Frequently Asked Questions About Retriever Truck Beds

What sizes and capacities do Retrievers come in?

Retrievers come in three basic sizes with various alternative configurations.

• The Model 6T and 6T XL are designed for non-CDL trucks with 20-foot and 23.5-footbed lengths, respectively. While the bed is rated for 12,000 lbs., chassis weights and State and Federal Weight Regulations limit typical legal payload to 10,600 lbs. – 11,800 lbs. depending on specifications.

• Model 15T Retrievers are designed for tandem rear axle trucks. Bed lengths of 24, 28 and 30 feet are available. The 15T bed is rated for 30,000 lbs. Chassis weight along with State and Federal Regulations limit legal payload to 26,000 – 27,000 lbs. on properly specified chassis.

• Model 20T Retrievers are designed for tri-axle and quad-axle chassis. Typically, tandem rear axles with one or two pusher lift axles. 20T’s are available in 28- or 30-foot bed lengths and are rated at 40,000 lbs. Chassis weight and State and Federal Regulations limit legal payload in most states to 30,000 – 33,000 lbs. on tri-axles and 35,000 – 38,000 lbs. on quad-axle, properly specified chassis.

Note: To achieve maximum legal payload on the 15T the load must be positioned perfectly to get the correct axle weight distribution. With the 20T configuration the additional rear axle capacity allows much greater flexibility in load positioning.

What about truck chassis?

• Retrievers can be installed on most makes of properly specified chassis.

• Versatran stocks certain popular chassis as well as completed trucks.

• If you choose to work with a truck dealer of your choice Versatran will provide a Chassis Requirements and Recommendations Checklist to be used by the truck dealer.

• Versatran will review Chassis Specifications before the chassis is ordered to make sure that the Retriever body will fit up without modification.

I hear Retrievers are very efficient, how so?

• Rapid Loading: The low 10.8° loading angle and curved rear deck allow equipment to easily drive on in one smooth motion without bottoming out or breaking over.

• Smart Ergonomics: A low deck height lets operators secure chains from the ground, while on-deck storage eliminates wasted movement.

• Operational Speed: Air-powered mechanics deploy the bed in seconds, significantly faster than hydraulic alternatives.

• Cost Savings: The No-Idle System lets you work with the engine off, saving fuel and engine wear, while the lack of hydraulics means zero downtime for oil leaks, spills or cold weather warm up.

• Tight Access: The curved design creates the shortest deployed length in the industry, making it the most maneuverable option for tight job sites.

Why use air instead of hydraulics?

Choosing an air system over traditional hydraulics provides a cleaner, lighter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly solution to vehicle operations. Here is why:

The Retriever air system utilizes the truck’s existing air compressor to eliminate heavy, leak-prone components such as PTOs, hydraulic pumps, and tanks. Key benefits include:

• Increased Payload: Removing hydraulic hardware reduces "dead weight" by 1,800 to 3,800 lbs., allowing for greater legal payload capacity.

• Environmental Safety: Eliminates the risk of hydraulic leaks and associated HazMat cleanup issues.

• Fuel Savings: The "No Idle Tank" allows bed operation without idling the truck, saving thousands on fuel, and reducing engine wear and emissions.

• Winter Reliability: Unlike hydraulics that require cold-weather warm-up, air systems offer immediate operation. Modern air dryers ensure the system remains dependable in freezing temperatures with only an annual filter change.

If your air system is superior, why don’t competitors use it?

The Versatran Retriever pneumatic system is one element of a ground-up mechanical design that competitor’s products cannot accommodate. Additionally, we use proprietary technology to achieve smooth pneumatic control that others have not mastered. Competitors typically rely on traditional hydraulic systems because air is "squishy" and difficult to control with precision. Versatran’s air-powered system is unique because it addresses these challenges through a specialized mechanical and proprietary control approach:

• Integrated Mechanical Design: Unlike competitive products designed for hydraulics, the Versatran Retriever is engineered from the ground up to accommodate pneumatic actuators. This includes a patented curved rear deck that nests over the rear tires to achieve a loading angle as low as 10.8°.

• Proprietary Control Systems: Pneumatic systems often suffer from erratic "spring-like" behavior due to air compressibility. Versatran utilizes proprietary technology to achieve smooth, consistent control, overcoming common issues like jerky motion or positioning inaccuracies that typically plague basic pneumatic setups.

• Operational Benefits: By using the truck’s existing air system, the design eliminates high-maintenance hydraulic components like PTOs, hydraulic pumps, fittings, and hoses. This results in:

  • Increased Payload: Lighter pneumatic components can increase cargo capacity by up to 3,800 lbs.

  • No-Idle Loading / Unloading: The system allows loading and unloading while the engine is off, reducing fuel costs and engine wear.

  • Extreme Weather Reliability: Air systems do not require warm-up time in cold weather and eliminate the risk of environmental hazards from hydraulic oil spills.

  • Freedom from HazMat concerns, no hydraulic oil spills ever!

  • Freedom from No-Idle Law Violations and Fines.

What is the advantage of the curved rear deck?

The curved rear deck is engineered to improve loading safety and operational efficiency through three key advantages:

• Prevents Bottoming Out: The curve provides extra clearance for low-profile equipment, ensuring it does not get stuck or damaged when crossing the hinge line.

• Smoother Loading: It eliminates the harsh "break-over" point for tracked machinery, reducing impact wear on both the equipment and the truck.

• Superior Maneuverability: By positioning the hinge forward of the rear axle, the design achieves a lower loading angle while maintaining a shorter deployed length for work in tight quarters.

What is the load angle of a Retriever?

The load angle varies by model and ramp configuration to ensure safe, efficient loading:

• Models 15T & 20T: Feature a typical load angle of 12.8° (22% grade) with a single-stage ramp, or a reduced 10.8° (19% grade) with a two-stage ramp.

• Models 6T & 6TXL: Feature a typical load angle of 14° (25% grade).

Note: Achieving these angles requires a properly specified chassis.

What is the deck height of a Retriever?

The Retriever features an ultra-low profile—as much as 12” lower than conventional systems—to improve bridge clearance, lower the center of gravity, and make load securement safer by reducing the need to climb.

• Model 15T & 20T: Typical travel height is 42” to 45” (only 5.5” above the chassis frame).

• Model 6T & 6TXL: Typical travel height is 41” to 43” (only 4.5” above the chassis frame).

Note: Final deck height depends on specific chassis suspension, frame, and tire specifications.

How much payload can a Retriever legally carry?

Because the pneumatic system is 1,800 to 3,800 lbs. lighter than hydraulic alternatives, the Retriever offers significantly higher legal payload capacities:

• Model 20T (28' Bed): Typically, 30,000 – 33,000 lbs. on the tri-axle version, 35,000 – 38,000 lbs. on quad-axles.

• Model 15T: Typically, 26,000 - 27,000 lbs. (Requires precise load positioning for optimal front-axle weight transfer).

• Model 6T (non-CDL): Typically, 11,200 to 11,800 lbs.

• Model 6TXL (non-CDL): Typically, 10,600 to 11,200 lbs.

Note: Actual legal payload may vary depending on your specific chassis specifications and State and Federal regulations.

Can a load be carried on the rear deck?

Yes, the entire deck is engineered for transport. On two-stage ramp units, you can also travel with the first ramp section extended to carrying payload of up to 8,000 lbs. on the ramp.

• Two-Stage Ramps: Rated for up to 8,000 lbs. of payload while extended in travel mode.

• Single-Stage Ramps: Designed for loading only and are not rated to carry payload in the extended position.

How much weight can the rear deck lift?

The Retriever's pneumatic lifting system is designed for high-capacity performance at the center of the rear deck:

• Models 15T & 20T: Four Air Springs provide 40,000 lbs. of lifting force at the center of the rear deck.

• Models 6T & 6TXL: Two Air Springs provide 20,000 lbs. of lifting force at the center of the rear deck.

What is the deck surface and how durable is it?

All Retriever decks are coated with Zenthane, a military-grade polyurethane traction coating. Originally developed for tactical military applications, this surface is engineered for extreme durability and incorporates a specialized grit to provide superior traction in all conditions.

What if I want to haul steel track equipment on the Retriever?

We offer optional solid surface ramps with cleats for loading steel track equipment as well as a Heavy Duty 2” raised edge to arrest side sliding of steel track machines.

Note: if hauling steel track machines on standard Retriever deck surfaces we recommend an interface such as conveyor belting to provide traction.

How powerful is the winch?

All Retriever models feature a powerful 15,000 lb. Warn Industrial Electric Winch equipped with thermal protection.

If you require more pulling force, you can use a snatch block with the winch cable to double the pulling capacity to 30,000 lbs.

Retriever Durability

The system is built with high-performance materials designed to withstand extreme duty cycles and harsh environments:

• Industrial-Grade Air Bags: Utilizes rugged, suspension-style air bags for reliable heavy lifting.

• DOT-Approved Hardware: Features standard DOT air brake hoses and fittings, ensuring safety and ease of maintenance.

• High-Cycle Cylinders: Equipped with pneumatic cylinders rated at 250,000 cycles, delivering years of trouble-free operation.

Retriever’s pneumatic system offers a more robust and leak-free performance compared to traditional hydraulics, backed by industrial-grade durability.

Warranty & Maintenance Comparison

Key Advantages

Payload Efficiency: By eliminating heavy hydraulic reservoirs and pumps, the air system reduces vehicle "dead weight" by 1,800 to 3,800 lbs. directly increasing legal payload capacity.

• Operational Cost: The "No Idle" capability allows you to operate the bed using stored air, saving thousands in fuel costs and reducing unnecessary engine wear.

• Simplicity: Uses standard DOT-approved air brake hoses and fittings, making field repairs faster and more cost-effective than custom hydraulic lines.

How are Retrievers Equipped and What Options Are Available?

Standard Equipment on the Model 6T and 6T XL Retrievers includes:

6T and 6T XL Options Include:

Model 15T and 20T Standard Equipment Includes:

Model 15T and 20T Options Include:

If you have additional questions about Retriever products you can contact a Versatran Expert by clicking the button above or by calling at 920-557-3681.