PJ Trailers is known for building premium gooseneck trailers for the hotshot industry. Hot shot truckers have increased needs for reliability, durability, comfort, and versatility. PJ Trailers created a guide for customers designing their next hot shot trailer that outlines the most popular specifications & options.

If you want tandem dual running gear and a full 102″ deck you will need a deckover trailer that include the FD, LD, & SD models. PJ makes a low profile gooseneck with a 33″ deck height (LD model). The low profile uses a pierce beam design to run cross-members through the main frame of the trailer dropping the deck height around 5 inches. Our standard flatdeck with duals has a 38″ deck height and is still very popular for hot shot trailers.

Hotshot drivers that want tandem dual running gear and a full 102″ deck will need a deckover trailer. PJ models include the FD, LD, & SD models. PJ makes a low profile, Low Pro gooseneck with a 33″ deck height (LD model). The low profile uses a pierce beam design to run crossmembers through the main frame of the trailer dropping the deck height around 5 inches. Our standard flatdeck with duals has a 38″ deck height and is also ideal for hot shot trailers.

Some operators want their trailer to be as low as possible and opt for a single wheel “low boy” style trailer ( C8 & B8 models). These trailers have a 28″ deck height with a 83″ wide deck (C8) and 102″ wide deck with drive over fenders (B8). These trailers offer a lower center of gravity, can haul low clearance vehicles, and can haul taller loads. Tradeoffs include “tire scrubbing” when making tight turns on triple axle trailers. Also, since the trailer has fenders it can limit the types of equipment and cargo than can be hauled.

At Nationwide Trailers we know purchasing a hotshot trailer can be a big commitment. Our expert sales staff can help guide you in the right direction and help you select the hotshot trailer that is right for you. When purchasing a trailer there are certain things to take into consideration before making the purchase, we provide you with a few key things to think about when purchasing a hotshot trailer.

One of the most important decisions you will make when ordering your hot shot trailer is the axle rating. Our most popular axle rating is 12,000 lbs with axles available in 10k, 12k, & 15k ratings. We also have some hot shot customers that opt for triple 7k or 8k axles on a “low-boy” style gooseneck ( C8 & B8 models).

Before purchasing a hotshot trailer, you should take into consideration the different dovetail options that are available with hotshot trailers. At Nationwide Trailers we offer monster ramps, power tail, center pop-up dovetail, straight deck with 8′ slide-in ramps, and hydraulic dovetail options.

MONSTER RAMPS

Monster Ramps gives you excellent versatility for loading vehicles/equipment in varying widths. Cargo can be stored on top of the ramps. Ramps are spring assisted to help raise them from both the deck and ground.

POWER TAIL

This is a 94″ wide tail that is hydraulically powered up & down. This back saving design makes prepping the trailer to be loaded/unloaded as easy as possible. The tail rotates a full 180 degrees to lay flush to the deck of the trailer, allowing cargo to be loaded on top of the tail.

CENTER POP-UP DOVETAIL

The center pop-up gives you the ability to use your dovetail to load equipment, then raise the center pop-up platform to store cargo (bales, pallets, etc). The ramps are spring assisted to help raise them from the ground.

STRAIGHT DECK WITH 8′ SLIDE-IN RAMPS

Our straight deck with slide-in ramps includes two 8 ft ramps that slide in ramp holders from the rear of the bumper. The load angle with these ramps 20° & 23° for the LD & FD respectively. One thing to keep in mind is that these ramps will not be suitable for loading equipment or vehicles over 9000 lbs.

HYDRAULIC DOVETAIL

The hydraulic dovetail uses hydraulic power to raise and lower the tail at the touch of a button. The load angle for the tail is 15 degrees for the LY and 17 degrees for the FY. The dovetail has 10,000 lbs lift capacity and 4,000 lbs hauling capacity from the center of the tail towards the axle.

Storage for important tools is an important factor to take into consideration while purchasing a hotshot trailer. At Nationwide Trailers we offer a few toolbox and storage options for hotshot trailers including gooseneck riser toolboxes and side mount toolboxes.

GOOSENECK RISER TOOLBOX

Offers additional storage for chains, straps, binders, gloves, and more in an area that is typically wasted. The Box faces the rear of the gooseneck and is accessible from the trailer deck.

SIDE MOUNT TOOLBOX

Side mount toolboxes offer excellent storage that can be locked. The boxes are sealed and available in 45″ and 72″ widths.

There are several different jack options you can take into consideration when purchasing a hotshot trailer. At Nationwide Trailers we offer several jack options for our hotshot trailers including jost jacks, two speed bulldog jacks, and hydraulic monster jacks.

JOST JACKS

Jost jacks have quickly become one of the most popular two speed trailer jacks for hot shotters. They have a patented internal gear box that protects the gearing from abuse and minimizes water intrusion. They have a 50k lifting capacity per pair, spring loaded drop legs, and a 5 year warranty.

TWO SPEED BULLDOG JACKS

Our two speed Bulldog jacks make cranking loads both faster and easier. They have a 10k lift capacity and 12k static capacity per jack. The also include a spring loaded drop legs for easy retraction.

HYDRAULIC MONSTER JACKS

The ultimate jack setup for a hotshot trailer is our hydraulic jack system. These jacks make raising and lowering your trailer as simple as pressing a button. Hydraulic jacks save you valuable time and energy. The entire system runs from a KTI pump, powered by an Interstate Deep Cycle battery.

If you are in the market for a hotshot trailer, look no further. Nationwide Trailers can help you find the exact hotshot trailer to suit your specific needs. If you need help throughout the buying process, our professional sales team will help you navigate your way to the hotshot trailer of your dreams. Our team will help you make the right choice and find you that perfect trailer to help you get the job done. Contact us online or call us today to get started!