You’ve got oversized freight to haul. You need the right trailer for the job, but which one is best for your job: a traditional lowboy trailer, a schnable trailer, or a removable gooseneck trailer (RGN)?
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Both lowboys and RGNs are commercial trailers known for their impressive hauling capacity, especially when it comes to moving tall, heavy freight. But there are some differences to understand to ensure that you’re choosing the right trailer for your job.
Often, this class of commercial trailers is used to haul oversized machinery such as construction and industrial equipment. People are likely most familiar with seeing these trailers moving bulldozers or excavators with “Oversize Load” across the back.
The advantages of using lowboy trailers lie in their ability to transport large loads without additional permits. They can have axles added for increased weight capacity, and the dropdown feature allows for taller equipment to be moved without height permits.
Having the ability to move equipment without additional permitting can save you time and money. As you consider lowboy vs. RGN trailers, make sure you know all the options to choose the right trailer for the job!
When it comes to height and weight, certain types of lowboys are better, but what’s the difference between all the different types on the market? The most notable differences come in the loading functionality, hauling capacity, and costs.
The most important considerations when deciding between a lowboy and RGN trailer are the weight capacity and well length. A two-axle lowboy trailer can support a maximum weight of 40,000 pounds. However, the weight capacity can be increased up to 80,000 pounds by adding additional axles. The length of a lowboy well ranges from 24’ to 29.6’. A 25’ well is perfect for hauling most equipment, such as bulldozers.
The most common lowboy trailer configuration:
With a convenient ramp, RGN trailers are ideal if you can drive the equipment onto the trailer. RGN trailers can be configured with up to 20 or more axles to support up to 150,000 pounds. The well length (main deck) is typically 29’, which is ideal for hauling even the largest equipment, such as cranes or agricultural combines.
The most common RGN trailer configuration:
One of the most common uses of commercial semi-trailers is to transport heavy machinery like bulldozers. When freight can be driven, there is an advantage to using a trailer with a ramp.
RGN trailers can be lowered to the ground to create a ramp for large vehicles or equipment to be driven directly onto a trailer. This is made possible by the unique design of a hydraulic-powered, removable gooseneck (called such because of its resemblance to the neck of a goose) at the front of the trailer. Once the gooseneck is detached, self-powered cargo can be easily loaded.
Using an RGN prevents you from needing additional equipment to aid with loading and unloading. If the accessibility of additional loading/unloading equipment is an issue, an RGN trailer may be your best choice.
Essentially, RGNs fall under the class of lowboy trailers. But lowboy trailers come in a variety of configurations that can affect the overall cost of a lowboy rental. Most of these differences have to do with the capacity of the trailer.
An ordinary lowboy trailer is a flatbed with one drop after the gooseneck. They were originally introduced in the 1920s as a viable option for hauling large freight. While they can carry heavy cargo, they cannot accommodate extra tall cargo. This is due to the higher platform on which cargo sits. Using a lowboy with less hauling capacity leads to less expensive rental or purchase costs and is a great option for shorter equipment.
Double drop deck lowboy trailers encompass the RGN and fixed-neck variations, each with their own pros and cons.
Fixed-neck lowboy trailers have the following features:
Fixed gooseneck lowboy trailers have the following features:
Removable gooseneck lowboy trailers, which were introduced in 1958, have the following features:
As you can see, each of these falls under a lowboy trailer, so it’s important to know exactly what features you need for your type of cargo and what your budget is. The more hydraulics, axles, and capacity you need, the higher the cost. But you may also save time and money by choosing a well-outfitted lowboy trailer.
We’ve established that lowboy trailers of all kinds are great for heavy cargo, with certain types being useful for specific loads. With that in mind, if you work in certain industries, you’ll want to consider a lowboy for rent or purchase. Let’s take a look at some of the most common industries to consider a lowboy trailer, and more specifically an RGN trailer.
In the oil and gas industries, hauling large freight is essential. A variety of lowboy trailers are used to transport drills, mining equipment, high-capacity shovels, generators, and various cargo. Depending on the equipment being transported, it may be necessary to use RGNs or other customized versions of lowboy trailers.
Due to the rugged nature of this industry, trailers often need to be highly durable and sturdy to endure adverse conditions. Time is of the essence, so reliable performance is a huge factor when choosing an RGN trailer vs. a lowboy. If a trailer breaks due to poor construction, this can cost companies time and money in repairs.
The oil and gas industry will often have custom lowboy trailers manufactured to suit their specific needs. This requires clear communication between fleet owners and trailer manufacturers to ensure that the trailers are created with specific needs in mind. Unclear communication can lead to problems later.
In this industry, lowboy or RGN trailers may be a bigger consideration due to the vastly different types of equipment being transported. Some cargo may be small enough to be moved on a fixed-neck trailer, while other cargo may require the functionality of an RGN.
Some common trailer variations for this industry are:
Hauling agricultural equipment is incredibly important, especially in certain areas of the United States where agricultural is a primary industry. Thus, having the right trailers is key. The most common types of lowboy trailers are RGNs due to their accessibility in loading and unloading heavy machinery.
When a large vehicle like a motor coach breaks down or needs to be transported, a heavy-haul trailer is essential. Choosing between a lowboy vs. RGN trailer comes down to accessibility.
Using an RGN is highly advantageous as it allows for towed vehicles to be loaded in a variety of different ways. There are also other specifications that can be added to customize a trailer, such as side extensions, winches, and ramps.
When considering which type of trailer to rent or purchase, it’s always important to be mindful of the regulations in your state, or the states you’ll be transporting through. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration offers a list of regulations by state to ensure that you’re not exceeding legal limits.
Keep in mind that even though your cargo may meet the total weight limit, it could exceed the per-axle limit. This is important to keep in mind with lowboy and RGN trailers, as they can be customized to add axles if weight is a factor. When choosing a lowboy vs. RGN trailer for extra-large cargo, it will be helpful to know if you need greater axle capacity.
One other consideration is the potential need for an escort. If you have an oversized load, you’ll want to consider that for both your trailer choice, but also in your overall freight costs. Regulations vary by state, but generally, any load over 8.5 feet wide is considered oversize. This is based on the standard 12-foot width of interstate lanes.
Permitting will be needed if you are using a standard lowboy trailer to haul large loads. One of the advantages of using a specialized lowboy trailer, like an RGN, is that you can haul large cargo without a permit.
If you’re hauling heavy machinery, towing large vehicles, or transporting large equipment, you’re likely going to be using some form of a lowboy trailer. Which type of lowboy trailer is the larger question.
In making your decision, remember these key things: weight and height of cargo, your industry, budget, and federal and state regulations. Once you know the what, where, and why of your hauling needs, you’ll have more clear direction on what type of lowboy trailer to choose.
With Hale Trailer, you not only have access to high-quality new and used lowboy trailers, but also the luxury of 12 trailer rental locations across the United States. Additionally, we offer service, parts, and customized equipment to meet all your trailer needs. For more information on lowboy trailers, including RGNs, contact one of our knowledgeable representatives at Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, Inc.
The article focuses on lowbed trailers vs flatbed trailers, including the following aspects: definition, types, history, applications, features and maintenance. After reading this article, I hope you can make a better choice between lowbeds and flatbeds.
There many types of lowbed trailers, such as hydraulic low bed trailer, detachable lowbed trailer, dual line axle lowbed trailer, extendable lowbed trailer, modular trailer. Lowbed trailer is mainly used to transport non-detachable objects, such as excavators, harvesters, loaders, forklifts and other special vehicles which are not easy to move by themselves. Generally, lowbed trailer is with two ladders at the head or tail, which can help excavators and other equipment to go to the lowbed trailer.
low bed trailer for sale
Ordinary lowbed trailers can be loaded from 20 tons to 200 tons, and are generally with 2 axles, 3 axles, 4 axles, and up to 10 axles. (More about lowbed trailer)
width of low bed trailer: 2500mm,
The most popular extendable lowbed trailer is 3 axles 60 tons. Meanwhile, we also produce 2-5 axles, maximum loading 120 ton detachable lowbed trailer. (2/3/4 axle removable lowbed trailer)
Most lowbed trailers are dual line axles low bed trailers, and usually the ramps are at the rear, while the detachable lowbed trailer is loaded at the front.
Extendable lowbed trailer is often used to transport cargo with different lengths more conveniently.
Modular trailer, also called hydraulic modular trailer, or SPMT for short, is particularly suitable for the overall transport of drilling platforms, offshore modules, modular plants (petrochemical smelting, etc.), power station construction, ro-ro loading onto and off ships, chemical. It is a large work piece logistics transport equipment with driving system, helpful for some oversized and extra-long goods that cannot be disassembled for transport.
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Flatbed semi trailer is one of the commonest means of transportation, which can be used to transport containers, as well as bulk goods. Sometimes, flatbed semi trailer can be used as side wall trailer, fence trailer, a double flatbed trailer. Flatbed trailer is available in 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, and 2/3/4 axles. Different configurations depend on the cargo transported (3/4 axle and different type of flatbed trailer) Sidewall trailer is a flatbed trailer surrounded by additional baffles. The application is basically the same as flatbed semi trailer, drop side trailer can be used to transport some slightly higher cargo. Fence semi trailer is higher, mainly used to transport cattle, pigs, livestock, poultry etc. A double flatbed trailer is a triangle in the front, and two flatbed can work together. A double flatbed trailer Flatbed trailer with frontborad is designed to carry and heavy items. It has a board in the front, which can protece the tractor in case of emergency braking. Flatbed trailer with front board is typically used to transport large cargo, such as: construction materials and bulk cargo. It’s often used in the construction industry. The difference between High bed trailer and low bed trailer mainly lies in the working platform and purpose. High bed trailer is also called flatbed trailer, flatbed truck trailer. Its platform height is 1500mm, while the lowbed trailer’s platform height is between 100-1200mm. In terms of purpose, the high bed trailer is mainly used to transport cargo, while the lowbed trailer is mainly used to transport construction machinery. Common high bed trailer has 20ft, 3 axle 40ft, 45ft, low bed trailer has 3 axle, 4 axle, 5 axle, 6 axle, 50ton, 60 ton, 80 ton, The maximum load is 200 ton. The lowbed trailer was invented in 1920, mainly using riveted gooseneck and solid rubber tires, but the lowbed trailer could only be loaded from the rear. In 1950, the lowbed trailer was improved, with higher loading capacity and easier loading of equipment. Detachable lowbed trailer was invented in 1958, referred to as RGN. It can be loaded from the front. Ramp is not necessary and loading work is more convenient. The first flatbed semi trailer was born in 1914, with a relatively simple structure and poor loading capacity. As the flatbed semi trailer was constantly updated, the configuration was upgraded and the loading capacity became more and more powerful. Lowbed trailer is mainly used for transporting excavators, harvesters, loaders, forklifts and other heavy equipment. Flatbed semi trailer is mainly used for transporting containers, construction materials, bulk goods, lumber, steel coils, etc., including any cargo that does not fit in an enclosed trailer. 1. Easier loading and unloading Flatbed semi trailer is more spacious to operate, so both loading and unloading are more convenient. Cargoes can be loaded and unloaded from all sides of flatbed semi trailer, and the cargoes can be packed well to ensure safety. 2. Different sizes for different transportation Flatbed semi trailer is available to be made longer or shorter according to customer’s demand. For example, if transport iron bars, the extended flatbed semi trailer is perfect for this purpose. 3. Transporting heavy materials. Flatbed trailers is with high carrying capacity. Flatbed trailers can haul any cargo, from tractors, military equipment, construction materials to containers. 1. Stability Lowbed trailer is more stable because it has a lower center of gravity, so it is safer in the transportation process. 2. Large space Lowbed trailer has more space and can be used to load cargo with heavier weight. 3. Suitable for countries with height limit Lowbed trailer is lower, so it is suitable for some countries with strict height limit. For flatbed semi trailer, generally forklift or frontal crane is needed to load or unload, while for lowbed trailer, generally workers drive the equipment through the track directly onto the lowbed trailer. The maintenance of flatbed trailer and lowbed trailer is same. 1. Check the tires. The tire pressure should be checked monthly at room temperature. If it is significantly lower than normal, it should be added immediately. 2. Check the oil level of the clutch master cylinder. When the clutch oil level is between the high and low levels, it is normal. If it is below the standard line, the master cylinder or cylinder cup may be damaged. When the engine is running, it will be difficult or impossible to shift gears. Please go to the nearest service station immediately. 3. Maintenance and inspection of semi-trailer battery Check whether the semi-trailer battery is firmly fixed. Electrolyte should be between the upper and lower limits, and electrolyte or distilled water should be added to the high voltage line immediately if it is very close to the offline. Keep the positive and negative cables of the semi-trailer battery in good contact, and keep the semi-trailer battery clean and dry. 4. Check the brake fluid level. If the brake fluid is also between the high and low levels, it is normal. If the brake fluid is near or below the lower limit, it means the system may be leaking or the brake shoes are excessively worn. You should have this repaired immediately at a service station. 5. Check the ABS brake valve If you have an ABS brake valve installed remember to check it frequently. Follow the maintenance instructions and the principle of the ABS brake valve. Whether air pressure control or hydraulic control method is adopted, the controller in the ABS system, through the analysis of the signal sent by the sensor, gives reasonable orders to the braking system, ensuring the stability and safety of the trailer in the emergency braking. After the emergency braking, when the wheels of the semi-trailer are clamping, the ABS system will start the pressure regulating valve to control the pressure in each brake hose and intelligently adjust the internal pressure according to the force of the body. So the wheels, tires and road are in the balance of force, preventing the body from rolling over and avoiding accidents. We need to know the local laws, weight limits, height limits and the cargo that we need to transport. Then we can choose between low bed trailers and flatbed trailers. But the easiest way: tell us what you need to transport, and we’ll give you the best advice. Summrise: Different between lowbed trailer and flatbed trailer is end. Flatbed trailers and lowbed trailers have many similarities and differences, mainly in the goods to be transported and classification. We can choose according to the cargo what we need to transport, local height, and weight limits. Faq Lowbed trailer usually adopt an open beam (or sound type) frame. The front section of the whole structure likes swan-neck (swan-neck front section of the traction pin is connected with the traction saddle on the traction car, and the swan-neck rear end is associated with the semi-trailer frame), and the middle section is the cargo platform (the lowest part of the frame), and the back end is the wheel frame (including wheels). The purpose of flatbed trailers and low bed trailers are very different. The flatbed trailer is mainly used to transport cargo, while the low bed trailer is mainly used to transport construction machinery. Meanwhile, in terms of design, the flat of flatbed trailer has the same height, while the flat of low bed trailer has a lower middle, and its flat design is generally high and low. If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Low Bed Trailer.1.1 what are the different types of flatbed trailers
1.1.1 flatbed semi trailer
1.1.2 side wall trailer
1.1.3 fence semi trailer
1.1.4 A double flatbed trailer
1.1.5 Flatbed trailer with headboard
Different of High bed trailer vs low bed trailer
2. History
Lowbed trailer
Flatbed semi trailer
3. Applications
What does lowboy trailer used for?
What does flatbed semi trailer used for?
4. Feature
Flatbed semi trailer
Lowbed trailer
5. How to load and unload semi trailer
6. Maintenance
How to use the ABS system
7. Which is the best choice
What is lowbed
Difference between low bed and flatbed trailer