We offer two 48-foot steel drop-deck trailers from Demco: one with spread-tandem running gear and one with triple-axle running gear. Both have a 5-foot beavertail, three spring-assist ramps, and air-ride suspension. These trailers are designed for open-deck commodity and equipment transport, including baled hay and construction equipment. Cargo dimensions, weight, distribution, securement, tractor, route, and legal requirements still determine whether a trailer fits a particular load.
Spread Axle or Triple Axle
The Demco 48-foot spread-axle drop-deck trailer is built on the DD48-5 platform and has an 80,000-pound GVWR. The DD48-5 is equipped with air ride and a third spring-assist ramp.
The Demco 48-foot triple-axle drop-deck trailer is built on the DD48-5-3 platform and has a 100,000-pound GVWR. Air ride is standard on Demco triple-axle drop decks, and the trailer is equipped with a third spring-assist ramp.
Demco steel drop-deck platforms have Wabco ABS on one axle as standard, with ABS on a second axle available as an option. Confirm the installed brake package on the individual trailer.
GVWR is not payload or a legal-load guarantee. The trailer's VIN plate controls the individual unit's GVWR and GAWR, and an optioned trailer's actual empty weight may differ from its standard shipping weight. Cargo distribution, axle and tire ratings, the tractor, route, permits, and jurisdiction still govern the load plan.
Deck Geometry and Loading
Both platforms are 102 inches wide with an 11-foot upper deck, a 40-3/4-inch lower deck height, and a 19.5-inch transition drop. Demco rates the lower deck at 50,000 pounds per 10 linear feet with the balance distributed. That is not a point-load rating or total-payload statement.
Loading methods include the ramps, a loading dock, or side loading with suitable equipment such as a forklift or telehandler. The selected method must suit the cargo, ramp and deck ratings, site, operator training, and exact trailer configuration.
Both platforms have stake pockets and pipe spooling at 9-inch intervals and a driver-side winch track. Those points do not establish the working-load limits or securement method for a particular load. The cargo dimensions, total loaded weight, weight distribution, and loading clearance determine the ramp, beavertail, deck, and securement requirements; the tractor, suspension, and brake requirements must also match the exact trailer.
Other Trailer Loading Designs
These drop decks load over the beavertail and ramps. Heavy haul trailers use detachable-gooseneck loading for a different equipment-loading approach.
For help with a drop-deck purchase, email sales@keastenterprises.com with the cargo dimensions, total loaded weight, weight distribution, tractor, route, and preferred axle, ramp, suspension, and brake configuration. Nationwide delivery is available.
