Understanding Lowboy Trailers for Heavy Haul Trucking

There are several different kinds of trailers or related products that may be used to haul equipment within the heavy haul trucking and industrial construction world, and lowboys are a common candidate here. What is a lowboy trailer, which different types of lowboys might be used, and what are the benefits of lowboy hauling for certain projects?

At Redi, we’re one of the top heavy haul trucking companies across Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming and Idaho, offering these and numerous other industrial construction services for varying needs. Lowboy trailers are just one of the many trailer options we provide, a list that also includes flatbed tractor trailers, tankers, boom trucks and more. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about lowboy trailers, including scenarios where they might be ideal for your heavy hauling needs.

What is a Lowboy Trailer?

For our readers who are just learning to navigate the world of heavy haul trucking and industrial construction, let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a lowboy trailer? A lowboy trailer is a type of flatbed trailer that has two drops in its deck height – for this reason, you might also see it referred to as a “double drop” trailer.

This lower platform provides more clearance for the cargo being hauled, which can come in handy when transporting tall or oversized equipment. Lowboy trailers are commonly used to transport large machinery such as dozers, excavators, cranes and other heavy equipment.

A lowboy will contain a front neck, a deck and a set of rear axles. The entire setup will be low to the ground, allowing for great payload height. In addition, the deck sits below the trailer’s tire height – this is the second drop, while the other is at the neck area.

Types of Lowboy Trailer

There are a few basic types of lowboy out there:

• Fixed gooseneck lowboy: Abbreviated FGN, this trailer comes with the highest deck length and some of the lowest weight. It will typically have a drop ramp in the back to allow for simple unloading.
• Removable gooseneck lowboy: Abbreviated RGN, this trailer has a shorter deck length. It has a hydraulic mechanism that can raise and lower the lowboy as needed, allowing for fast withdrawal.
• Stretch lowboy: For oversized loads, this is the best choice. It can extend the deck further to accommodate larger items – many will extend up to nearly 30 feet, plus a 10-foot height range.

Our next few sections will go over some of the key qualities of lowboy trailers that make them desirable for many heavy haul trucking needs.

Stability

Due to their low center of gravity, lowboy trailers offer a higher level of stability for heavy loads. This is especially important when transporting tall or oversized equipment, as it reduces the risk of tipping and shifting during transport.

For instance, a lowboy trailer with a fixed gooseneck has a lower center of gravity compared to other trailers, providing increased stability for heavy loads on the deck. This makes it an ideal choice for transporting large machinery or equipment that requires extra support and stability.

Clearance

As mentioned earlier, the two drops in a lowboy trailer provide more clearance for taller cargo. This is especially beneficial when hauling oversized equipment that may not fit in a standard flatbed trailer due to height restrictions. The lowered platform also allows for easier loading and unloading of these types of equipment.

Weight Capacity

Lowboy trailers are designed with higher weight capacities than other types of flatbed trailers. This means they can handle heavier loads without compromising stability or posing a safety risk. This makes them suitable for hauling large construction equipment, which can be quite heavy and bulky.

Flexibility

Lowboy trailers are highly versatile and can easily accommodate a variety of load sizes and shapes. With options like removable goosenecks and stretch capabilities, they are able to adapt to different types of cargo and provide the necessary support for safe transport.

Possible Downsides

Now, there may be some situations where a lowboy trailer is not the best option. For example, they may not be ideal for long distance transport or transporting multiple smaller items at once. In these cases, other types of trailers such as flatbeds or step decks might be more suitable.

And while this may not be a downside per se, lowboy trailers typically require professional drivers to operate due to their unique design and handling requirements.

Lowboy trailers are a valuable asset in the world of heavy haul trucking and industrial construction, providing stability, clearance, weight capacity, and versatility for hauling large and oversized equipment. At Redi, we have a variety of lowboy trailer options available as part of our comprehensive fleet, ensuring that we can meet all your heavy hauling needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist with your next project, whether you’re in Wyoming, Nevada, Colorado or Idaho.