Expert Guide Choosing Between Lowboy and RGN Trailers

When faced with an urgent delivery of oversized equipment—say, transporting a massive excavator to a construction site hundreds of miles away—selecting the appropriate heavy-duty trailer becomes critical. Both Lowboy and Removable Goose Neck (RGN) trailers serve as specialized solutions for oversized loads, but understanding their differences is essential for efficient, safe, and timely transportation.

The fundamental distinctions between these trailer types primarily revolve around three key aspects:

• Loading Method: RGN trailers feature a detachable gooseneck that lowers to the ground, creating a ramp for self-propelled equipment to drive onto the trailer. Lowboy trailers typically require cranes or other loading equipment.
• Payload Capacity: RGN trailers generally offer greater weight capacity through additional axle configurations.
• Cost Considerations: Conventional Lowboy trailers typically present more economical purchase and rental options.

A standard two-axle Lowboy can typically handle up to 40,000 pounds. With additional axles, capacity can extend to 80,000 pounds. Deck lengths generally range between 24 to 29.6 feet, with 25-foot decks being ideal for common construction equipment like bulldozers.

RGN configurations can support up to 20 axles and 150,000 pounds. The standard 29-foot deck accommodates larger machinery such as cranes or agricultural combines. Their ramp system provides significant loading advantages for self-propelled equipment.

The hydraulic lowering mechanism of RGN trailers creates a ground-level ramp, eliminating the need for additional loading equipment. This feature proves particularly valuable when:

• Access to cranes or loaders is limited
• Time-sensitive loading is required
• Frequent loading/unloading of operational equipment is necessary

While RGN trailers represent a specialized Lowboy variant, several configurations exist:

Characterized by:

• Permanent gooseneck attachment
• Lighter weight with strong payload capacity
• Side or rear loading capability

Features include:

• Variable gooseneck positioning
• Front or rear loading options
• Lowered deck for easier rear access

Distinguished by:

• Fully removable gooseneck
• Optional hydraulic systems for detachment
• Top-loading flexibility via driving, rolling, or winching

Demands durable trailers for rigs, generators, and mining equipment. Customized RGN configurations often prove essential for harsh operating conditions and time-sensitive operations.

Varied equipment sizes necessitate different trailer types, from standard Lowboys for compact machinery to RGNs for larger loads. Common variants include:

• Tilt-bed models
• Drop-deck configurations
• Sliding axle systems

RGN trailers dominate due to their loading convenience for heavy farming equipment like combines and tractors.

Heavy-duty towing operations benefit from RGN versatility, particularly when loading disabled coaches or large vehicles via ramps, winches, or extensions.

Transport operators must account for:

• State-specific weight and dimension regulations
• Axle load distributions
• Oversize load escort requirements (typically for loads exceeding 8.5 feet width)
• Permitting exceptions for specialized trailers like RGNs

Proper trailer selection balances operational needs with legal compliance to avoid costly delays or violations.