2017 Great Dane Drop Deck Trailers For Sale
Shop 2017 Great Dane drop deck trailers. Compare 48' x 102" steel and combo designs, air ride setups, deck features, and securement options.
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About 2017 Great Dane Drop Deck Trailers
One of the first things to check is construction. In this year range, buyers will commonly see steel models as well as combo builds with steel main beams and lighter aluminum components. A steel Great Dane drop deck can make sense for hard use, repetitive loading, and fleets that prioritize durability and repair familiarity. A combo trailer can reduce tare weight and improve payload flexibility, especially for operators hauling legal-weight freight where every pound matters. Deck type also matters. Wood decks remain common because they handle mixed freight well and give secure footing for equipment and forklifts, while aluminum deck components and nail strips can change how the trailer wears and how easily it is serviced.
Suspension and axle layout are major buying points on a 2017 Great Dane step deck. Fixed spread air ride setups are common and can be attractive for stability, ride quality, and weight distribution, especially in regional and over-the-road open deck work. Features such as dump valves, tire inflation systems, 17.5 or 22.5 low-profile tires, and steel wheels all affect maintenance cost, deck height, and roadside serviceability. If the trailer is equipped with PSI or another tire inflation system, that can be a real advantage for fleets trying to control irregular tire wear and reduce downtime.
Securement details often separate one drop deck from another. Stake pockets, pipe spools, sliding winches, and an ICC bumper are all practical features that matter in daily use. Buyers hauling steel, lumber, palletized freight, or machinery should pay close attention to how the trailer is set up for chains, straps, and edge protection, along with the condition of the deck, crossmembers, rails, and suspension components. A well-spec'd 2017 Great Dane drop deck trailer offers a strong middle ground between a standard flatbed and more specialized heavy haul equipment, making it a versatile choice for carriers that need legal height flexibility and broad load compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a 2017 Great Dane drop deck trailer compared with a flatbed?
The main advantage is lower loaded deck height. A drop deck trailer, also called a step deck, allows taller freight to move while staying within legal height in many applications. That makes it a better fit for equipment, packaged machinery, building products, and other cargo that may be too tall for a standard flatbed. It also keeps the trailer versatile enough for general open deck work without requiring a specialized heavy haul trailer.
Should I choose a steel or combo 2017 Great Dane drop deck?
A steel trailer usually appeals to buyers who want maximum ruggedness, straightforward repairs, and a spec that holds up well in demanding loading environments. A combo trailer, typically built with steel main beams and lighter aluminum components, reduces tare weight and can improve payload capacity. The right choice depends on your freight mix, repair network, and how much value you place on lower empty weight versus all-steel durability.
Why do some 2017 Great Dane drop decks have 17.5 tires and others have 22.5 low-profile tires?
Tire size affects loaded deck height, parts availability, and service preferences. Smaller 17.5 tires can help keep deck height down, which is useful when maximizing legal height clearance. 22.5 low-profile tires are also common and may align better with some fleet maintenance programs or regional service considerations. Buyers should look at the full trailer setup, including suspension and ride height, rather than judging tire size alone.
What securement features should I look for on a used Great Dane step deck?
Stake pockets, sliding winches, pipe spools, and a deck surface in solid condition are key features on a used step deck. These items affect how easily the trailer handles straps, chains, and mixed freight. Buyers should also inspect the condition and spacing of securement points, look for rail damage, check deck wear around high-traffic loading areas, and confirm that the trailer's securement layout matches the type of cargo being hauled most often.
Is a fixed spread axle air ride setup a good choice on a drop deck trailer?
For many buyers, yes. A fixed spread axle air ride drop deck can provide good ride quality, stable handling, and practical weight distribution for a broad range of open deck freight. It is especially common in regional and over-the-road applications. The tradeoff is that axle configuration can affect maneuverability, tire wear patterns, and state bridge considerations, so the best setup depends on your lanes, loading practices, and freight profile.