8 Flatbed Trailer Types to Maximize Payloads (and Cut Costs)

You’ve seen them on highways and at job sites—flatbed trailers loaded with everything from machinery to steel beams. Each trailer type is designed to handle specific loads efficiently.

Below is a list of flatbed trailer types you’re likely to encounter:

• Standard Flatbed: Versatile for general cargo, max load 48,000 lbs.
• Step Deck (Drop Deck): Ideal for taller loads, max load 45,000 lbs.
• Lowboy: Designed for heavy, tall equipment, max load 80,000+ lbs.
• Removable Gooseneck (RGN): Flexible loading for oversized items, max load 150,000 lbs.
• Stretch Trailer: Adjustable length for long loads, commonly used for construction materials and machinery.

Every load has its ideal trailer, but without the right knowledge, you risk fines and delays. The rest of this article gives you the specific details on each flatbed type to make sure your trailer choice is spot-on every time.

Understanding Flatbed Trailers: An Overview

Flatbed trailers are key players in the transportation world. They come in different types like drop deck, double drop, lowboy, and step deck trailers. Each type is made for special tasks, like moving big or heavy loads.

What is a Flatbed Trailer?

A flatbed trailer has a flat, open deck without sides or a roof. This makes it easy to load and unload cargo from any side. They’re great for carrying big items that don’t need protection from the weather.

Common Uses for Flatbed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are used in many industries. Standard flatbeds carry general cargo, while step deck trailers handle taller loads. Lowboy trailers move heavy machinery, and double drop trailers are for very tall cargo. Their flexibility makes them very popular, with 45% of users seeing this as a big plus.

Standard Dimensions and Weight Capacities

Most flatbed trailers can carry up to 48,000 pounds and have a 102-inch wide deck. They can also be up to 53 feet long. It’s important to spread the weight evenly, with 55% of users saying it’s key for stability.

Trailer Type	Max Width (inches)	Max Weight (pounds)	Max Length (feet)
Standard Flatbed	102	48,000	53
Step Deck	102	45,000	53
Lowboy	102	80,000+	53

Standard Flatbed Trailers: The Versatile Workhorse

Standard flatbed trailers are key in the transportation world. They’re great for carrying many types of cargo, like building materials and big machines. They can carry up to 48,000 pounds, making them strong for most hauling tasks.

They don’t have the special features of some trailers, like the stretch or removable gooseneck ones. But, they have a simple design that makes loading and unloading easy. This is perfect for moving things like lumber, steel beams, and long items.

These trailers have ways to keep things in place. They have side pockets for adding side kits or racks. There are also tie-down points on the deck to keep loads secure. This makes them better than some trailers, like the gooseneck or hydraulic detach ones.

In construction, these trailers are a big help. They can carry big loads, materials, and even scaffolding to work sites. They’re a favorite for contractors and logistics companies because they’re affordable and versatile.

Lowboy Trailers: Transporting Tall and Heavy Loads

Lowboy trailers are key in heavy hauling. They’re great for moving big and heavy cargo that standard trailers can’t manage. With their special design, lowboys can carry loads up to 12 feet tall without going over height limits.

Unique Design Features

Lowboy trailers have a unique two-drop design. The deck is lower than the wheels, about 18 to 24 inches off the ground. This setup lets them carry taller cargo without breaking height laws. They come in fixed and removable gooseneck models, each with its own benefits for loading and unloading.

Weight Capacity and Axle Configuration

Standard lowboys can carry up to 40,000 pounds with two axles. For heavier loads, they can handle up to 80,000 pounds with more axles. These trailers are light, weighing between 15,000 to 18,000 pounds when empty. This leaves a lot of room for cargo. Their low center of gravity also makes them stable when carrying heavy loads.

Ideal Applications for Lowboy Trailers

Lowboys are perfect for moving tall, heavy machines for building, farming, and mining. They easily fit excavators, bulldozers, and big tractors that are too tall for standard flatbed trailers. While beavertail and dovetail trailers are good for easy loading, lowboys are best for very tall cargo. For loads needing side protection, side kit or curtain side trailers might be better.

Trailer Type	Max Height Capacity	Max Weight Capacity
Standard Flatbed	8.5 feet	48,000 pounds
Lowboy	11.5-12 feet	40,000-80,000 pounds

Drop Deck and Step Deck Trailers: Accommodating Oversized Cargo

Drop deck and step deck trailers are great for moving big cargo. They have a special design with two levels, letting you carry taller loads than usual flatbeds. The lower deck is 3 feet 6 inches off the ground, giving you an extra 20 inches of space.

These trailers can carry loads up to 10 feet 2 inches tall. They’re perfect for moving tall equipment and machinery. They can hold about 46,000 pounds, making them good for heavy cargo. Construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy sectors often use them.

Step deck trailers come with a built-in ramp, making loading and unloading easier. This is especially useful for moving construction gear and farm equipment. They’re not as specialized as some other trailers but are a budget-friendly choice for tall items.

Trailer Type	Max Load Weight	Max Load Height	Lower Deck Height
Step Deck	46,000 lbs	10’2″	3’6″
Standard Flatbed	48,000 lbs	8’6″	N/A
Lowboy	40,000 – 80,000 lbs	Varies	18″ – 24″

Step deck trailers meet height rules on roads and bridges, making them key for moving tall loads. They don’t have covers like some trailers, so you need to use tarps to protect your cargo during transport.

Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailers: Ultimate Flexibility

RGN trailers are great for heavy hauling because they are very flexible. They have a detachable front section that turns into a ramp. This makes loading and unloading easy. They are perfect for moving tall and long items, just like a tri-axle or quad axle flatbed trailer.

How RGN Trailers Work

RGN trailers can reach high clearances. They can carry loads up to 10 feet tall with step decks. Double drop decks can go up to 11 feet 3 inches tall. This makes them ideal for moving big equipment that won’t fit on regular trailers.

Advantages of RGN Trailers

RGN trailers are great for moving big machines and vehicles. They have a detachable gooseneck with a built-in ramp. This means you don’t need extra equipment to load items. They can handle tall loads better than some other trailers, like retractable or extendable ones.

Weight Capacities and Configurations

Standard RGN trailers can carry up to 42,000 pounds. They have a 29-foot main deck, a 10-foot front deck, and a 9-foot rear deck. Everything is 8.5 feet wide. For heavier items, stretch RGNs can carry 42,000 to 150,000 pounds. These can be up to 65 feet long.

They usually have two to four support axles. You can add more axles for even heavier loads.

RGN Type	Weight Capacity	Main Deck Length	Deck Width
Standard	42,000 lbs	29 feet	8.5 feet
Stretch	42,000-150,000 lbs	29-65 feet	8.5 feet

Stretch Trailers: Extending Possibilities for Long Loads

Stretch trailers change how we move long loads. They can grow from 45 to 80 feet long. This makes them great for many industries like construction, heavy equipment, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Their design lets you easily load big cargo. They have a single drop deck and can stretch a lot between the front and back. This is perfect for moving things like wind turbine blades, pipes, and other long items.

Container, pipe, and logging trailers can also use this stretch feature. Being able to lengthen the deck cuts down on the need for special permits. This way, shippers can move their goods more efficiently.

When picking a stretch trailer, think about these things:

• Maximum extension length and weight capacity
• Specialized deck features for specific cargo types
• Regulatory compliance for oversized loads
• Comprehensive load securement strategies
• Strategic route planning

For the best results, give your haulers the right info about your load. Make sure they know the size and weight. This helps pick the right trailer and might even cut down on shipping time by moving more items at once.

Flatbed Trailer Types: Specialized Options for Every Need

Flatbed trailers come in many types to fit different hauling needs. The construction and machinery industries often need special trailers for heavy equipment and oversized loads.

Conestoga Trailers

Conestoga trailers are a special kind of machinery flatbed trailer. They have a hard shell and a tarping system to keep freight safe from the weather. These trailers can carry up to 45,000 lbs of cargo, giving better protection than standard tarps.

Side Kit Trailers

Side kit trailers are made for the construction industry. They have extra panels, either plywood or fiberglass, for carrying unpackaged or uncrated freight. These trailers are versatile for different types of loads in construction.

Double Drop Trailers

Double drop trailers are made for heavy hauls and oversized freight. They have a front and back deck with a lowered middle section. This lets them carry items up to 10 feet tall. These trailers are great for wide load needs.

Trailer Type	Max Weight Capacity	Max Height Capacity	Special Features
Conestoga	45,000 lbs	8 feet	Hard shell, tarping system
Side Kit	48,000 lbs	8 feet 6 inches	Removable side panels
Double Drop	38,000 lbs	10 feet	Lowered middle section

Each specialized flatbed trailer type has its own benefits for moving different cargo. The right trailer depends on your hauling job’s specific needs.

Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Combination Flatbed Trailers

Choosing the right flatbed trailer material is key for your hauling needs. Let’s look at aluminum, steel, and combination trailers to help you decide.

Aluminum Flatbeds: Lightweight Champions

Aluminum flatbeds are the lightest choice, great for light-duty trailers. They resist corrosion well and hold a higher resale value. These trailers can carry more cargo because they’re lighter.

But, they cost more upfront and need special repair methods.

Steel Flatbeds: Durability and Strength

Steel flatbeds are top picks for hauling heavy loads. They’re strong and rigid, perfect for heavy-duty use. Steel trailers are less expensive upfront and easy to fix.

But, they’re heavier and can rust, which might shorten their life.

Combination Flatbeds: The Best of Both Worlds

Combination flatbeds blend aluminum and steel benefits. They have a steel beam for strength and aluminum parts for weight savings. These trailers are a good mix of durability and lightness.

They’re priced between aluminum and steel, making them versatile for many hauling tasks.

Trailer Type	Weight	Cost	Durability	Resale Value
Aluminum	Lightest	Highest	Good	Highest
Steel	Heaviest	Lowest	Best	Lowest
Combination	Medium	Medium	Very Good	Medium

When picking a flatbed trailer, think about what you need. For hauling big loads, steel might be best. For everyday use, a combination trailer could be ideal. Weigh your priorities like weight capacity, durability, and cost to choose wisely for your business.

Choosing the Right Flatbed Trailer for Your Needs

Choosing the right flatbed trailer means looking at several important factors. You need to think about how much you’ll be hauling, your budget, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do. It’s important to know what you really need before you start shopping.

Steel flatbed trailers are strong and don’t cost too much upfront. They’re great for tough jobs and can carry heavy loads easily. But, aluminum flatbed trailers are lighter, saving up to 400 lbs compared to steel ones. They’re perfect for carrying more stuff.

Wood deck flatbed trailers are a good middle ground. They’re tough and don’t cost a lot. They also offer great ways to secure your cargo and are easier to fix if damaged. Think about where you’ll be driving, how far, and what you’ll be hauling. Working with a professional hauling service can help you pick the best trailer for your needs.

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