8 Heavy Haul Trailer Types (for Moving Oversized Loads)

Driving past construction sites or wind farms, it’s impossible to miss the massive trailers hauling equipment. Moving these colossal loads safely across highways requires the right kind of trailer.

Here’s a breakdown of heavy haul trailer types and their specific uses:

• Flatbed Trailers: Versatile for various loads, including machinery and materials.
• Lowboy Trailers: Ideal for tall, heavy equipment with a low deck height.
• Step-Deck Trailers: Offers flexibility for taller freight with two deck levels.
• Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailers: Easy loading for large, heavy loads.
• Double Drop Trailers: Maximizes vertical space for oversized items.
• Extendable Trailers: Adjustable length for long cargo like turbines.
• Multi-Axle Trailers: Distributes weight for extremely heavy hauls.

Avoid unnecessary permits and delays by selecting the correct trailer for your cargo. With each trailer designed for a specific purpose, understanding the load limits and configurations can streamline your logistics.

Continue reading to see which heavy haul trailer is ideal for your project…

Understanding Heavy Haul Trailers

Heavy haul trailers are key for moving big loads across different industries. They’re made to carry cargo that’s too big or heavy for regular trailers. This includes things like construction equipment and large machinery.

Definition and Purpose

Heavy haul trailers come in various types, like lowboy, extendable, and flatbed. Each one is designed for a specific job. They help move tall machines, long equipment, and more.

Legal Considerations for Oversized Loads

Every state has its own rules for oversized loads. You often need a permit for loads that are too heavy or big. To follow the rules, you might need escort vehicles and lights to warn other drivers.

Common Industries Using Heavy Haul Trailers

Many industries use heavy haul trailers for moving things. These include:

• Construction: Moving big equipment and building materials
• Oil and Gas: Transporting drilling rigs and big pipes
• Agriculture: Hauling farm machines and crops
• Aerospace: Moving aircraft parts and rockets

Trailer Type	Weight Capacity (lbs)	Typical Length (feet)
Step Deck	47,000 – 52,000	48 – 53
Double Drop	Up to 150,000	38 – 48
RGN	42,000 – 150,000	29 – 65
Landoll	110,000 – 120,000	48 – 74

Flatbed Trailers: The Versatile Workhorses

Flatbed heavy haul trailers are a top pick for many industries. They are known for their flexibility in carrying different types of loads. These trailers can carry freight up to 48,000 lbs and come in lengths from 48 to 53 feet.

Spread axle trailers are a type of flatbed trailer. They have wider-spaced single axles for better stability and weight distribution. Flatbeds offer many benefits, including:

• Easy side and rear loading
• Multi-surface storage capabilities
• Accommodation for oversized cargo

The manufacturing industry depends a lot on flatbed trailers. They are great for moving raw materials, machinery, and big components. Their flexibility makes them perfect for carrying a wide range of loads, from steel beams to industrial equipment.

Trailer Type	Max Freight Weight	Max Length	Max Width
Standard Flatbed	48,000 lbs	48-53 ft	8.5 ft
Tri-axle Flatbed	65,000 lbs	48-53 ft	8.5 ft

Flatbeds can carry loads up to 8.5 feet tall. This lets them handle tall items while following the rules. Their open design also allows for creative ways to secure unique cargo shapes and sizes.

Lowboy Trailers: Ideal for Tall Loads

Lowboy trailers are the top choice for moving tall and heavy loads. They have a low-riding platform. This makes them great for oversized equipment that goes above standard height limits.

Design Features of Lowboy Trailers

The main feature of a lowboy trailer is its low deck height. It’s usually between 18 to 24 inches off the ground. This lets you transport loads up to 12 feet tall without breaking height laws.

Lowboys have two deck drops. One after the gooseneck and another before the wheels. This gives you more vertical space.

Weight Capacity and Load Limits

Lowboy trailers are great for heavy loads. A 2-axle model can carry about 40,000 pounds. With more axles, they can handle up to 80,000 pounds.

The trailer length is between 24 to 29.6 feet. This fits a wide range of equipment sizes.

Feature	Specification
Maximum Legal Width	8.5 feet
Maximum Load Height	11.5 to 12 feet
Overall Load Height Limit	14 feet
Well Length Range	4 to 26.6 feet

Applications in Various Industries

Lowboy trailers are vital in many sectors. They move heavy machinery in construction, large farm equipment, and oversized parts for oil and gas. Their flexibility makes them key for moving tall loads in different areas.

Step-Deck Trailers: Combining Versatility and Accessibility

Step-deck trailers, also known as drop-deck trailers, are great for moving big loads. They have two decks at different heights. This setup lets you carry more cargo in different ways.

The lower deck is like a lowboy, perfect for hauling tall freight. These trailers can carry 45,000 to 65,000 pounds. They offer the strength of flatbeds but with more options.

Step-deck trailers are super versatile. They’re great for moving things like bulldozers, trenchers, and mini excavators. In farming, they’re used to carry tractors, forage harvesters, balers, and more.

These trailers are easy to use because of their design. The lower deck is easy to load and unload. Forklifts can get to it, making work easier for many industries.

Feature	Specification
Standard Length	48 to 53 feet
Load Capacity	45,000 to 65,000 pounds
Maximum Height Limit	10 feet 2 inches
Height Increase vs Flatbed	20 inches

Step-deck trailers give you an extra 20 inches of height over flatbeds. This lets you carry tall equipment without breaking the law.

Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGNs): Flexibility in Loading

Removable gooseneck trailers, or RGNs, are great for heavy hauling. They have a detachable front section with a built-in ramp for easy loading. This makes them perfect for moving tall and long cargo, especially in industries like agriculture, energy, and construction.

Advantages of Detachable Goosnecks

The detachable gooseneck makes loading safer and more efficient. It has a “well” that’s about 29 feet long. This lets it carry tall equipment without needing extra permits. It’s super useful for moving big machinery.

Loading and Unloading Procedures

When you take off the gooseneck, the trailer’s front drops down to the ground. This turns into a ramp, making loading easier. The RGN’s design is great for moving big items because it can adjust to different loads easily.

Weight Capacities of RGN Trailers

RGN trailers can handle a lot of weight, making them perfect for heavy hauls. Here’s what they can carry:

RGN Type	Weight Capacity	Main Deck Length	Max Load Height
Standard RGN	42,000 lbs	29 feet	11.5 feet
Stretch RGN	42,000-150,000 lbs	29-65 feet	11.5 feet
Single Drop RGN	Varies	Varies	10 feet
Double Drop RGN	Varies	Varies	12 feet

Removable gooseneck trailers are amazing for heavy hauls. They’re easy to load big items and can carry a lot of weight. Whether you need a standard RGN or a double drop version, they have a solution for tough transport jobs.

Double Drop Deck Trailers: Maximizing Vertical Space

Double drop deck trailers are great for moving tall, heavy items. They have two decks above the rear axle. This design lets you haul equipment efficiently.

The top deck is 10-11 feet long and 11-12 feet tall. The bottom deck is 25-29 feet long and just 24-30 inches off the ground. This setup lets you carry loads up to 12 feet tall safely.

These trailers can carry loads up to 45,000 pounds. They’re perfect for heavy construction gear, farm equipment, and industrial parts. It’s important to follow weight limits based on the trailer’s design and capacity.

Trailer Component	Dimension
Total Length	53 feet
Width	100 inches (without outriggers)
Stretch Deck Loaded Height	13.8 inches
Mini-Deck Loaded Height	10.8 inches
Payload Rating (with flip-axle)	Up to 105,000 lbs

Double drop deck trailers are great for moving big, heavy items. They make sure you follow road height rules while carrying tall loads. Their design is key in industries needing to move big, heavy equipment.

Heavy Haul Trailer Types: Specialized Solutions for Oversized Loads

Transporting oversized and heavy loads needs special equipment. We use extendable trailers, multi-axle trailers, and modular platform trailers. These solutions meet the unique needs of different industries.

Extendable Trailers

Extendable trailers are great for long loads. They can grow from 30 to 65 feet long. This makes them perfect for moving things like wind turbine blades or big beams. They save time and money by needing fewer trips.

Multi-Axle Trailers

Multi-axle trailers spread the weight of heavy cargo over more axles. This is key for carrying very heavy loads. The number of axles depends on how heavy the cargo is:

• 55,001 – 65,000 lbs: 6 axles
• 65,001 – 84,000 lbs: 7 axles
• 84,001 – 94,000 lbs: 8 axles
• 94,001 – 107,000 lbs: 9 axles

Modular Platform Trailers

Modular platform trailers are very versatile. They can handle super loads that go beyond what regular trailers can do. These trailers are often used in the energy sector for moving turbines, generators, and big pipeline structures.

Trailer Type	Load Capacity	Key Feature	Common Use
Extendable	Varies	Length adjustment	Wind turbine blades
Multi-Axle	Up to 360,000 lbs	Weight distribution	Heavy machinery
Modular Platform	Exceeds 150,000 lbs	Customizable configuration	Power transformers

Landoll Trailers: The Tilt-Bed Advantage

Landoll trailers are a big deal in the heavy haul world. They have a tilt-bed design that makes moving heavy equipment and machinery easier.

Hydraulic Tilting Mechanism

The main thing that makes a Landoll trailer special is its hydraulic tilting mechanism. This lets the bed tilt up for easy loading and unloading. It can tilt up to 11 degrees, so you don’t need extra ramps.

Weight Capacities and Dimensions

Landoll trailers can handle a lot of weight and come in various sizes:

• Weight capacity: 5 to 60 tons
• Length: 48 to 74 feet
• Width: 8.5 feet
• Height capacity: 11.5 feet

They also have an undercarriage roller system. This helps them carry more weight, making them great for heavy-duty jobs.

Ideal Applications for Landoll Trailers

Landoll trailers are perfect for moving:

• Construction equipment
• Agricultural machinery
• Forklifts and man lifts
• Rail maintenance equipment

They have a low load angle and a strong four-beam frame. This makes it safe to load heavy, low-clearance machines. Plus, they have LED lights and a powder coat paint finish for safety and long life.

Choosing the Right Heavy Haul Trailer for Your Needs

When picking heavy haul trailers, think about what your load needs. The weight, size, and how you plan to load your cargo are key. For example, trailers for heavy hauls usually don’t go wider than 8’6″, taller than 13’6″, or longer than 48 feet. They also can’t weigh more than 80,000 pounds, including the truck and what you’re hauling.

Choosing the right trailer means looking at several factors. You should think about how much it can carry, its height, length, and special features. For example, flatbed trailers are great for carrying many types of equipment. Lowboy trailers are perfect for moving big and heavy items that are too tall or heavy. Step deck trailers are good for loads that are taller than usual.

Think about the axles and suspension when picking a trailer. You can choose from single, tandem, or tridem axles, each with its own weight capacity. Air ride and mechanical suspensions help reduce shaking on the road. It’s important to spread your load out right for safety and stability. Talk to experts to make sure you pick a trailer that fits your needs and follows the law.

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