How to build a flatbed trailer

What is a flatbed trailer

A flatbed trailer, also known as a flatbed semi-trailer, or a flatbed container trailer; it is an open deck equipment without a roof and sides. The main purpose is to transport containers, bulk cargo, construction supplies, and some larger and more comprehensive items, and it is one of our most commonly used semi-trailers.

Features of flatbed-semi trailer

Flatbed semi-trailers are designed to transport a wide range of cargo and are widely used in various industries due to their versatile nature. The main features of a flatbed semi-trailer include:

Flat, open deck: The most notable feature of a flatbed semi-trailer is its open, flat deck, which is usually made of steel or aluminum. The flat surface allows for easy loading and unloading of a wide variety of cargo, making it ideal for transporting oversized, large, or unconventional-shaped items.

Strong, durable construction: Flatbed semi-trailers are built with high-strength steel or aluminum, providing a strong and durable frame designed to withstand heavy loads and challenging weather conditions.

Axle configurations: The axle configuration of a flatbed semi-trailer can vary depending on the weight capacity and specific requirements. Common configurations include tandem axles (two axles) or tri-axles (three axles). The axle configuration directly impacts the trailer's load capacity and stability.

Suspension systems: Flatbed semi-trailers come equipped with suspension systems, such as leaf springs, air suspensions, or torsion axles, designed to provide smooth and stable rides, especially when transporting heavy or sensitive cargo.

Kingpin and fifth wheel coupling: Flatbed semi-trailers use a kingpin and fifth wheel coupling system to connect to a towing tractor unit. The kingpin is a sturdy pin that locks into the fifth wheel coupling on the tractor, providing a secure yet swiveling connection, allowing the tractor unit and semi-trailer to move independently while turning.

Load securing systems: Flatbed semi-trailers can be equipped with various load-securing systems such as ratchet straps, chains and binders, stake pockets, and winches, to keep the cargo secure and stable during transportation.

Braking and lighting systems: A flatbed semi-trailer is fitted with an advanced braking system, such as air brakes or electric brakes, to ensure safe and efficient braking. These trailers are also equipped with various lighting systems like brake lights, turn signals, running lights, and side marker lights in compliance with legal road safety regulations.

Large load capacity: Flatbed semi-trailers come in different sizes and weight capacities to cater to various cargo needs. Depending on the design and axle configuration, a flatbed semi-trailer can handle payloads ranging from several tons to over 50 tons.

These features make flatbed semi-trailers a versatile and popular choice in the transportation industry, accommodating a wide range of cargo that may not be suitable for enclosed or specialized trailers.

How does flatbed semi-trailer make?

Before the production of flatbed trailers, the technical department should design and make drawings according to the requirements of users and the market, so that the technical parameters of the main trailer are matched with each other, and then hand over to the manufacturing department.

1. In the blanking and cutting stage, according to the drawings of all parts produced by the design department, use a CNC cutting machine to cut all parts, such as beam webs, reinforcement plates, standard small parts, etc.

2. For the girders, submerged arc welded girders and supplementary girders, the second step is to fix the welding points between the cutting web and the upper and lower limb plates, and then weld the girders by submerged arc welding. This step is very important. The requirements for fixed beams and submerged arc welding are very high. If the process is not good, problems will occur in the beams. Will a flatbed trailer be okay if something goes wrong with the girder?

3. To open the beam, first cut the beam web to pass through the U-shaped hole, and then fix the welded I-beam parallel to the beam through the girder. It is important to compare the results of the beams. If the two steel beams are parallel to each other, there will be a serious feed bearing phenomenon.

4. Side beams, frames, and welding traction pins. At this time, the beams are basically formed, and only the stage of welding the side beams to form the frame structure. And weld the traction pin traction plate to the position required by the contract, which requires high welding technology, otherwise the car will sag.

5. Welded frame, welded suspension. At this time, the welding suspension must strictly grasp the size and keep it upright, otherwise it will eat the tire.

6. Connect the front neck, high and low board to the front neck. The front neck of the low plate is welded, and the floor is reinforced after welding. There is no problem with the strength, and the manufacturer has also considered it in advance.

7. Laying the floor is welding or breaking the floor on the frame. There's not much to say about this step.

8. The vertical box plate and the door leaf are pre-welded and fixed, and then the vertical column hinge is welded to keep the box plate upright and beautiful.

9. Sand and paint. Sanding is the first step in painting. Some manufacturers without shot blasting workshops will use high pressure air to blast welding slag at this stage.

10. Install the lower wall, install the lower wall operation system after the painting is completed, and simply install the assembled lower wall before accurate debugging.

11. Install the tires.

12. Transfer to the library for deposit.

Coding and factory inspection.

How much do flatbed trailers cost

Youcan flatbed trailer price: $8800-16500. If you are interested in buying a bulk cement trailer for you project, feel free to send an inquiry.

How much does it cost to rent a truck trailer

Rent truck trailer price: $100-150 per day.

Flatbed trailer Manufacturer

Yuchang trailer is a professional semi-trailer manufacturer founded in the year 1999. The company provides tank trailers, bulk cement semi-trailers, Tipper semi-trailers, stake storage semi-trailers, flatbed semi-trailers, low-bed semi-trailers, container carrier trailers, cargo semi-trailers, and other hundreds of products.