- Deck surface even (no warping or buckling)(Critical)
- No holes, cracks, or missing sections(Critical)
- Aluminum deck crossmembers secure (if aluminum)(Critical)
- Wood deck boards tight and undamaged (if wood)(Critical)
- Steel deck in good condition (if steel)(Critical)
- Deck coating or treatment intact
- No excessive rust or corrosion(Critical)
- Apitong or hardwood boards properly seated
- All stake pockets present and undamaged(Critical)
- Stake pockets properly welded to frame(Critical)
- Winch tracks straight and undamaged(Critical)
- Winches slide freely in tracks(Critical)
- Winch pawls engage properly(Critical)
- Winch straps or chains in good condition(Critical)
- Coil racks secure (if equipped)(Critical)
- Rub rails straight and secure(Critical)
- Side rails intact(Critical)
- Headboard/bulkhead secure (if equipped)(Critical)
- Headboard in good condition(Critical)
- No bent or damaged rails(Critical)
- Reflective tape on rails visible
- D-rings secure and undamaged(Critical)
- Chain tie-down points intact(Critical)
- Tie-down points properly welded(Critical)
- No cracked or bent tie-down hardware(Critical)
- Sufficient tie-down capacity for load rating(Critical)
- Frame rails straight with no cracks(Critical)
- Crossmembers intact and secure(Critical)
- Suspension components in good condition(Critical)
- Landing gear operates smoothly(Critical)
- Kingpin within wear limits(Critical)
- Slider mechanism works (if equipped)(Critical)
- Air lines and connections tight(Critical)
- Brake drums within wear limits(Critical)
- Brake shoes with adequate lining(Critical)
- Slack adjusters within spec(Critical)
- ABS system functional(Critical)
- Tires with adequate tread (4/32" minimum)(Critical)
- No tire damage or sidewall issues(Critical)
- Wheel studs and lug nuts tight(Critical)
Flatbed decks can hide damage underneath. Walk the entire deck surface, checking for soft spots, unusual flexing, or areas that sound different when struck. On wood decks, check for rot at the edges and around bolt holes. On aluminum decks, look for cracks at crossmember connections. Deck replacement is expensive, so thorough inspection is critical.
What to Ask the Seller
Flatbed use history directly affects deck and securement equipment condition. These questions reveal how hard the trailer has been worked.
- What type of cargo was this trailer primarily used to haul?
- Have any stake pockets or tie-downs been replaced?
- When was the deck last inspected or replaced?
- Has the trailer been used for overweight or permit loads?
- Are there any known issues with the winch tracks or mechanisms?
- What is the deck material and when was it last treated?
- Can you provide the complete maintenance history?
- Has the trailer ever been involved in a load shift incident?
Decision Guide: Flatbed-Specific Issues
Then: Deck cracks near structural points indicate stress damage. This requires professional repair or deck section replacement. Negotiate significant price reduction or walk away.
Then: Surface wear on apitong boards is normal. If boards are tight and not split, they have life left. Factor re-decking cost into your 3-5 year ownership budget.
Then: Stake pocket damage suggests rough use history. Replacement is labor-intensive. Each damaged pocket is a negotiation point.
Then: Winch mechanism wear is a safety issue. Replacement winches are relatively inexpensive but labor to install adds up. Get repair quote before purchase.
Then: Cosmetic headboard damage is common and acceptable. Ensure it is still secure and meets cargo securement requirements. Not a deal-breaker.
Real-World Flatbed Scenarios
Situation:
Fleet selling 2017 aluminum combo flatbed. Used primarily for steel coil transport. Price is at market.
Inspection Findings:
Deck shows wear marks consistent with coil transport. Two stake pockets have minor bends. Winches operate smoothly. Frame shows no cracking.
Decision:
Steel coil transport is demanding but these signs are normal for the application. The worn deck and minor pocket damage justify a 5-10% price reduction. If records show proper maintenance, this is acceptable.
Situation:
Private sale step-deck with apitong floor. Seller used for equipment hauling. Asking below market.
Inspection Findings:
Several deck boards show heavy gouging from equipment loading. One board has a small split. Rub rails have multiple impact marks. Suspension and brakes check out well.
Decision:
Heavy use for intended purpose. The split board needs replacement before safety inspection. Calculate repair cost. Below-market price may offset the work needed. Good buy if mechanical systems are sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aluminum decks are lighter (maximizing payload) and corrosion-resistant. Steel decks handle heavy point loads better. Wood (apitong) provides good grip and is easily repaired but adds weight and requires maintenance.
Look for cracks at the weld points where the pocket meets the frame. Check for bent or deformed pockets. Attempt to insert a stake to verify the pocket opening is not obstructed or warped.
Tie-down working load limits must meet cargo securement regulations. The total working load limit of all tie-downs must be at least 50% of the cargo weight. Check the markings on D-rings and chains for ratings.
Winch tracks should be inspected before each use as part of your pre-trip. Look for debris, damage, or ice that could prevent proper winch operation.
Apitong (keruing) decks typically last 8-15 years depending on use. Decks used for heavy equipment or steel may wear faster. Regular inspection and prompt replacement of damaged boards extends overall deck life.
Sight down the length of the trailer from the rear. The frame rails should be parallel with no twist. On a level surface, measure from fixed points on each side. Significant differences indicate frame damage or bent axles.
Combo flatbeds with removable sides offer versatility for both open and enclosed loads. If your freight mix includes both types, the premium is justified. If you only haul open freight, a standard flatbed is more economical.
Check for straight rails with secure mounting. Bent or loose rails can snag straps and damage cargo. Minor dents are cosmetic but rails that are pushed inward may interfere with side loading.