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Lowboy vs RGN: Choosing the Best Heavy Equipment Trailer

You have to carry the bulky or oversized equipment. It is significant to select an appropriate trailer. But whose trailer is the best, a lowboy or a removable gooseneck trailer (RGN)?

Both Lowboy and RGN trailers are used in the transportation of huge and bulky loads. They are widespread in the industrial and construction work. You usually find that they are operating bulldozers, excavators or other huge tools that have signs such as Oversize Load.

Lowboy trailers are low profile. This assists the transportation of high machinery without additional permits. They are able to include additional axles to transport heavy loads. The low drop deck enables the tall machines to clear under bridges and overpasses.

RGN trailers are flexible. On them, they wear a detachable front known as a gooseneck. This allows you to push the equipment on to the trailer. They suit very heavy or long machines. RGN trailers can also be used in rough terrain.

The two trailers are economical in terms of time and money. Lowboys can save on permit charges on tall loads. RGNs facilitate loading and unloading. This understanding assists you to select the appropriate trailer of your work.

Choose Lowboy vs RGN with consideration of height of loads, their weight and loading ease. The two are good alternatives, although the correct option would depend on your equipment and the job requirements.

What Is a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailer?

The removable gooseneck trailer or RGN is one of the best options to move extremely heavy or long equipment.

Since it can be referred to as a drop-deck trailer with a removable front, an RGN allows the front part (gooseneck) to be removed. This facilitates direct driving of machinery to the trailer. The low deck assists in the transportation of tall or heavy loads. RGNs are mostly used when the equipment is too large or heavy to be carried on the normal trailers.

Typical specs and use cases:

• Limitations: Detachable neck requires careful setup. Loading may need ramps or assistance.
• Deck height: 18 to 36 inches loaded, depending on design.
• Well length: 20 to 40 feet of usable space.
• Width: 102 inches (8.5 feet) legal without permit.
• Weight capacity: 40,000 to 100,000 pounds on 2 to 5 axles. More with extra axles.
• Industries: Construction, mining, heavy equipment, and industrial plants.
• Advantages: Flexible loading with detachable neck. Can carry very long or heavy machines. Stable and safe for uneven surfaces.

Knowing RGN dimensions and load capacity helps you decide whether it fits your job. When comparing Lowboy vs RGN, think about weight, height, and how easy it is to load and unload your equipment.

What is a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailer?

When you have to transport oversized equipment, it is significant whether you want lowboy or RGN trailer. They both serve heavy loads but in different ways.

Lowboy trailers are quite close to the ground. This assists tall machineries to accommodate under bridges and powerlines without additional clearances. RGNs, however, can be detached. This allows the deck to bring down to the ground enabling easy movement of equipment to and off the deck.

There is heavy machinery that can be transported by both trailers. Lowboys generally run 40,000 to 80,000 pounds on 2-3 axles and RGNs can run much higher on multiple axles and in some cases over 150,000 pounds.

Key points to consider:

• Loading: Lowboys need ramps or cranes. RGNs allow drive-on loading with the front detached.
• Deck height: Lowboys 18–24 inches loaded. RGNs 18–24 inches, but with the gooseneck detached, the edge can be just inches from the ground.
• Length and width: Lowboys 24–29 feet well length. RGNs 29–53 feet, with stretch options. Both are 102 inches wide legally without permits.
• Industries: Both are common in construction, mining, agriculture, and industrial work.
• Advantages: Lowboys save on permits for tall loads. RGNs make loading faster and safer, especially for very heavy or long machines.

Understanding these differences helps you decide which trailer fits your job best. When thinking about Lowboy vs RGN, consider weight, height, length, and ease of loading.

What’s the Difference Between Lowboy vs RGN

When choosing between a lowboy and an RGN trailer, the differences matter for your job. Both trailers carry heavy equipment, but they do it in different ways.

Loading Method: Lowboys usually need ramps or cranes to load machines. RGNs have a detachable front, so you can drive equipment on and off easily. This makes RGNs faster and safer for many jobs.

Hauling Capacity: Lowboys can carry 40,000 to 80,000 pounds on 2–3 axles. RGNs can handle more, often exceeding 150,000 pounds with extra axles.

Deck Height and Clearance: Lowboys sit very low to the ground. This lets tall equipment fit under bridges without special permits. RGNs have a low main deck, and when the front is removed, the loading edge can be just inches from the ground.

Cost and Flexibility: Lowboys may save money on permits for tall loads. RGNs are more flexible for long or heavy machines, but they may cost more to rent or buy.

Knowing these differences helps you pick the right trailer. When comparing Lowboy vs RGN, think about weight, height, length, and how easy it is to load and unload your equipment.

Lowboy vs RGN Hauling Capacity

When comparing Lowboy vs RGN, hauling capacity is a key factor. Weight limits and well length help determine which trailer fits your equipment best.

A standard two-axle lowboy trailer can carry up to 40,000 pounds. Adding more axles increases the weight limit to 80,000 pounds. The lowboy well usually ranges from 24 to 29 feet. A 25-foot well works well for most machinery, like bulldozers and small excavators.

Typical lowboy configuration:

• Tri-axle to carry up to 55,000 pounds
• Fixed neck
• 25’ well

RGN trailers are ideal when you can drive equipment onto the deck. With ramps or detachable goosenecks, RGNs handle very heavy and long machinery. Some RGN trailers have 20 axles or more, supporting up to 150,000 pounds. The main deck is usually 29 feet long, perfect for cranes, combines, or other large machines.

Typical RGN configuration:

• Tandem axle to carry up to 40,000 pounds
• 29’ well
• Detachable gooseneck for drive-on loading

Understanding weight capacity and well length helps you decide which trailer is better for your job. When thinking about Lowboy vs RGN, consider how much your equipment weighs and how long it is.

Types of Trailers

When comparing Lowboy vs RGN, it’s important to know the types of trailers available. RGNs are a type of lowboy trailer, but lowboys come in several configurations that can affect cost and usability. Most differences relate to hauling capacity and loading style.

A standard lowboy trailer is a flatbed with one drop after the gooseneck. These were first introduced in the 1920s for heavy freight. Standard lowboys carry heavy loads but cannot handle very tall cargo due to a higher deck. They are cheaper to rent or buy and work well for shorter equipment.

Double drop deck lowboys include fixed-neck and removable gooseneck variations. Each has advantages:

Fixed-neck lowboy trailers:

• Neck is attached to the trailer
• Lightweight for more carrying capacity
• Load from the side or back

Adjustable gooseneck lowboy trailers:

• Gooseneck can be adjusted
• Load from front or back
• Drop deck allows easier backloading

Removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers:

• Gooseneck can be completely removed
• Some have hydraulics for easy removal
• Load by driving, rolling, pushing, or pulling equipment
• Non-hydraulic goosenecks are lighter

Choosing the right trailer depends on your cargo, budget, and loading needs. More axles, hydraulics, or higher capacity will cost more but can save time and effort. Understanding the differences helps you decide between Lowboy vs RGN for your job.

When to Use a Lowboy vs RGN Trailer

Lowboy and RGN trailers are both excellent for moving heavy equipment. Choosing the right one depends on your cargo, industry, and job site.

Lowboy trailers are ideal when height is a concern. Their low deck allows tall equipment to pass under bridges or power lines without extra permits. Industries that often use lowboys include:

• Construction: Bulldozers, excavators, and loaders
• Mining: Heavy machinery for ore and material transport
• Agriculture: Large tractors and harvesters
• Industrial plants: Equipment and machinery for factories

RGN trailers shine when flexibility and loading ease matter. Their detachable front lets you drive heavy or long equipment directly onto the deck. Industries that benefit from RGNs include:

• Construction: Excavators, cranes, and loaders
• Mining: Oversized or very heavy equipment
• Farming: Combines and long tractors
• Specialized hauling: Large industrial machines and modular equipment

Knowing your cargo, load height, and weight helps you pick the right trailer. When comparing Lowboy vs RGN, think about clearance, ease of loading, and hauling capacity for your specific equipment.