Finally decided drop deck trailers are the best solution for your business needs? Then this drop deck trailer buyers guide is for you! You can get all the information you need to make informed decisions about the drop deck trailers that are right for your fleet with the information provided below.
Table of Contents
- GoodMFG® vs…
- Drop Decks vs…
- Construction & Engineering
- What Kinds of Good Trailers are Available?
- Can You Customize a Good Trailer?
- How Do You Purchase Good Trailers?
- Why Become a Good Trailer Dealer?
- FAQ
- Key Takeaways
- Load Low, Haul Good
GoodMFG® vs…
You may be wondering how Good Trailers by GoodMFG® stack up to major competitors like Airtow, and FlatTrak.
There are real differences between how each of these products works.
For example, Good Trailers use a high-efficiency hydraulic power unit and articulating suspension to retract the wheels, lowering the chassis flat to the ground. This places the deck at 5.4” and allows for gentle drive on loading. They also draw down less power than competitor systems.
Here’s a great video of one of our enclosed drop deck trailer models in action. You can see exactly how the articulating suspension system works.
AirTow uses a rather power hungry drop deck system. These can be touchy. Thus, you get a lower deck height than Good Trailers provides, but you also get a trailer that needs to be babied a lot more.
FlatTrak’s systems are similar to ours while providing a slightly lower deck height, but their prices are also higher than ours.
Triple L trailers use a mechanical dual-cylinder hydraulic power system that lowers the deck via flat trailing arm axles. They’ve built a good name for themselves in the industry, but those heavy systems add a lot of weight. Many customers don’t like the high curb weights and reduced hauling capacities. Remember, your carrying capacity is equal to the GVWR minus the weight of the trailer. Every pound put into the machinery is a pound you don’t get to haul when you’re finally ready to put something into the trailer.
The differences in deck height between all these brands are so slight as to be meaningless. The real question is how easily can you load or unload your trailer? Watch how easy it is to load and unload one of our trailers.
Drop Decks vs…
Many drop deck “competitors” or alternatives are really just tilt trailers. To see how these options might compare to Good Trailers, see our guide covering the differences between drop deck trailers and tilt trailers.
Construction & Engineering
Every Good Trailer is built with a galvanized steel deck and chassis. These are rugged and built to last, ensuring your purchase delivers years of service and high ROI.
They’re hot-dipped to avoid corrosion. Check out that process here:
If you’re talking about one of our enclosed trailer models, you also get composite aluminum panel construction. We sandwich 1.5” of polystyrene foam between sheets of #5052 aluminum to produce the following benefits.
- Hearty, rugged construction. These panels can take a lot of punishment before they dent or break.
- Insulation. These panels provide enough insulation to lower internal temperatures by 10°-15° on a hot day when compared to a similar trailer.
- No rivets. Rivets rust and collect heat. They also create structural problems when you try to modify the trailer. We can add a DOT certified window to one of our enclosed trailers without creating any structural integrity issues whatsoever.
- Sleek, silver look. The panels are aesthetically pleasing!
- Vinyl-wrap capable. Want to brand the trailer for yourself? The composite aluminum panels do a very good job of taking vinyl wraps.
Our trailer design is patented, and our composite aluminum panel design is patent-pending.
What Kinds of Good Trailers are Available?
You have several different options to choose from.
Good Flatbed Trailers
Engineered specifically for mini-excavators, scissor lifts, skid steers, and heavy machinery. Each unit features a 22-inch long, 74.4-inch wide short folding ramp spanning the full width of the bed.
- GT13FL: 13 ft Bed | 7,000 lbs GVWR | 5,055 lbs Payload Capacity
- GT19FL: 19 ft Bed | 11,800 lbs GVWR | 8,000 lbs Payload Capacity\
You can see them side-by-side in this video:
As you can see, each goes all the way to the ground and offers a low-angle ramp for entry onto the trailer deck. The ramp is 74.4” wide which means that you don’t have to balance on narrow beams…you can just drive up a ramp that spans the full width of the trailer.
Medium Duty Trailers
Ideal for mobile workshops, high-value tool transport, electronics, and weatherproof cargo delivery. All enclosed models come standard with $360^\circ$ internal LED lighting.
- GT09AL: 9 ft Bed | 7,000 lbs GVWR | 4,560 lbs Payload Capacity
- GT13AL: 13 ft Bed | 7,000 lbs GVWR | 3,468 lbs Payload Capacity
- GT19AL: 19 ft Bed | 11,800 lbs GVWR | 7,929 lbs Payload Capacity
If you are paying close attention, you’ll notice the smaller, sleeker 9’ carries more weight than the 13’. That’s because the GVWR is the same but the trailer itself is lighter. Whether you choose the 9’ or the 13’ depends on the dimensions of what you’ll spend the most time hauling. The 13’ offers more floor space and interior volume, but a little less weight.
Check out the 13’ version lowering all the way to the ground in this fun video.
PS, all of our enclosed trailers come with 360° internal LED lighting that helps you see what you’re doing while you load and unload.
Good Heavy Duty Trailers
If you spend a lot of time on rural roads navigating dirt, mud, or gravel, then you’d want to upgrade to one of these bad boys. That’s because the heavy duty trailers are built on steel posts. Medium duty combines a galvanized steel chassis with aluminum posts, but HD models take it all the way with steel post construction that ensures rugged, lifelong performance.
Two options here: the 13’ GT13HD or the 19’ GT19HD. The GT13HD offers 7,000 pounds of GVWR with 3,468 pounds of carrying capacity. The GT19HD offers 11,800 pounds of GVWR. We’re waiting to take that one to the scale for exact figures, so stay tuned for that information.
Here’s our QA expert taking you for a walk around of the 19’ HD model.
Good High Cube Trailers
Hauling taller goods? Just like the headroom? Our HDX models (GT13HDX at 13’ and GT19HDX at 19’) give you all the benefits of a heavy duty trailer but add that foot of extra height so you can pack even more into your trailer.
The GT13HDX offers a 7,000 GVWR with a 3,468 carrying capacity. The GT19HDX offers 11,800 GVWR with 6,622 pounds of carrying capacity.
Good Concession Trailers
Our concession trailers come in 13’ (GT13AL-C) and 19’ (GT19AL-C) options. Right now they’re only licensed as “food warming” trailers via Washington State L&I standards. However, we have exciting news in that we recently got a full food trailer design approved by L&I.
That means we can eventually start offering food trailers for any kind of concession stand you care to name, all shiny and ready to pass L&I approval completely. When you’re setting up a new food business that’s peace of mind that’s hard to replace.
The 13’ model comes with optional folding LED screens. You can use them to program in menus, display products, display the name of your business, or for just about anything else you want.
We’ve gotten some great feedback on these trailers.
If you’re thinking about starting a food trailer business you’re going to love lowering this trailer all the way to the ground and serving your customers face to face, instead of having to lean down while they strain upward. You’ll also love the folding tow bar, which saves you space in the festival layout. Interior 360° LED lighting keeps the interior warm and bright. LED signs help you advertise your business once you swap out the inserts. You also get stainless steel cabinets and countertops, along with a built in sink. The L&I models, when we start offering them, are going to be slightly different but the gist is the same.
They’re clean, comfortable, fun to work in, and they draw in customers. They also offer a lot of advantages over food trucks.
Good Office Trailers
Good Office Trailers offer two options, one with a bathroom and one without. Both are 19’ and offer a built-in workstation. We recently redesigned this product, so watch this space to get the newest product photos and features.
Car Haulers: Coming Soon
Yes! We are testing prototypes for both enclosed and flatbed car haulers. We’re getting closer than ever to offering them for sale, placing a finalized price point on them, and getting them to you. We’ve had a very positive response as we’ve shown off our preliminary ideas, and we can’t wait!
Modular Structures?
Yes, just a shout-out mention: we make modular structures too.
- Portable storage units that offer clean, dry, condensation-free secure storage options.
- Our temporary offices, ground-level offices, or studio shed options (all the same product under different names).
- Our LED modules which help you advertise at trade shows or pop-up events.
While it may seem odd to mention them here, we do want you to know that not only do we have them, but that our commitment to true modular design extends to these structures too. Consider, if you will, our award-winning stackable trailer. Just loads of possibilities here, and we don’t want you to miss them because there’s a great deal of overlap between the types of companies and businesses who love our drop deck trailers and the kinds of companies and businesses who love our modular structures.
Can You Customize Good Trailers?
Yes. One advantage of our Marysville, WA shop is that we can often take special orders that dealerships aren’t equipped to handle.
For example, we recently did a job for the City of Arlington where we added sidewalls to a 19′ flatbed so they could carry barriers for parades and events.
We also did some customizations for EMS, LLC, just in time for wildfire season.
For customizations, contact our team directly and describe what you need. Our in-house design team and on-site shop are usually happy to help and to solve the problem. If we can’t solve the problem for technical reasons, we’re always happy to let you know and to discuss alternatives.
How Do You Purchase Good Trailers?
Normally, you’re going to find a dealer in your local area. As we grow our network we always want our dealers to be your first stop for your next Good Trailer.
However, if you want Good Trailers before a new dealership opens in your neck of the woods, we do have options and we will work with you. Contact our office directly to discuss options.
Why Become a Good Trailer Dealer?
One reason is this: you as a trailer dealer are fighting with the reality that every trailer dealer in your area is carrying the same products. And customers will go 200 miles out of their way if it means purchasing a trailer for $100 less. That means you’re competing on price most of the time.
We give our authorized dealers a wide radius to work within to prevent this problem. Early adopters can sometimes be sure they’re the only dealer in the state.
When you add Good Trailers to your lot you’re now delivering real solutions to hardworking customers. Your customers will love how hydraulic drop deck trailers make their lives easier. Show them how ground level loading protects their toys, their gear, and their people. You actually gain an avenue for consultative selling and, in the case of fleet customers, products that keep them coming back.
Drop decks are a major market demand product that actually aren’t that easy to lay hands on unless a customer really wants to go with Airtow, and as discussed there are enough differences between Good Trailers and Airtow trailers that customers will tend to appreciate having some options.
Finally, not only are major metro territories available right now, but we offer marketing support to each and every one of our dealers.
Reach out to our team if you’re interested in joining us!
FAQ
How do Good Trailers differ from other drop deck trailer brands?
Good Trailers use a high efficiency hydraulic power unit and articulating suspension to lower the chassis flat to the ground, providing a 5.4” deck height. Good Trailers draw less power, avoid common solenoid valve failures caused by low voltage, and offer lower curb weights for increased carrying capacity.
What materials are used to construct Good Trailers?
Every deck and chassis is built with hot-dipped galvanized steel for maximum corrosion resistance. Enclosed models feature patent-pending composite aluminum panels—sandwiching 1.5” of polystyrene foam between aluminum sheets—providing high durability, 10°–15° lower internal temperatures on hot days, a smooth rivetless surface for custom vinyl wraps, and structural flexibility for window additions.
Can I customize a Good Trailer for specific business needs?
Yes. Because trailers are built at the Marysville, WA facility, the in-house design and shop team can handle custom modifications. Dealers can’t usually accommodate these shifts, so we continue to handle those requests directly.
How can I purchase a Good Trailer or become a dealer?
Our trailers are primarily sold through an authorized dealer network. If a local dealer is not yet available in your area, you can contact GoodMFG® directly to arrange a purchase. Dealership opportunities include exclusive geographic territories, marketing support, and access to unique, high-demand products.
Key Takeaways
Here’s what you need to know about Good Trailers and why they are a great drop deck trailer choice.
- In-house customization capabilities. Direct manufacturing out of Marysville, WA allows for custom tailored fleet and municipal modifications.
- Superior hydraulic engineering. Good Trailers use a high-efficiency hydraulic power unit and articulating suspension to retract the wheels, providing dependable ground-level loading (5.4” deck height) without the power failure risks or high curb weights of competitor models.
- Advanced panel and chassis construction. Each Good Trailer is built with hot-dipped galvanized steel frames and rivetless, insulated composite aluminum panels that lower interior temperatures by 10°-15° and easily accept custom vinyl wrapping.
- Versatile product lineups. Configurations range from flatbeds for heavy equipment to enclosed medium or heavy duty haulers, high-cube models, concession trailers, and mobile offices.
Load Low, Haul Good
Ready to bring some Good Trailers home to your fleet? Contact us or find your nearest dealer today!
See also:
Who Sells Zero Degree Trailers? The Ground Level Loading Truth
What is the Best Trailer for Rental Fleets?
Good Trailer Buyers’ Guide: Which Good Trailer is Right for You?
This resource was compiled by the GoodMFG® Product Team, drawing on 75 years of combined experience in hydraulic systems, heavy-duty transport, trailers, and modular structures.
P.S. – We build trailers every day, but we don’t run your crews. If there’s a specific logistical headache or a “field reality” we’ve missed, we want to hear about it. Help us refine the equipment that makes your day easier! Email our Marketing Lead at devan-h @ goodrv.com and let us know what we should solve next.
