Lowboy/RGN Trailer Guide
Dec. 09, 2024
Lowboy/RGN Trailer Guide
What Are Lowboys and RGN Trailers and What Is the Difference Between Them?
Lowboy and RGN trailers are commercial trailers meant to carry tall cargo that would exceed the legal height limit if they were on a traditional flatbed. Lowboys and RGNs are essentially the same and serve the same purposehauling heavy equipment that would otherwise be considered oversized.
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While lowboys and RGNs are similar in many ways and RGNs are essentially a type of lowboy, the main differences between the two include the hauling capacity, ramps, and cost.
What is an RGN?
RGNs are a specialized version of lowboys because they have a detachable neck and are called Removable Gooseneck trailers for that reason. The removable neck allows a ramp to be lowered, making it easy to load and unload otherwise cumbersome machinery. Consequently, RGNs can haul a wider range of machines and equipment than your average lowboy trailer because machines can be driven directly up the ramp and onto the trailer.
What is a Low Boy?
Lowboy trailers, also called step deck or drop deck trailers, have one or two drops in deck height and do not come with a removable gooseneck or ramp. Because their main feature is a deck that is low to ground, lowboys are able to carry oversized loads that would otherwise surpass the legal height limit. In addition, lowboys can come with two different levels that allow for more flexibility with oversized loads. But, while lowboys may come with a gooseneck like RGNs, they are fixed and do not turn into ramps. Many trailers include a ramp to make the loading/unloading process easier, but this may result in an increase in cost.
Costs to Use These Trailers
Costs are also affected by the hauling capacity of the trailer. If you have heavy but short equipment to transport, purchasing or renting a lowboy with less hauling capacity wont be as expensive as one with greater hauling capacity, like an RGN. In addition, in some cases of oversized loads, even on a lowboy or RGN, an escort may be needed even if an oversized permit is not required.
The Benefits of Lowboy/RGN Trailers
Compared to other trailers, the biggest benefit of using a lowboy or RGN is that they can carry tall equipment without exceeding the legal height limit. Buying your own lowboy or RGN trailer can save you time and money because you do not need to go through the extra process of permit application. In some cases, this also takes away the added stress and costs of an escort.
Like other types of trailers, lowboys and RGNs are also available for rent or lease. However, buying can save you time and money in the long run, especially if you often haul large construction equipment.
Lowboys and RGNs give you a greater advantage compared to the standard flatbed trailer because they rise only 3.5 feet above the ground, which allows them to carry taller freight up to 10 feet 2 inches tall (and up to 12 feet tall for some types). In addition, the use of two decks allows for more flexibility in hauling capacity, and the lower deck makes it easier for forklifts to load and unload equipment. However, if youre looking for a trailer onto which you can drive machines such as bulldozers, then RGNs are the better choice.
Deciding between a lowboy and RGN can be a challenge because they are similar and have multiple benefits. The general rule is that heavy machinery or equipment with wheels is better suited for an RGN, while everything else can go on either a lowboy or RGN.
What You Can Haul with a Lowboy/RGN Trailer
The possibilities of equipment you can haul on lowboy or RGN trailers are broad. Most construction equipment would be considered oversized on a flatbed trailer, but lowboys and RGNs take that problem away.
While these types of trailers are not the best for smaller equipment or vehicles, some common cargo you can find on a lowboy or RGN trailer include:
- Tractors and other agricultural equipment
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Waste and recycling equipment
- Generators
- Construction materials
- Paving materials
- Towed vehicles
If a lowboy or RGN trailer still doesnt meet the needs of your oversized load, the next best option would be a double drop deck trailer, a type of lowboy that is used for extra-large and heavy loads.
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Conclusion
Lowboys and RGN trailers are the best options when it comes to hauling construction equipment and vehicles. Most construction equipment would be considered oversized on a flatbed trailer, but lowboys and RGNs take that problem away and are specifically designed to handle taller cargo without sacrificing weight limits. If youre looking to buy or rent a trailer to transport oversized equipment, a lowboy or RGN is the best option.
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How is a Lowboy Trailer Different from a RGN Trailer?
Trying to choose the right trailer to haul your freight can be a daunting task. Both a Lowboy and a RGN trailer are excellent for carrying tall and long freight, so, which will work best for your shipment?
The Differences Between A Lowboy & A RGN Trailer:
Lowboy trailers:
Lowboy trailers were invented in the s and are unpowered trailers commonly used in hauling and transporting taller goods and items. The items typically hauled by lowboy trailers are taller than the legal height of items that can be carried by flatbeds, and are usually industrial equipment like bulldozers.
Here are the maximum dimensions for a lowboy trailer:
Maximum freight weight: 40,000 pounds (with two axles) and up to 80,000 pounds with extra axles
Maximum well length: 24 ft. to 29.6 ft.
Maximum well height: 18 in. to 24 in.
Maximum legal width: 8.5 ft.
Maximum legal freight height: 11.5 ft. to 12 ft.
Maximum legal overall load height: 14 ft.
RGN trailers:
RGN, or removable gooseneck trailers were invented in and are great for carrying long and tall freight. The front detaches, allowing the RGN trailer to be lowered to the ground to create a ramp. For this reason, loads are typically driven onto the RGN trailer, like trucks and other motorized equipment. RGN trailers can go up to 20+ axles, so they can carry freight up to 150,000 pounds.
Maximum Dimensions for a Removable Gooseneck Trailer:
Maximum freight weight: 42,000 pounds
Maximum well length: 29 ft. (main deck)
Maximum well width: 8.5 ft.
Maximum legal freight height: 11.6 ft.
As you can see, lowboy and RGN trailers serve a similar purpose. However, depending on your needs, one may serve you better than the other. If it would be easier to drive your shipment onto your trailer, than a RGN trailer would be a better fit. If youre looking for something a little less expensive, a lowboy would be better, since a RGN trailer can run you a bit more since theyre specialized.
Where to Find Semi Trailer Rentals
Though Freight Rate Central is centrally located in Idaho, we service all across the United States. We aim to provide the most efficient and economical shipping for all of our clients, and work with a number of servicers to ensure you get only the best rates no matter your shipping needs. We take care of the details both big and small, so you can rest easy with your shipments in our hands. Contact us today at 1-800-870- to learn more about our services, or visit us online to request a free quote.
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