2019 Fontaine Drop Deck Trailers For Sale

Start with deck dimensions, loaded deck height, axle configuration, and trailer construction. Many buyers focus on a 48-foot by 102-inch layout with a 10-foot top deck and 38-foot bottom deck, but the more important question is how that setup matches the freight you haul. Check whether the trailer is steel, aluminum, or combo construction, then confirm suspension type, kingpin setting, crossmember spacing, winch track layout, and tire size. On a used 2019 unit, overall condition of the frame, floor, rails, and suspension matters as much as the base spec sheet.

You will find all three, but combo construction is especially common because it balances tare weight and durability. A combo Fontaine drop deck typically uses steel main beams with aluminum flooring and side components. That helps preserve payload while keeping the trailer tough enough for regular securement work, fork truck traffic, and mixed freight. Full steel trailers can be attractive for harder use and lower purchase cost, while lighter aluminum-focused designs may appeal to weight-sensitive operations.

Yes, air ride is a major advantage for many step deck applications. It helps protect machinery, crated freight, and other sensitive loads from road shock, and it is commonly paired with spread axle configurations for better load distribution and bridge compliance. Buyers should also look for dump valve function, suspension brand, axle spread, and signs of bushing, bag, or alignment wear. A trailer with air ride in good condition is usually more versatile than a comparable mechanical suspension unit.

The most useful securement features depend on the freight mix, but common buyer priorities include sliding winch tracks, chain spools, coil package equipment, nail strips, and container locks. Ramps can be valuable for loading small equipment, while side rail condition and stake pocket integrity matter for everyday tie-down work. If the trailer will handle machinery or concentrated loads, check floor condition closely and confirm the lower deck structure has not been damaged by repeated overloading or improper loading practices.

The main advantage is lower deck height. A standard flatbed is better when you want one continuous deck and simpler loading from any point, but a drop deck gives you more vertical clearance for taller freight while still handling many of the same commodities. The tradeoff is that top deck length, transition area, and lower deck geometry can limit how certain loads are positioned. For buyers hauling taller machines, stacked materials, or freight that regularly pushes legal height, a drop deck is often the more practical trailer.