See The Difference- Diamond C, Big Tex, PJ Trailers Sure Trac.
What is the difference?
Today the trailer market is loaded with Gooseneck Trailers. It can be very hard to choose a trailer that will fit your needs and be what you expect it to be for your hard-earned money. The purpose of this article is to talk specifically about Diamond C’s new engineered beam trailer. Why is it different from Big Tex, PJ, Sure Trac, plus many more? So, I was looking through lots of diagrams of trailers looking for what I consider to be different. But the more I looked the more I seen almost the same trailer. Most of these trailers are using the same traditional I-Beam design. Where the neck is welded every so many feet. If you notice the Diagram you can see that. One more thing to note is they all use a traditional straight beam design. Have you ever seen a trailer loaded heavy and flexing up and down on the highway? Well, that’s because the beams are not engineered with camber. If you have a chance look at a semi truck trailer, you’re going to notice these trailers are built with camber. This is important if you want maximum strength.
This design works, it’s been out there for a very long time. You may find variations in beams usually ranging from 10-14″ inches or possibly thicker. This can add weight though and take away from your payload capacity. Most of these trailers use the same axle companies, the same ramp setups, and axle spreads. One thing I really notice is the small things you use. Such as side steps and grab handles, and toolboxes. I have seen some small thin handles that almost hurt to use along with a side step that is very small and you can not move. It is permanently in place. Generally, if they are moved, it’s because you clocked something pretty solid.
Diamond C Fmax Max Ramp Trailer Diagram
Now, take a look at the Diamond C Fmax 210 Engineered Beam trailer, You can see a significant difference in the design. At the neck of the trailer, you will see the beam is taller from the ground up. This is allowing more clearance to walk under the trailer and it definitely gives you more bed clearance. You don’t need to worry about side to side twist. Additionally, The Diamond C Beam underneath is built with camber in the beam and set up much like a semi-truck trailer. The underneath beams are built heavy in the front and it gradually rises up over the back of the tires. The beam underneath is pierced to allow the cross members to be inserted through the beams. This pierced beam design allows a lower deck height. Now, if you’re looking at the diagram you will see the larger handle and the sidestep. The larger handle is much more comfortable and the side step will fold up out of the way. That becomes very useful when you need to have every inch of clearance. The trailer is equipped with those fold-up steps on both sides of the trailer.
Let’s Talk Tires & Axles!
Most gooseneck trailers come standard with 10 ply tires. These tires generally ride nicer than the 14ply tires. You can opt to go to 17.5 tires and those are 16- 18ply. You might consider a heavier tire if you are going to be running near your payload or at times over it. This can help support pushing your trailer to its limit. But generally the heavier the tire the worse the comfort of the ride.
Right now they are two main contenders in the axle market. These trailers today are either using a Lippert or a Dexter Axles.
Both companies are based in the United States. Honestly, they are very comparable and both have there advantages and disadvantages. I would recommend using an adjustable suspension option. Those are great for adjusting the actual tracking of your trailer.
Hey, Does This Have A Torque Tube?
What is a torque tube? Well if you don’t know the torque tube is designed to keep your trailer from swaying left to right while it’s loaded.
A trailer that sways a lot will not ride as smooth and can add strain to the welds and boards. Most trailers with this option use a large pipe running down the center of the trailer and have gussets on each side of the pipe welded to the I beam frame. Let’s see if I can get you a photo here. Take a look below.
