5 Elements of Successful Walking Floor Trailer Installation
Videos from haulers online are compelling more drivers and transport companies to explore walking floor trailer installation. But, are walking floor trailers worth it and is it easy to install them?
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of walking floor trailers and how they affect a trailer’s capabilities. We’ll also look at how to prepare your trailer for the installation of a walking floor and how long you can expect installation to take.
Finally, we’ll highlight why you may want to consider buying a new or used walking trailer rather than upgrading your existing one.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Walking Floor System?Â
Walking floor trailer systems have a few benefits. They make it quicker and easier to deliver bulk loads, as the mechanized rolling floor can steadily push out the entire contents of the trailer without being lifted up in the air. This makes it simple for the driver to unload cargo on his own when he’s ready, rather than waste valuable time waiting for help or heavy equipment.
The floor can also walk back, making reloading simple and easy. Another benefit is that walking floor trailers are versatile and can be used in many industries, especially those that ship dry, bulk goods often like agriculture, waste management, and construction. This makes them a valuable asset for transportation companies with diverse hauling needs. It is also a great option for an independent hauler who wants to be able to quickly deliver many hauls without the physical strain of unloading the materials.
How to Prepare for Your Walking Floor Trailer Installation
Before installing a walking floor system, it’s important to prepare your trailer. The first step is to ensure the trailer’s frame and structure can support the added weight of the system. This may require reinforcing certain areas or using a heavier-duty frame.
Next, installation will involve removing any existing sidewalls or flooring to make room for the walking floor mechanism. It’s also essential to clean the trailer to remove any debris or materials that may interfere with the system’s operation. Lastly, it’s crucial to work with a reputable and experienced installation company to ensure proper and safe installation of the walking floor system. This will also help avoid any potential issues or damages during use.
When you work with us at Pinnacle Trailers to buy or upgrade a trailer, we guarantee ongoing service support for the life of your trailer. We don’t want to make a single sale, we want to build a relationship with our customers and help you stay on the road! You can learn more about our service support on our website here.
How Long Does Walking Floor Installation Take?
How long your walking floor installation will take depends on your trailer, its condition, and the type of walking floor you want. The upgrade can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Because the parts that make up a walking floor trailer are specialized, it’s important to schedule your installation well in advance. This will give the installation company time to order the right materials for your trailer and make sure they have the right equipment in stock.Â
How Does a Walking Floor Affect Trailer Weight and Capacity?
Installing a walking floor trailer system does make a trailer heavier. This is both because of the extra materials from the floor itself and because of the hydraulic system used to power the floor. This added weight also increases the trailer’s capacity. The ability to handle heavier loads is what makes these trailers such a great choice for bulk hauling.
Why You Should Consider Buying Instead of Upgrading
To recap, to have a successful walking floor installation, you need to do these five things: work with a reputable company, schedule your installation well in advance, prepare your trailer for the installation by taking measurements and reinforcing the areas that need it, gutting the trailer of any extra sidewalls or flooring, then clean it. Â
If you’re thinking that all sounds like a hassle, you’re right! Live floor installation in an existing trailer is an expensive and difficult upgrade. In some cases, the entire trailer needs to be taken apart and rebuilt to accommodate the mechanics and parts of the new walking floor system. This can leave you with very little money for repairs or other upgrades to your rig.
How Pinnacle Trailer Helps Protect Your Investment in a Walking Floor Trailer
For our haulers or transportation companies interested in walking floor installation, we recommend adding a new or used walking floor trailer to your fleet. By purchasing a trailer that was originally designed and built with a walking floor system, you decrease the likelihood of issues down the road. The trailer itself will have greater structural integrity and work better for longer than a trailer that was retroactively upgraded to include a walking floor.
Most importantly, when you buy your trailer from Pinnacle, we provide ongoing service support through preventative inspections and on-call maintenance to keep you up and running. We are able to offer our existing customers competitive pricing and faster turnaround times so you don’t have to worry when something goes wrong. You can learn more about our promise to our customers here: Â https://www.pinnacletrailers.com/the-pinnacle-difference/.
At Pinnacle, You Can Upgrade to a Walking Floor Trailer for Less Money and More Peace of Mind!
We keep a good selection of new and used walking floor trailers in stock so you can come by and check one out for yourself! We can also explain the pros and cons to different sizes and styles, explain the different upgrades that are available, and help you decide which trailer system is right for you and your hauling goals. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your visit to one of our four locations!
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Source:
Federal Size Regulations for Commercial Vehicles, https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/size_regs_final_rpt/
