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.
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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.
When it comes to truck loads, you have a lot of different trailer options.
There are gooseneck trailers, RGN trailers used for shipping, single drop trailers, and double drop trailers, with each type going by several different names.
With so many choices it can be hard to know which one is best for your shipment.
To make sure you’re well informed on all the different types of trailers, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. From removable goosenecks to double drop flatbeds, we’ve included all the information you need on each trailer type (also - learn about What is a Step Deck Truck).
We hear a lot of people asking “What does RGN trailer stand for?” or “What is RGN trailer?” RGN stands for removable gooseneck trailer. They’re also often just referred to as gooseneck trailers.
RGN trailers are a type of flat deck trailer, allowing them to haul a wide range of large items that wouldn’t be able to fit into an enclosed space. In this sense, they’re similar to standard double drops and lowboys trailers, however, there is one important difference. The RGN gooseneck trailer at the front can be removed, creating a ramp.
A lot of people ask us how to load a gooseneck trailer. Well, once the ramp has been created you can literally just drive your load right on to the trailer.
This makes loading heavy wheeled equipment on to RGN gooseneck trailers extremely easy compared to other trailer types.
Because of this, RGN trucks are a popular choice for a wide range of heavy equipment, including:
Essentially, if you’re looking for a trailer that will allow you to drive your equipment or heavy machinery up onto it, goosenecks are the way to go.
RGN trailers come in a number of different variations, including single-drop and double-drop. You can also have hot shot loads for an RGN gooseneck trailer. Hot shot loads are smaller loads pulled by medium-duty or one-ton trucks.
Some other types of gooseneck trailers:
Single drop trailers drop down at the front then remain flat all the way to the end of the trailer. Because they drop down and are low to the ground they are great for carrying tall loads, giving them an advantage over standard flatbed trailers. However, they are not quite as low to the ground as double drop trailers.
Single drop trailers are designed to carry loads that are too long for a step deck and provide support at the rear without letting any of the load hang over the edge. They can also be fitted with a gooseneck, which only adds to their versatility.
A double drop trailer, also known as a lowboy trailer or a double drop lowboy trailer, has two drops in deck height.
Lowboy trailers have a well in between the two axels that’s extremely low to the ground. The end of the lowboy trailer is slightly higher than the well but lower than the front, giving it two different levels. This allows for more flexibility when dealing with oversized loads.
Like single drops, double drop trailers can also have goosenecks as well. So, when you’re talking about RGNs vs lowboys, they’re often the same thing.
Double drop RGNs or lowboy RGN trailers have the advantage of a removable gooseneck, as well as a double drop deck to accommodate taller loads.
RGN double drop trailers are perfect for carrying:
Essentially, if you’re going to be transporting something and you’re worried about height, go with a double drop truck or an RGN lowboy, since drop deck trailer height can be up to 12 feet tall.
Trailer and freight dimensions often vary widely. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, depending on the manufacturer as well as the intended use.
That being said, there are some standards in place for trailer sizes. The following information will give you an idea of the size of each trailer type.
When talking about RGN trailer dimensions, you need to remember that gooseneck trailers can also be double drops and lowboys. So, RGN trailer specs can fluctuate quite a bit.
That being said, the typical RGN trailer can have a length anywhere from 20’ - 40’, a height of 18” - 5’, and a width generally around 8.5’.
Drop deck trailer dimensions can vary depending on the trailer.
The average length of single drop trailers ranges from 35’ - 63’ feet, while the height is anywhere between 18” - 2’. Like RGN trailers, they’re usually about 8.5’ wide. They can carry loads up to 10’ high.
Double drop deck semi-trailer dimensions vary less than other trailers.
Their overall length is usually around 48’, with the upper deck between 6’ - 10’, and the lower deck usually about 30’.
As with other types of trailers, they’re generally around 8.5’ wide.
Double drop trailers can carry the tallest loads at up to 12’ high.
FreightRun offers all kinds of shipping services from a wide range of trucking companies.
You’ll be able to find RGN, single drop, double drop, and a wide range of other shipping types quickly and easily.
Simply use our free freight quote tool to find the lowest rate and the courier that best suits your needs.
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