Benson Aluminum Flatbed

Quick Facts

Manufacturer: Benson Trailers
Trailer Type: Aluminum Flatbed Trailer
Common Models: Benson 524 and Benson 724
Available Lengths: Approximately 28–53 ft
Common Highway Lengths: 48 ft and 53 ft
Available Widths: 96 inches and 102 inches
Construction Material: Aluminum with steel components in high-stress areas
524 Concentrated Load Rating: Approximately 52,000 lbs in 4 ft
524 Load Rating: Approximately 57,000 lbs in 10 ft
524 Evenly Distributed Rating: Approximately 110,000 lbs
724 Concentrated Load Rating: Approximately 72,000 lbs in 4 ft
724 Load Rating: Approximately 78,000 lbs in 10 ft
724 Evenly Distributed Rating: Approximately 140,000 lbs
Estimated 48-Foot Base Weight: Approximately 8,700–9,100 lbs depending on model and equipment
Common Axle Configuration: Tandem Axle, Spread Axle
Typical Suspension: Air-Ride Suspension
Floor Construction: Extruded Aluminum Floor with Apitong Nailers
Primary Applications: Lumber, Steel, Pipe, Building Materials, Machinery, Construction Equipment, Industrial Products, and Agricultural Equipment
Production Status: Active Production

Overview

The Benson Aluminum Flatbed is a lightweight commercial flatbed trailer designed for transporting building materials, steel, pipe, lumber, machinery, industrial products, and other freight requiring open-deck loading access.

Its aluminum construction helps reduce trailer empty weight while providing the structural capacity required for demanding flatbed freight.

Benson offers multiple strength levels, including the 524 and 724 models. The model numbers correspond closely to their concentrated load ratings, with the 524 rated for approximately 52,000 pounds in a four-foot section and the 724 rated for approximately 72,000 pounds in four feet.

The trailer can be configured in lengths ranging from approximately 28–53 feet, although 48-foot and 53-foot versions are common in highway freight operations.

A combination of aluminum main beams, aluminum crossmembers, an extruded aluminum floor, Apitong nailers, cargo-securement equipment, and air-ride suspension creates a platform designed to balance payload, durability, and operational flexibility.

Key Characteristics

The Benson Aluminum Flatbed is designed around reduced empty weight, concentrated-load capacity, corrosion resistance, and flexible cargo securement.

The open deck allows cargo to be loaded from the sides, rear, or overhead. This makes the trailer useful for freight that cannot be loaded easily through the rear doors of an enclosed trailer.

Key characteristics include:

Lightweight aluminum construction
Available 524 and 724 strength ratings
Lengths ranging from approximately 28–53 feet
Available 96-inch and 102-inch widths
Welded aluminum main beams
Extruded aluminum flooring
Apitong wood nailers
Aluminum crossmembers
Reinforced coil-loading area
Integrated Lock-Rite cargo-securement system
Stake pockets and pipe spools
Sliding winches and strap systems
Air-ride suspension
Tandem spread-axle configurations
LED lighting
Accessible air and electrical connections
Available tire-inflation systems
Available air-disc brakes
Strong resistance to corrosion

Common Specifications

Trailer Length

Benson Aluminum Flatbeds are available in lengths ranging from approximately 28–53 feet.

The 48-foot configuration is widely used for general flatbed freight, steel, lumber, pipe, building materials, and machinery.

The 53-foot configuration provides additional deck length for longer freight and loads requiring greater spacing between cargo components.

Length availability depends on model, axle configuration, operating region, and customer specifications.

Width

Available widths include approximately 96 inches and 102 inches.

The 102-inch configuration is common for highway flatbed operations because it provides the maximum standard trailer width permitted without oversize authorization in most locations.

Cargo extending beyond the legal trailer width may require permits, flags, signs, lights, escorts, or route restrictions.

Benson 524 Load Ratings

The Benson 524 is designed for a concentrated load of approximately 52,000 pounds in a four-foot section.

It can support approximately 57,000 pounds in a ten-foot section and approximately 110,000 pounds when the load is distributed evenly across the trailer, depending on configuration.

These structural ratings do not replace federal or state gross and axle-weight limits.

Benson 724 Load Ratings

The Benson 724 is a heavier-duty configuration designed for higher concentrated and distributed loads.

It can support approximately 72,000 pounds in a four-foot section, approximately 78,000 pounds in ten feet, and approximately 140,000 pounds when evenly distributed, depending on specifications.

The 724 may be selected for permitted freight and operations requiring greater structural capacity.

Trailer Weight

A 48-foot Benson 524 has an estimated base weight of approximately 8,700 pounds before optional equipment.

A 48-foot Benson 724 generally weighs approximately 9,000 pounds or more, depending on specifications.

Actual empty weight varies according to length, axle spacing, suspension, wheels, tires, brakes, toolboxes, winches, dunnage racks, tarp equipment, Conestoga systems, and other options.

Main Beam Design

The trailer uses welded two-piece aluminum T-shaped main beams manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum.

The beam sections are welded along the neutral axis, and the floor sections are welded to the main-beam top flange.

The main-beam design incorporates camber to account for trailer loading and deflection.

Crossmembers

Aluminum C-channel crossmembers are commonly positioned on approximately 16-inch centers.

Additional crossmembers may be installed in the coil-loading area to provide greater support for concentrated freight.

Crossmembers are welded to the side rails, main beams, and floor structure to create a rigid platform.

Floor System

The Benson Aluminum Flatbed uses extruded aluminum floorboards with Apitong wood nailers.

The aluminum floor provides structural strength and weather resistance, while the wood nailers provide surfaces into which freight-protection and securement materials can be attached.

The floor system should be inspected for cracks, damaged welds, worn nailers, corrosion around dissimilar metals, and concentrated loading damage.

Coil Package

Applicable configurations include a reinforced coil package with additional crossmembers in the central loading zone.

Steel coils create highly concentrated loads and must be positioned according to trailer specifications.

Coils also require specialized securement using approved cradles, chains, binders, friction materials, and blocking.

Side Rails

The trailer uses extruded aluminum side rails with stake pockets, pipe spools, rub rails, and integrated cargo-securement provisions.

Rounded edges help reduce damage to straps.

Stake pockets and pipe spools provide multiple points for straps, chains, side kits, and freight-control equipment.

Lock-Rite System

The Benson Lock-Rite system provides multiple positions for cargo securement.

It allows operators to secure freight toward the outside edges or closer to the trailer centerline, depending on load dimensions and securement requirements.

The system can support straps, chains, hooks, and other compatible securement equipment.

Suspension and Axles

A tandem spread-axle air-ride suspension is common.

The axle spread may be approximately 121 inches, depending on specifications and operating requirements.

Spread axles can improve weight distribution but also create greater tire scrub during tight turns.

Sliding rear-axle configurations may be available on applicable models to support operations in states with different axle-spacing requirements.

More information is available through Suspension Systems and Axles and Differentials.

Braking System

Commercial air brakes with ABS are standard on most highway configurations.

Air-disc brakes may be available for fleets seeking different stopping, heat-management, and maintenance characteristics.

Additional information is available through Brake Systems and Air Brake Systems Explained.

Electrical and Lighting System

Air lines and electrical wiring are routed below the trailer deck and can be accessed through removable panels.

The trailer commonly uses LED lighting with multiple side-marker and turn-indicator lights to improve visibility.

More information is available through Electrical Systems.

Tires and Wheels

Benson flatbeds can be configured with steel or aluminum wheels and commercial trailer tires.

Wide-base tires and automatic tire-inflation systems may be available.

Additional information is available through Tires and Wheels.

Common Applications

The Benson Aluminum Flatbed can transport a broad range of open-deck freight.

Flatbed Freight
Lumber
Roofing materials
Drywall
Steel coils
Steel plate
Steel beams
Pipe and tubing
Concrete products
Building materials
Construction equipment
Industrial machinery
Agricultural equipment
Manufactured products
Crated equipment
Precast materials
Utility equipment
Oversized freight
Specialized loads

Cargo dimensions, weight distribution, loading method, and securement requirements determine whether a standard flatbed is appropriate.

Advantages

The Benson Aluminum Flatbed offers several advantages.

Lower empty weight than many steel trailers
Increased potential payload capacity
Strong corrosion resistance
Multiple structural ratings
Available 524 and 724 models
High concentrated-load capability
Broad cargo versatility
Open access from the sides, rear, and overhead
Integrated cargo-securement points
Lock-Rite securement system
Reinforced coil-loading capability
Aluminum floor with Apitong nailers
Spread-axle availability
Air-ride suspension
LED lighting
Available tire-inflation systems
Available air-disc brakes
Strong suitability for regional and long-haul operations

Limitations or Considerations

The Benson Aluminum Flatbed also has limitations and ownership considerations.

Higher acquisition cost than many steel trailers
Aluminum repairs require appropriate equipment and experience
Open cargo is exposed to weather and road debris
Loads often require tarps or protective coverings
Drivers must perform extensive cargo securement
Spread axles can cause increased tire scrub
Heavy concentrated loads require careful positioning
Aluminum components can crack around high-stress areas
Dissimilar-metal contact can contribute to corrosion
Trailer flex and camber must be understood during loading
Oversized loads may require permits
Coils require specialized securement procedures
Tarping can be physically demanding and hazardous
Open-deck freight creates greater driver responsibility than many enclosed loads

The trailer must be selected according to expected cargo, concentrated-load requirements, axle spacing, securement methods, route regulations, and maintenance capabilities.

Driver and Operator Considerations

Operating a Benson Aluminum Flatbed requires careful load planning, weight distribution, securement, and inspection.

Drivers must verify that cargo is positioned within the trailer’s concentrated-load and distributed-load ratings.

Chains, binders, straps, edge protectors, blocking, friction mats, coil racks, dunnage, and tarps must be selected according to cargo type and applicable regulations.

Securement equipment should be inspected before use for cuts, stretching, cracks, bent components, damaged hooks, worn links, or missing identification.

Drivers should inspect cargo securement shortly after beginning a trip and again at required intervals. Straps and chains can loosen as freight settles or road conditions change.

Spread-axle configurations require additional care during tight turns. Excessive pivoting can increase tire scrub and place stress on suspension components.

Drivers should also monitor trailer deck height, cargo height, cargo width, and total vehicle length before entering restricted routes.

Maintenance and Ownership Notes

Routine maintenance is important for preserving the trailer’s load capacity, safety, and resale value.

Maintenance should include:

Main-beam inspection
Crossmember inspection
Floor-weld inspection
Apitong nailer inspection
Coil-zone inspection
Side-rail inspection
Stake-pocket inspection
Pipe-spool inspection
Rub-rail inspection
Winch and strap inspection
Chain-tie inspection
Suspension inspection
Axle-alignment checks
Brake inspection and adjustment
ABS warning-system inspection
Tire-pressure and tread inspection
Wheel-end and bearing service
Landing-gear lubrication
Kingpin and upper-coupler inspection
Electrical and lighting-system testing
Rear-impact-guard inspection
Tire-inflation-system inspection when equipped
Toolbox and dunnage-rack inspection
Tarp-system inspection when equipped

Aluminum welds should be checked for cracking, especially around suspension mounts, crossmembers, coil zones, rear structures, and other high-stress areas.

Corrosion can develop where aluminum contacts steel or where road chemicals remain trapped between components. Proper cleaning and isolation of dissimilar metals can reduce this risk.

Buying Considerations

Before purchasing a Benson Aluminum Flatbed, buyers should identify their most demanding expected loads.

Important considerations include:

Benson 524 or Benson 724
Required trailer length
96-inch or 102-inch width
Expected concentrated-load weight
Expected distributed-load weight
Coil-hauling requirements
Trailer empty weight
Desired payload
Axle spacing
Fixed or sliding rear axle
Suspension configuration
Brake specifications
Tire and wheel selection
Cargo-securement equipment
Number and type of winches
Chain-tie requirements
Toolbox requirements
Dunnage storage
Tarping system
Conestoga system
Tire-inflation system
Dealer and parts support
Used-trailer repair history

A buyer hauling lumber, drywall, shingles, and general building materials may not require the same structural rating as an operator regularly transporting steel coils or permitted machinery.

Used trailers should be inspected carefully for main-beam damage, cracked welds, improper repairs, worn camber, damaged crossmembers, bent side rails, suspension wear, irregular tire wear, and overloaded coil zones.

Common Brands or Manufacturers

Benson competes with several established flatbed trailer manufacturers.

Fontaine Trailer
Reitnouer Trailers
Transcraft Trailer
Wilson Trailer
MAC Trailer
Doonan Specialized Trailer
East Manufacturing
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company

Variants and Related Configurations

Benson offers several aluminum flatbed configurations.

Benson 524

The Benson 524 provides a concentrated-load rating of approximately 52,000 pounds in four feet.

It is well suited for general flatbed freight, building materials, lumber, steel products, and machinery.

Benson 724

The Benson 724 provides a concentrated-load rating of approximately 72,000 pounds in four feet.

It is intended for heavier concentrated loads and permitted applications requiring greater structural capacity.

48-Foot Configuration

The 48-foot flatbed is widely used for general open-deck freight and can provide a favorable balance of weight, maneuverability, deck length, and axle spacing.

53-Foot Configuration

The 53-foot configuration provides additional deck space for longer freight and loads requiring greater separation.

Spread-Axle Configuration

A spread axle can improve load distribution but creates additional tire scrub during tight turns.

Sliding-Rear-Axle Configuration

A sliding rear axle can allow operators to adjust axle spacing for different state regulations and operating requirements.

Coil-Hauling Configuration

A coil package adds reinforcement to the center deck area for concentrated steel-coil loads.

Conestoga Configuration

A rolling tarp enclosure can provide weather protection while maintaining side and overhead loading access.

The Benson Conestoga Trailer provides additional information about this configuration.

Comparison to Similar Trailers

The Benson Aluminum Flatbed is commonly compared with the Fontaine Revolution Flatbed Trailer, Reitnouer MaxMiser Flatbed Trailer, and Transcraft Eagle II Flatbed Trailer.

Wilson Flatbed, MAC Aluminum Flatbed, and Doonan Flatbed pages are also part of the current trailer production group. They remain unlinked until their individual pages are published.

Compared with many steel flatbeds, the Benson uses aluminum construction to reduce empty weight and increase potential payload.

Compared with the Fontaine Revolution, Benson emphasizes its aluminum main-beam construction, Lock-Rite securement system, and 524 or 724 structural ratings.

Compared with the Reitnouer MaxMiser, Benson provides its own approach to aluminum beam construction, flooring, securement, and concentrated-load capacity.

Compared with the Transcraft Eagle II, the Benson offers lighter aluminum construction and multiple strength levels for general or heavier concentrated freight.

The best trailer depends on empty weight, concentrated-load requirements, cargo-securement options, axle spacing, dealer support, repair familiarity, and acquisition cost.

Best Fit For

Flatbed fleets
Owner-operators
Building-material carriers
Lumber haulers
Steel carriers
Pipe and tubing transportation
Machinery transport companies
Construction-equipment haulers
Industrial freight operations
Agricultural-equipment carriers
Coil haulers
Regional flatbed operations
Long-haul flatbed operations
Carriers prioritizing reduced trailer weight
Operators requiring high concentrated-load capacity
Fleets seeking aluminum corrosion resistance

Related Equipment

Related Freight Types

Related Trailer Types

Related Trailer Models

Related Guides

Regulatory and Compliance Notes

The Benson Aluminum Flatbed must comply with federal, state, provincial, and local regulations governing commercial trailers, dimensions, axle weights, cargo securement, brakes, lighting, tires, and overall vehicle condition.

Operators should monitor:

Maximum legal trailer width
Maximum legal cargo width
Maximum vehicle and cargo height
Trailer GVWR
Actual loaded trailer weight
Gross combination weight
Individual axle weights
Axle-spacing requirements
Bridge-formula requirements
Brake and ABS requirements
Lighting and conspicuity requirements
Tire and wheel ratings
Cargo-securement requirements
Rear-impact-guard condition
Annual inspection requirements
Oversize and overweight permit requirements

Freight extending beyond standard width, height, length, or weight limits may require permits, route surveys, escorts, flags, banners, lights, and travel-time restrictions.

Structural trailer capacity does not override federal or state highway-weight limits.

Real World Operating Notes

In real-world flatbed operations, the Benson Aluminum Flatbed provides a favorable combination of reduced trailer weight, cargo versatility, and concentrated-load capacity.

The lighter aluminum construction can increase available payload compared with a heavier trailer, especially when the tractor and equipment are also specified around weight reduction.

Proper load placement remains essential. A structurally capable trailer can still exceed legal axle weights if freight is positioned incorrectly.

Aluminum trailers flex under load, and drivers should understand normal loaded appearance and camber. Unexpected sagging, cracking, or uneven deck height may indicate structural damage.

Flatbed drivers must also account for weather exposure. Freight may require tarps, shrink wrap, edge protectors, or other coverings.

Tarping and cargo securement create physical risks. Drivers should use safe working methods, avoid climbing on unsecured freight, and use fall-protection equipment when appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Benson Aluminum Flatbed?

It is a lightweight aluminum flatbed trailer designed for lumber, steel, pipe, machinery, building materials, and other open-deck freight.

What is the difference between the Benson 524 and 724?

The 524 is rated for approximately 52,000 pounds concentrated in four feet. The heavier-duty 724 is rated for approximately 72,000 pounds in four feet.

How much does a Benson Aluminum Flatbed weigh?

A base 48-foot 524 weighs approximately 8,700 pounds. A 724 generally weighs approximately 9,000 pounds or more. Options can increase empty weight.

What lengths are available?

Benson Aluminum Flatbeds are available in lengths ranging from approximately 28–53 feet. The 48-foot and 53-foot configurations are common for highway freight.

What widths are available?

Available widths include approximately 96 inches and 102 inches.

Can the Benson Aluminum Flatbed haul steel coils?

Yes. Properly equipped configurations include reinforced coil-loading areas. Coils must be positioned and secured according to trailer ratings and applicable regulations.

Does the Benson use a spread axle?

A tandem spread-axle air-ride configuration is common. Applicable models may also offer adjustable rear-axle arrangements.

Why choose an aluminum flatbed instead of steel?

Aluminum construction reduces empty weight and resists corrosion. However, it generally costs more and requires specialized repair knowledge.

Can the Benson Flatbed use a Conestoga system?

Yes. Applicable Benson flatbeds can be equipped with rolling tarp systems. The Benson Conestoga Trailer provides an example.

Is the Benson Aluminum Flatbed suitable for long-haul freight?

Yes. It is used in regional and long-haul operations transporting building materials, steel, lumber, machinery, and industrial freight.

Availability and Where to Find

New Benson Aluminum Flatbeds are available through authorized Benson dealers, Wabash-affiliated dealers, commercial-trailer distributors, and fleet-purchasing programs.

Availability depends on trailer length, model rating, axle configuration, suspension, brakes, tires, wheels, cargo-securement equipment, floor package, coil package, and other options.

Used Benson flatbeds are available through trailer dealers, fleet-retirement sales, equipment auctions, and online commercial-trailer marketplaces.

When evaluating a used Benson Aluminum Flatbed, buyers should inspect the main beams, camber, crossmembers, floor welds, Apitong nailers, coil zone, side rails, stake pockets, rub rails, suspension, axles, brakes, tires, wheel ends, landing gear, kingpin, electrical system, and rear-impact guard.

Repair history, previous cargo, evidence of overloading, cracked aluminum welds, improper steel-to-aluminum repairs, corrosion, and irregular tire wear should also be reviewed before purchase.

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