion like joseph1135 points out if you tell people where you are they may know of someone in your area that has what you want.

 

When you buy used equipment its more who owned it then what brand it is.

 

That price is high for sure as you can get a brand new one in the mid to high 20's. I had two 98's, they rusted through the frame crossmembers(deck crossmembers were aluminum thankfully) and also had some cracks. I paid right around 12 each back in 06 for them, and trust me they did not improve with age. I did a kingpin and plate on one and it was a nightmare when they pulled the top deck. I'd pass on that, and if that is the best deal you can find around you, just buy new. You'll have new tires, brakes, and on and on, not an overpriced 15 year old flatbed.

 

ya the flatbed market down here is crazy ive sold 48ft flatbeds in the past for $6,500 them same trailers today i could get $12,k when i was looking for a used trailer i ended up getting a new one....

 

give it up you have to spend $12,k to get a nice one ill send you a link to what i call a good deal

 

It's everywhere. Last year I sold my 5 year old Fontaine step for $4,000 or so less than the new price in 2007. I would only buy new currently with prices the way they are, and you can spec it exactly the way you want. I wouldn't buy a Transcrap new though unless the deal was to good to pass up. I like the idea of the dual sliding tandems on the Direct trailers, but don't know anything about them.

 

That price is crazy. And like everyone else that has commented, I have owned a 98 Bananacraft. That trailer was poorly constructed. Mine was a spread and every part of that trailer cracked, broke, or rusted through. We are talking weekly welding repairs. I sold that trailer a few years ago for 5,000 with a new kingpin plate, cross members and 50%brakes and tires. I still have older Dorsey flats in my fleet that seem to hold up very well. 94-97 vintage. My drivers prefer the newer 05-13 reitnouers for some reason.lol