Used 2020 Dorsey Drop Deck Trailers For Sale

A used 2020 Dorsey drop deck trailer is built for freight that needs legal deck height without stepping up to a specialized lowboy. Dorsey drop decks, also called step deck trailers, are commonly spec'd at 48 feet by 102 inches with a 10-foot upper deck and roughly 38-foot lower deck. Loaded deck height is often around 41 inches, which matters when you are trying to keep taller machinery, palletized freight, building materials, or crated equipment under height limits. For buyers comparing listings, the main questions are deck length, loaded deck height, axle configuration, and whether the trailer is set up for general freight or equipment loading.

On many 2020 Dorsey units, you will see steel frame construction with Apitong flooring, steel side rails, stake pockets, pipe spools, and roadside winch track with sliding winches. That combination is practical for carriers hauling mixed open-deck freight because it gives flexibility in securement. Crossmember spacing is worth checking closely, especially if the trailer will see concentrated loads such as forklifts, steel product, or compact equipment. A common tandem axle air ride setup with an 80,000-lb GVWR is typical in this class, and suspension details such as Hendrickson or Cush systems, suspension setting, and dump valve configuration can affect maneuverability, loading, and tire wear.

Some 2020 Dorsey drop deck trailers are standard straight deck models, while others are beavertail configurations with spring-assisted ramps. That distinction matters. A beavertail drop deck is better suited for loading small machines, lifts, or wheeled equipment without always needing dock access or separate ramps. A standard drop deck may offer a cleaner lower deck for freight that needs every inch of usable flat space. Buyers should also look at kingpin setting, landing gear condition, tire size, wheel material, brake life, and whether the trailer has steel or aluminum components in high-wear areas. A combo-style build can reduce trailer weight, but an all-steel configuration may make sense for tougher vocational use.

When evaluating a used 2020 model, pay attention to deck condition, floor fasteners, side rail wear, winch track damage, and any signs of overloading around the drop transition and rear frame. Check for suspension alignment issues, air ride leaks, corrosion around crossmembers, and repairs near ramps or beavertail sections if equipped. Dorsey has long been a recognized name in the open-deck market, so replacement parts and service familiarity are generally favorable. For many fleets and owner-operators, a 2020 Dorsey drop deck hits a useful middle ground between purchase cost, securement flexibility, and the ability to haul taller freight legally on standard routes.