Step deck with ramps

You talking about a step deck with a dovetail & flip over wedge style ramps like a lot of hotshots have?

Assuming the step has a main deck height of 35"-40".. I'd guess a range of 10'7" to 10'2" would be the max legal height of equipment on deck.

 

I used to drive one of those years ago. It had Hydraulic ramps on the back. We used to haul paving equipment & smaller construction equipment with it. The ramps were critical because we delivered to a lot of residential areas where there was no other way to get the equipment on or off the trailer safely.

 

I move small equipment like this all the time. ~16,000lb JD 310J.. 33" deck height. Overall tallest point at the rear was about 11'9". Could have got it lower if need be..

 

I have a 53’ step deck with the ramps on the rear as you describe. I love it. Deck height is 37”. Tallest thing I have hauled on there was a dump truck that was 10’10”. Put me over 13’6 but 14’ is legal in Texas.

At least on mine you are somewhat limited on what you can load as the ramps are steep and short. Climbing them isn’t the problem high centering is. Equipment and stuff is fine but many vehicles have difficulty even pickups if they are not 4x4 and tall.

 

Most step decks have ramps that can also be used as load levelers. That gives them the best sort of versatility.

 

I've seen a step with dovetail recently, I believe it was a Dorsey..? Even had the container locks still. The rear locks were built right into the bottom of the fold over wedge style ramps. Pretty neat..

I was hating my tail for a little while. It's about 11' total overhang from the rear axle & has loads of tail swing. Also in the northeast I was tending to drag it all the time. It's been growing on me lately though. Staying out of northeast, & trying to use it more by doing rolling equipment. $50-$100 more for use of ramps, & hauling 3 wheeled tractors & Moffets it has paid for itself..

 

I fell in love with this beauty this week. Double drop with a beaver tail.

 

Nice! Looks like it might have a rear lift axle on there also..