Youve 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 youre 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 whats 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 s 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 , have the following features:
As you can see, each of these falls under a lowboy trailer, so its 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.
Weve 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, youll want to consider a lowboy for rent or purchase. Lets take a look at some of the most common industries to consider a lowboy trailer, and more specifically an RGN trailer.
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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, its always important to be mindful of the regulations in your state, or the states youll be transporting through. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration offers a list of regulations by state to ensure that youre 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, youll 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 youre hauling heavy machinery, towing large vehicles, or transporting large equipment, youre 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, youll 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.
Have you ever watched in awe as you pass a long, flat trailer with an Oversize Load sign transporting a massive piece of construction equipment or something even more colossal and wondered how a simple trailer could carry such a heavy load?
At ShipLux, we know the answer. Thats why we specialize in shipping Heavy Equipment.
Do you have an oversized load that you need to transport but have no idea how to move it or where to get the appropriate equipment?
You dont have to worry about thathere at ShipLux, we can take care of all of your heavy equipment shipping needs.
So how do we do it? We stay up-to-date on all the regulations and requirements needed to haul even the heaviest loads. Our shipping experts also understand the differences between Lowboy and RGN trailersthe heavy haul trailers for any large load. This enables us to select the best equipment for even the tallest and heaviest cargo.
Read on to learn more.
Sometimes called a low-bed trailer, float, or low-loader, Lowboy trailers are a type of transport platform introduced in the s as an option for hauling oversized freight. (Curiosity piqued? Check out this article on the History of Heavy Haul).
Whats unique about a Lowboy?
Lowboy trailers have one drop after the gooseneck (the projecting front end that connects the trailer to the trucks cab.)
Lowboy trailers are usually loaded from the back or the side and sometimes require additional equipment for loading and unloading.
A two-axle lowboy can support 40,000 pounds. Adding more axels increases the weight limit to up to 80,000 pounds making it possible to move heavier equipment without extra permitting.
The length of a lowboy ranges from 24 feet to 29.6 feet. Large construction bulldozers can easily fit.
In addition, lowboys often have a drop-down feature that enables them to carry taller cargo. Lowboy trailers can legally carry taller cargo than flatbeds.
Ship Heavy Equipment on a Lowboy Trailer with ShipLux.
RGNs entered the transport industry in , designed to carry long and tall cargo.
Whats unique about an RGN?
The removable gooseneck makes it easier to load and unload. When the gooseneck is removed, the trailer can be lowered to the ground to create a ramp. Large vehicles or equipment like a bulldozer can be driven right onto the trailer, without any additional equipment.
Removable Gooseneck Trailers can have as many as 20 axles or more to support up to 150,000 pounds. The typical length of the main deck is 29 feet, meaning that RGNs are ideal for transporting the largest equipment, including cranes and agricultural combines.
Ship Heavy Equipment on a Removable Gooseneck Trailer with ShipLux.
Ultimately, that comes down to the specific cargo that needs to be shipped. The good news is that our expert team of shipping professionals will figure out all of the logistics with you in a no-obligation, guaranteed-transparent price quote. No matter the weight or dimensions of your heavy equipment, we have the trailer to move it.
Heres a side-by-side comparison:
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If youre researching shipping companies to determine who can move your heavy equipment, give ShipLux a call or text, , IM, or live chat! With our omni-channel communication platform and 24/365 customer service, our shipping specialists are standing by to answer your questions in just about any medium except carrier pigeon (though that may change once we finally get these birds trained)
How do you know when youve found the right vehicle transport company for your heavy equipment move? For each company, compare price quotes, reputation, and equipment and most of all, communication. Think of the price quote experience as a preview of the kind of response youll get during transport. You want a company who keeps you updated and answers all of your questions throughout the process.Contact us today! Start by telling us what youre shipping and where it has to go, and you can leave the rest to ShipLux.
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