Fontaine Drop Deck Trailers For Sale

Fontaine drop deck trailers, also called step deck trailers, are built for freight that is too tall for a standard flatbed but still needs open-deck loading. The lower main deck gives carriers extra legal height, which matters for machinery, palletized building products, crated equipment, and many agricultural or industrial loads. In this category, buyers will commonly see 48-foot and 53-foot configurations in 102-inch width, with tandem axles, widespread settings, and air ride suspension. Fontaine is well known for offering both all-steel and combination designs, so one of the first buying decisions is empty weight versus long-term durability.

Fontaine combo drop decks, including Infinity models, typically use steel main beams and crossmembers with aluminum components to reduce tare weight without giving up structural strength where it counts. That can be a strong fit for operators balancing payload, corrosion resistance, and resale value. Steel-focused models such as the Velocity line tend to appeal to buyers who want a straightforward work trailer with a durable frame, predictable repairability, and competitive upfront cost. Common specs in this category include upper deck lengths around 10 feet, main deck lengths around 38 to 43 feet, main deck heights near 40 inches, 4-inch I-beams on close crossmember spacing, winch tracks, Apitong nailer strips, and two-speed landing gear. Suspension packages often feature Hendrickson air ride systems, and widespread or sliding rear axle setups are popular depending on bridge law needs and load positioning.

Deck configuration matters as much as materials. Buyers should look closely at kingpin setting, axle spread, loaded deck height, crossmember spacing, and the presence of winch tracks on one or both sides. A lower deck height helps with legal load height, but it can also affect ramp angle and dock compatibility. Combination trailers are often chosen by fleets that run heavier freight but still want to protect payload margins. Steel trailers may make more sense in severe-duty regional service where rough loading conditions, concentrated point loads, and frequent forklift traffic are part of the job. Flooring is another key detail. Aluminum floors save weight, while wood nailer strips and quality floor design help with securement flexibility and long-term serviceability.

Some Fontaine drop deck trailers are built for specialty applications beyond general open-deck hauling. Twist-lock step decks configured for one 40-foot container or two 20-foot containers add intermodal flexibility without moving to a dedicated chassis. Toolboxes, bulkhead choices, additional lighting, and dump valve setups can also matter depending on the freight mix. When comparing listings, smart buyers focus on composition, tare weight, suspension brand, axle configuration, deck dimensions, and any signs of frame or floor repairs. A well-matched Fontaine drop deck can improve legal loading options, increase payload efficiency, and handle a broad mix of freight with fewer compromises than a standard flatbed.