Buyer's Guides
Hot Shot Trailers
Published February 15, 2023
What is hot shot trucking?
Hot shot trucking is becoming an increasingly popular way for flatbed trailer owners to make a living while on the road. Hot shot truckers often drive class 3, 4, 5, or 6 rated pickup trucks (instead of full on semi-tractors), so generally it’s a more cost effective and accessible way to get into the industry. Hot shot truckers will often do “for hire” freight jobs, usually as an expedited delivery for an individual customer. Common hot shot loads may include construction materials, heavy machinery or equipment, farm materials, or other time-sensitive materials. Hauls can range anywhere from short local distances to even across country if necessary.
Why pick Diamond C for your hot shot trailer?
Diamond C is excited to partner with hot shot trailer users throughout North America to provide the very best possible trailer for this industry. Hot shot trailer users demand durability and versatility from their equipment, and we offer a variety of flatbed GOOSENECK and STEP DECK trailers to deliver on those demands.
Our trailers feature U.S. Patent Protected ENGINEERED BEAM TECHNOLOGY, which allows us to custom design, engineer, and optimize our own I-Beams to fit each model’s specific weight classification and perform at its highest level. Our Engineered I-Beam trailers are stronger yet lighter, featuring the best strength-to-weight ratios of any steel frame gooseneck trailer on the road.
The result? Haul more, haul longer, and haul safer with a Diamond C.
Keep scrolling to view our most popular models, options, and upgrades for hot shot trailer owners.
Size
Length and Width
Diamond C GOOSENECKS are available from 20′ to 44′ lengths, with the most popular hot shot trailer selected being 40′ long. All our flatbed gooseneck trailers feature a 102″ bed width.
Our STEP DECK models come in 38′ to 43′ lengths, plus the massive 10′ of useable deck space for extra cargo and equipment.
Weight
Our ENGINEERED BEAM TECHNOLOGY allows for a considerably lighter trailer than most. This is hugely important for hot shot trailer users, as choosing a higher rated GVWR trailer in a longer length (like our 40′ FMAX216 w/ 40K Package) allows for more weight savings benefit, which yields a higher payload capacity.
Axles
Lippert Axles
Most hot shot users opt for either 10K, 12K, or 16K dual tandem axles. These can be found on models FMAX210 through FMAX216. We also have options for triple axle setups using 3 – 7K, 3 – 10K, or 3 – 12K configurations. We use high quality LIPPERT AXLES on all our trailers.
Valcrum Hubcaps
We include Valcrum’s premium aluminum alloy oil hubcaps to all our 8K – 16K axles as standard. VALCRUM provides a stronger, durable threaded hubcab for heavier duty trailer axles to replace the standard factory plastic cap.
40K Package Upgrade
Available on models FMAX312 and FMAX216, this heavy duty 40,000 lb GVWR upgrade includes a 3″ Ball 40K TELESCOUPLER and frame and neck reinforcements for maximum strength.
Confused about GVWR vs Payload and wondering how much cargo you can safely haul? Read THIS article first.
Tire/Wheel Upgrades
Super Single Tires
Inspired by the “Super Single” trend in the trucking industry, our FMAX212SS and FMAX210SS are pound for pound the strongest single wheel gooseneck on the market. Both models come standard with 235/75R17.5 18 ply SUPER SINGLE tires.
HD 215 Tires
The heavy duty 215/17.5 wheel and tire UPGRADE is widely used and preferred among high mileage trailer owners, especially in the hot shot, oil field, and transport industries. Our 215/75R17.5 upgrade tires feature a bigger wheel/tire than standard, along with beefy 5/8″ studs. If that’s not enough for you, we use premium VALCRUM HUBCAPS on all 215 tires on 8-16K axles.
These tires come standard on model FMAX216.
Brake Options
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Electric over hydraulic disc BRAKES are what avid hotshot trailer users would describe as “the ultimate” when it comes to trailer braking systems. They are operated by an in-cab controller providing an electric pulse from the tow vehicle which activates a small hydraulic pump that sends hydraulic fluid to a disc (rotor) / caliper braking component.
Benefits of Hydraulic Disc Brakes:
- Last longer
- Stop faster
- Cheaper to maintain for high mileage trailers
*Note: Electric drum and electric over hydraulic drum brakes are also available.
*Note: Model FMAX216 comes standard with Electric over hydraulic disc brakes.
Coupler Upgrades
All our goosenecks come standard with the 25,000 or 30,000 lb Bulldog BX1 coupler (depending on the model). Upgrades include:
- SHOCKER HITCH coupler which features an airbag for for a smoother, safer ride
- 30,000 lb Load Leveler Coupler for quick and easy adjustments while the trailer is already loaded
- “TELESCOUPLER” adjustable coupler that includes a 3″ ball 40,000 lb dual vertical adjustment (comes standard on 40K GVWR upgrade packages)
- King-Pin Adapter
Suspension
Air Ride Suspension
For a smoother, quieter ride, extended trailer life, & higher rates per mile, choose our custom Cush designed AIR RIDE SUSPENSION upgrade. This upgrade includes a front lift axle, which saves tire wear & fuel consumption on empty hauls. Air Ride includes dual compressors, one 10V 5amp charger and dual Group 27 continental batteries.
Hutch Heavy Duty Adjustable Suspension
This is a great option for those who want a more durable suspension than the standard leaf slipper spring suspension, but might not have the budget to equip their trailer with Air Ride. We use Hutch 9700 Series – which features easily adjustable torque arm screws, a maintenance free fastening system, and “Million Mile Rocker Bushing” which eliminates bushing fatigue and failure. Hutch suspension comes standard on model FMAX216, and is an available upgrade on most other dual tandem gooseneck trailers.
Loading Options
Max Ramps
44″ wide ramps for MAX versatility. 50 ksi steel ramp frames x 4 frames per ramp for MAX strength. HD Spring loaded for easy lifting. For safe, stable loading. Read more HERE.
XDR Ramps
These 24″ x 60″ spring-assisted extreme duty knee ramps are perfect for loading concentrated machines such as backhoes and excavators where space between the ramps is a necessity for knuckle height clearance. Read more HERE.
Straight Deck
The Straight Deck tail configuration includes 3″ channel 96″ Rear Slide-In Ramps that can be conveniently stowed away when not in use. Come with a single piece bumper with light protection.
Having trouble deciding which loading style to select?
Watch below as Jacob Crabb walks through the 4 primary loading options for our flagship FMAX gooseneck trailers to help you pick:
Popular Add-ons
Bolt-on LED Flood Lights
At 2000 Lumen, these LED work lights will help brighten up your nighttime grind.
Slide Track
Our SLIDE TRACK and ratchet option gives you unlimited tie-down points the entire length of the deck. Sliding ratchets move easily in both directions for positioning on the track but lock firmly in place when tension is applied.
Tie Downs
Every Fleetneck and Step Deck trailer comes standard with a 2″ x 3/8″ Rub Rail that includes Stake Pockets & Pipe Spools.
Add up to 10 5/8″ D-Rings for even more cargo securing possibilities.
Sway Control
Ensure our longer trailers are as stable as possible and don’t suffer from frame warping, flexing, or swaying while hauling extreme loads. Read more HERE.
(Included standard on any trailer over 30 ft)
Warrior Winch Box Package
Needing to load dead or downed equipment? Our loaded WARRIOR WINCH BOX PACKAGE is a great addition to your trailer to do just that! With 3 sizes: 8K, 12K, and 17.5K, you can pick what suits your needs best. These lockable winch box packages are self-contained and include a Continental Group 27 Series BATTERY and a 110 Volt 5 Amp plug-in charger.
6″ Taller Neck
This option raises the coupler and horizontal neck height +6″. Ideal for lifted vehicles (ex. Dodge 3500 with 4″-6″ lift).
Deck on the Neck
The 7′ x 8′ weld-on or bolt-on DECK ON THE NECK offers additional cargo space for those of you who need every last square inch.
Great for hotshot rigs, hay haulers, construction crews, and more!
Jack Options
Hydraulic Jacks
The Lippert 20K Hydraulic Jacks are 1/3 of the weight of traditional steel casing hydraulic jacks and have a 20,000-pound lift in each jack versus the standard 12,000-pound lift. These 20K hydraulic jacks are powered by a KTI HYDRAULICS unit and include a Group 27 Series BATTERY which provides both power-up and power-down. With a simple push of a button, you can raise and lower your trailer for a fast and easy hooking and unhooking experience.
Two Speed Drop-Leg Jacks
2 – 25,000 lb two speed jacks that feature faster cranking than normal drop-leg jacks and include a state of the art 2 speed gearbox with power and speed for a more effective and efficient jack.
Flooring Options
Treated Lumber
Pressure treated PINE FLOORING is the most commonly used wood flooring material in trailers and comes standard on most Diamond C trailers.
Oak Flooring
When you know the job is grueling and the floor of your trailer is going to take a beating, the OAK FLOOR option is for you. Oak lumber is not as susceptible to being gouged, scraped, or broken down like its softer pine counterpart.
Blackwood Lumber
BLACKWOOD is rubber infused, pressure treated pine flooring that provides enhanced traction in the wettest conditions, outstanding impact resistance in the toughest environments, and increased flooring lifespan from its no fade, no crack technology. Choose between outer or full.
Storage Options
Neck Box
This lockable neck box is big, roomy, and is perfect for storing all your jacks, tools, straps, and more. Constructed with 3/16″ diamond plate, this box features a curved lid for added rigidity and is gas spring assisted for easy operation.
Underslung Box
This 14″ x 14″ x 42″ box is a popular add-on to any FLEETNECK trailer for handy below-deck storage that’s convenient to access, but also out of the way of the equipment your are hauling. Add one on each side of your trailer if you want!
102″ Underslung Dunnage Rack
Perfect for hot shot trailer users who need to store wood planks or blocks to assist with loading pipe or equipment. This rack is mounted under the deck for better placement, and welded to the main frame of the trailer.
Locking Chain Rack
Your choice of either a 16″ bolt-on rack or a full-width weld-on chain rack. The bolt-on rack can be mounted to either driver or passenger side, and both are great options to secure your chains and boomers.
Chain Tray
This convenient shelf is welded at the top of the neck for easy access chain storage.
How Do I Purchase?
Diamond C has an extensive network of almost 200 dealer partners strategically placed throughout North America. Find your closest dealer HERE to inquire about available gooseneck or step deck trailers, or simply navigate to any trailer product page to DESIGN YOUR OWN TRAILER to your unique specifications and submit it to your local Diamond C dealer for quote.
Still not sure which model to pick? Check out our in-depth GOOSENECK TRAILER BUYER’S GUIDE to see the highlights and comparisons of every gooseneck model.
What is the best hot shot trailer?
The most popular hot shot trailer we sell is model FMAX212 in a 40′ length equipped with MAX RAMPS and AIR RIDE SUSPENSION. For those who need a 30K or even a 40K GVWR equipped trailer, we recommend our flagship model FMAX216.
New to the market are our Engineered Beam STEP DECK models, which bridge the gap between traditional goosenecks and semi-trailer step decks. Your choice of deck lengths from 38′, 40′, or even 43′, combined with the massive 10′ of useable deck space creates the perfect hauling machine for your hot shot business. Watch below as Jacob talks us through it:
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