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
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers are a staple in heavy haulage. They provide a specialized solution for moving oversized loads. These loads are too tall or heavy for standard flatbeds. Lowboy trailers have a unique low-platform design. This design allows them to transport tall equipment without breaking road and highway height limits. This reduces transportation problems.
Lowboy trailers are structurally designed to meet the demands of transporting heavy loads. These trailers usually have a fixed neck and can carry a great deal of weight, often exceeding the carrying capacity of other types of trailers. A standard tandem axle Lowboy trailer can carry up to 40,000 pounds, and can double that capacity with additional axles. This makes them vital to industries. They often move heavy machinery, like bulldozers and excavators.
What sets the Lowboy trailer apart from the rest are special features such as the fixed neck and high weight capacity. The fixed neck improves the trailer. It makes it stable and durable, which is vital when carrying very heavy cargo. Also, the Lowboy trailer’s design includes a drop deck. It lowers the cargo’s center of gravity. This feature enhances stability during transportation. Lowboy trailers transport valuable, tall cargo. This design feature helps with that. It also greatly reduces the risk of tipping.
Many customers may ask: how to choose the right lowbed semi-trailer? Don’t worry, we have put together a complete guide for you. This can help you make an informed choice.
RGN Trailers
The Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer is a major innovation in transporting oversized and heavy equipment. It has a unique design feature: the removable gooseneck. This design allows the front of the trailer to be removed, creating a ramp for direct load entry and exit.
The RGN trailer has a removable gooseneck design. It effectively simplifies loading and unloading. It also lets the trailer accommodate many cargo types. This adaptability is especially helpful when transporting self-propelled machinery. This includes construction and agricultural equipment, which can simply be driven in and out of the trailer. No need for extra lifting equipment to load and unload. This saves time, cuts costs, and lowers the risk of cargo damage.
RGN trailers are designed to carry a lot of weight. They can hold up to 150,000 pounds or more. The limit depends on the number of axles and the trailer’s design.
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.
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.
Practicality to meet specific transportation needs
You choose between a low-bed trailer and an RGN trailer. The choice is based on cargo needs, industry requirements, and efficiency.
Construction and Heavy Equipment: Low-bed trailers are often preferred for transporting large construction machinery like bulldozers or excavators. They have a high load capacity and can carry tall equipment without needing a height permit. Their structural design is ideal for these heavy loads.
Self-propelled machinery: RGN trailers shine with self-propelled loads like farm tractors or construction vehicles. Their ramps eliminate the need for extra loading equipment, making operations simpler and cheaper.
Versatility and Load Adaptability: They must transport all types of equipment, including unusually large or heavy items. They may find RGN trailers more practical. RGN trailers are versatile. They can handle many loads without extra equipment, so they are a smart choice.
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.
Choosing the Right Trailer for Your Needs
When selecting Lowboy and RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers for heavy hauling, you must consider several key factors. They ensure the trailer will meet your transportation needs well and at low cost. These factors include budget constraints, cargo specifications and logistical requirements.
Budget Considerations
The cost of buying a trailer is the most important factor in your decision. RGN trailers can be expensive because of their complex design and versatility. However, savings on additional equipment used to load and unload cargo can justify the investment. In contrast, Lowboy trailers may cost less at first. But, they may need extra licenses or escorts depending on the cargo’s height.
Cargo Specifications
Cargo’s nature, weight, size, and self-propulsion matter. They are key in picking the right trailer. A lowboy is for moving heavy or tall gear that does not load itself. RGN trailers are different. They’re great for moving big, self-propelled machines. This is thanks to their unique loading capabilities. They make cranes and other loading equipment unnecessary.
Logistics Requirements
Consider the logistics of transportation needs. This includes transportation routes, availability of loading and unloading facilities, and frequency of transportation. RGN trailers have ramps. They offer more flexibility for loading and unloading in areas with limited infrastructure. At the same time, low-flatbed trailers need more planning. They must meet height restrictions. Also, loading facilities must be able to handle such cargo.
Operational Efficiency
Operational efficiency is the speed and ease of loading and unloading cargo. It will also determine the choice between a low-bed trailer and an RGN trailer. These operations require frequent loading and unloading of different types of equipment. An RGN trailer may provide an advantage. It is versatile and easy to use. In contrast, a Lowboy trailer may be better for directly moving heavy equipment over long distances. It’s when you don’t need to load and unload a lot.
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.
