Fontaine Drop Deck Trailers For Sale in Pennsylvania

Fontaine drop deck trailers are a common choice for fleets that need lower deck height without stepping up to a full lowboy. Also called dropdeck trailers or step deck trailers, they are built to haul taller freight that would exceed legal height on a flatbed. A typical 48-foot Fontaine drop deck uses a 10-foot upper deck and 38-foot lower deck, giving carriers room for machinery, palletized building products, steel, and other irregular loads that need more vertical clearance. For Pennsylvania buyers, that lower main deck is often the deciding factor because it can make the difference between a legal haul and a permit load.

One of the biggest buying points on a Fontaine is the trailer construction. Many combo drop deck models use steel where strength matters most and aluminum where weight savings matter most, such as steel front sections paired with aluminum side rails or rear structure. That balance helps improve payload without giving up durability in high-stress areas. Common specs in this class include 102-inch width, main deck height around 40 inches, air ride suspension, tandem axles, and 255/70R22.5 tires. Buyers should pay close attention to kingpin setting, axle spread, crossmember spacing, and floor type. Features like Apitong nailer strips, aluminum flooring, and winch tracks on both sides can make a real difference in how easily the trailer handles mixed freight and repeated securement cycles.

Securement and loading layout matter just as much as tare weight. Many Fontaine step decks are set up for practical flatbed work with open deck configurations, no bulkhead, full-length side rails, and multiple tie-down points for chains and straps. A 10-foot 1-inch axle spread and air ride suspension are common on fleet-spec units because they help with ride quality and bridge compliance while still supporting a broad range of freight. Dump valves, two-speed landing gear, ISO 7-way electrical connections, and properly placed lighting are small details that become important in daily operation, especially for regional operators running construction, industrial, or warehouse freight.

When comparing Fontaine drop deck trailers, focus on application first. If the freight is dense and rugged, inspect the floor condition, crossmember centers, and side rail integrity closely. If payload is the priority, a combo construction can offer useful weight savings over an all-steel trailer. If the trailer will see frequent loading with forklifts or machinery, deck height, lower deck length, and suspension condition deserve extra attention. Fontaine has long been a recognized name in the platform trailer market, and their drop decks are typically evaluated on structural condition, securement setup, suspension spec, and how well the trailer's dimensions fit the freight profile.