In heavy transportation, picking the right trailer is critical. It directly affects efficiency, safety, and legality. You may haul large construction equipment, industrial machinery, or other oversized cargo. Choosing between a low-bed trailer and an RGN (removable gooseneck) trailer can matter a lot. In the following article, Genron will examine the differences between these two vehicles. This will help you make a more informed decision.
Table of Contents
What Makes Heavy Equipment Trailers Essential?
In many fields, the right heavy equipment trailers are crucial for success. They’re not just for moving stuff; they’re vital for keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
Specialized trailers are made for moving big and heavy machines. They keep things stable, follow road rules, and protect the equipment and roads. Each trailer type has its own deck height, loading method, and weight limit to fit different equipment needs.
Picking the right trailer affects your project’s timeline, costs, and safety. Companies that choose wisely face fewer transport problems. The right trailer means safe and efficient transport, less damage, and better project flow.
| Trailer Type | Deck Height | Weight Capacity | Loading Method |
| Lowboy | Low | High | Ramps or Hydraulic Lift |
| RGN | Variable | High | Removable Gooseneck |
| Flatbed | Standard | Medium to High | Fixed or Removable Straps |
Understanding the different trailers and their abilities helps industries make better choices. This improves their work flow and cuts costs.
Begin with a bespoke semi-trailer designed for your exact needs. Whether it’s heavy-duty hauling or specialized cargo, we’ve got the perfect solution to keep you moving forward.
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers are top choices for moving big equipment. They’re built with special features for heavy loads.
Lowboy trailers have a two-level deck design with a drop in the middle. This design makes them lower, fitting taller equipment while following height rules. They have a fixed gooseneck to the truck, with deck heights from 18 to 24 inches off the ground.
Our lowboy trailers can carry 40 to 100 tons, perfect for moving construction equipment. They have deck lengths of 24 to 29 feet and widths of 8.5 to 10 feet. The weight is spread across multiple axles for stability.
GENRON Lowboy trailers load equipment using rear ramps that can be lowered manually or with hydraulics. This lets equipment be driven or winched onto the deck from the back. Unloading is the reverse, needing skill to avoid tipping.
Continue reading What is a Lowbed Trailer for more insights
RGN Trailers
RGN trailers can load from the front, making transport safer and more efficient. Their key feature is the removable gooseneck, allowing for easy drive-on loading.
The removable gooseneck design is a big step forward in heavy equipment transport. It makes loading from the front possible, reducing damage risks.
Our RGN trailers can carry 70 to 150 tons, offering high load capacities. They have deck lengths of 29 to 53 feet and adjustable widths.
RGN trailers can load equipment from the front, avoiding steep ramps and tipping risks. When the gooseneck is removed, the deck is about 50 cm from the ground.
Comparative Analysis: Lowboy vs. RGN Trailers
When comparing low-bed trailers and RGN (removable gooseneck) trailers, it is important to consider their towing capacity and construction differences. Also, how these features meet each industry’s needs. Genron has compiled specific comparisons.If you’re interested, we’ve further compared low-bed trailers and flatbed semi-trailers.
Towing Capacity and Construction Differences
Lowbed trailers have rugged construction. They can handle heavy loads, especially when they have extra axles. Tandem-axle low-bed trailers can carry loads of up to 40 tons. They can carry up to 80 tons with extra axles. They have a low deck, which makes it easy to carry tall equipment without a height permit.
The RGN trailer is also versatile. Its removable gooseneck design helps load self-propelled machinery. This feature turns the trailer into a ramp for drive-in loading. The RGN can have multiple axles to support higher loads. This feature makes the RGN suitable for a wider range of heavy equipment.
Loading Height and Deck Length
Lowboy trailers have deck heights of 18-24 inches. RGN trailers can go as low as 5-6 inches when the gooseneck is removed. This is key for tall equipment transport. RGN trailers also have longer decks, up to 53 feet, without needing extra permits.
| Trailer Type | Deck Height (inches) | Deck Length (feet) |
| Lowboy | 18-24 | 24-29 |
| RGN | 5-6 (gooseneck removed) | 29-53 |
Weight Capacity and Distribution
Lowboy trailers can handle 40-70 tons. RGN trailers can manage 70-150 tons, making them better for heavy machinery. RGNs have more axles for better load balancing, ensuring safe transport of overweight loads.
| Trailer Type | Weight Capacity (tons) | Axle Configuration |
| Lowboy | 40-70 | Standard |
| RGN | 70-150 | Multi-axle, adjustable |
Industry Applications
Low-bed trailers and RGN trailers are used in the field of heavy transportation to meet the needs of different industries with their specific functions and capabilities.
Lowboy Trailers
Construction: Lowbed trailers are vital in construction. They transport large machinery, like bulldozers, excavators, and cranes. They can carry heavy loads. This makes them ideal for moving equipment from one site to another without taking it apart.
MILITARY: Lowboy trailers are for carrying heavy military vehicles and equipment. They offer a safe and reliable transportation solution. Their rugged design accommodates the weight and size of military assets. It ensures safety even over long distances.
Mining: The mining industry uses low-bed trailers. They carry large mining machinery, like drilling rigs and bulldozers. The trailer’s high capacity and stable structure are critical. They allow it to transport oversized equipment over many terrains.
RGN Trailers
Oil & Gas: RGN trailers are particularly well suited for the oil and gas industry, which often requires the transportation of large and heavy drilling equipment. The removable gooseneck feature allows for easy loading of machinery, simplifying setup and movement at the drilling site.
Agriculture: Agriculture uses RGN trailers to more efficiently transport tractors, combines and other large farm equipment. The ramp loading feature allows for easy roll-in and roll-out, which is critical for moving equipment quickly between fields or to a maintenance location.
Construction and Paving: RGN trailers can also transport self-propelled mechanical aspects such as pavers and rollers. the versatility and easy loading of RGN trailers can accommodate a wide range of equipment used in construction and paving projects.
Wind Energy: Both low-bed trailers and RGN trailers can be used to transport turbine components, which is beneficial to the expanding wind energy industry.
Begin with a bespoke semi-trailer designed for your exact needs. Whether it’s heavy-duty hauling or specialized cargo, we’ve got the perfect solution to keep you moving forward.
Performance Factors: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between lowboy and RGN trailers depends on their performance. Consider several factors for your needs.
Maneuverability Considerations: Lowboy and RGN trailers differ in how they move. Lowboy trailers are better in tight spots because they’re shorter. But, RGN trailers are easier to load and unload thanks to their detachable gooseneck. This saves a lot of time.
Stability and Safety Features: RGN trailers are more stable for tall equipment because of their lower deck and better balance. Both types have important safety features like ABS brakes and reflective marks. RGN trailers are safer for heavy equipment.
Cost-Efficiency Analysis: The cost of RGN trailers is higher by 30-50% compared to lowboy trailers. Lowboy trailers are cheaper for moving standard equipment. But, RGN trailers are worth it for frequent moves of big equipment because they save time and are safer.
Think about how often you move equipment and what you’re moving. This helps choose the right trailer for you. It ensures your transport is safe and efficient.
Conclusion
When it comes to heavy haulage, choosing a Lowboy and RGN (removable gooseneck) trailer is critical, as each type of trailer offers specific benefits and capabilities suited to different transportation challenges. Therefore, a detailed understanding of these key differences is essential to making an informed decision that meets your specific transportation needs. Considerations such as budget, cargo specifications, logistical requirements, and operational efficiencies play an integral role in determining the most appropriate type of trailer, and at Genron, as a specialist Lowboy manufacturer, we are happy to provide expert advice on your selection.
FAQ
What are the primary differences between a Lowboy and an RGN trailer?
A Lowboy trailer has a low deck, perfect for heavy equipment. An RGN trailer has a removable gooseneck for easy loading and unloading of big cargo.
How do I choose between a Lowboy and an RGN trailer for my equipment transport needs?
Think about the equipment’s type, weight, and size. Also, consider the terrain. Lowboy trailers are great for heavy construction gear. RGN trailers are better for oversized loads.
What are the benefits of using a trailer with a removable gooseneck?
The removable gooseneck makes loading easier. It also means you don’t need special equipment. This makes transporting your cargo simpler.
How do the deck length and height of Lowboy and RGN trailers compare?
Lowboy trailers have a deck height of 3 to 4 feet. RGN trailers also have a similar height. Deck length varies by model, but both can fit different cargo sizes.
What are the weight capacity considerations for Lowboy and RGN trailers?
Both can handle heavy loads, from 20 to over 100 tons. The exact capacity depends on the trailer’s setup. We make sure the trailer can handle your cargo’s weight.
Can I customize my trailer to suit specific industry needs?
Yes, we can customize trailers for various industries. This includes construction, agriculture, and mining. We ensure our trailers meet your industry’s needs.
How do I assess the cost-efficiency of different trailer options?
We look at durability, maintenance, fuel efficiency, and transport costs. This helps us find the most cost-effective trailer for you.
What safety features should I look for in a trailer?
Look for stability and safety features. This includes strong suspension, secure tie-downs, and
