Lowboy vs RGN Trailer: Which Heavy Haul Trailer Do You Need?

Choosing the right trailer is crucial for safe, efficient heavy equipment transport. Lowboy and RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers are two of the most common heavy haul options, each with distinct advantages.

Lowboy Trailers Overview

A lowboy trailer (also called a low-bed or low-loader) features a deck that sits extremely low to the ground—typically 18-24 inches. This design maximizes vertical clearance for tall equipment.

Lowboy Specifications

Specification	Typical Range
Deck Height	18-24 inches
Legal Payload	40,000-55,000 lbs
Deck Length	24-29 feet
Overall Length	48-53 feet
Maximum Load Height	~11.5 feet (legal)

Lowboy Advantages

Maximum Height Capacity The low deck height allows you to haul taller equipment while staying within legal height limits. This is essential for excavators, cranes, and other tall machinery.

Stability The low center of gravity provides excellent stability, especially important for top-heavy loads.

Weight Distribution Multiple axle configurations distribute weight effectively for heavy loads.

Lowboy Limitations

Loading Difficulty Most lowboys require crane or forklift loading since there’s no drive-on capability. The equipment must be lifted onto the trailer.

Less Deck Space The well (low section) typically offers less usable deck space than other trailer types.

RGN Trailers Overview

An RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailer features a detachable front section that allows the trailer to tilt and rest on the ground, creating a ramp for equipment to drive on.

RGN Specifications

Specification	Typical Range
Deck Height	20-24 inches (well)
Legal Payload	42,000-52,000 lbs
Deck Length	29-53 feet
Well Length	24-29 feet
Maximum Load Height	~11 feet (legal)

RGN Advantages

Self-Loading Capability The removable gooseneck creates a ramp, allowing tracked and wheeled equipment to drive directly onto the trailer. No crane required.

Versatility RGNs accommodate a wide variety of equipment types and sizes. The drive-on capability makes them ideal for machinery that can move under its own power.

Longer Deck Options Extendable RGNs can stretch to accommodate longer loads.

RGN Limitations

Slightly Higher Deck The deck sits slightly higher than a traditional lowboy, reducing maximum equipment height by 2-4 inches.

More Complex The removable gooseneck mechanism requires more maintenance and takes time to detach/reattach.

Ground Clearance for Loading The loading site needs relatively flat, firm ground for the ramp to work properly.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Lowboy	RGN
Deck Height	Lower (18-22”)	Slightly higher (20-24”)
Loading Method	Crane/forklift	Drive-on ramp
Best For Tall Loads	✅ Better	Good
Self-Propelled Equipment	Requires crane	✅ Drive-on
Versatility	Good	✅ Better
Setup Time	Quick	Requires gooseneck removal
Maintenance	Less complex	More components

When to Use a Lowboy

Choose a lowboy trailer when:

• Maximum height is critical - Loads approaching legal height limits
• Equipment can’t self-load - Items requiring crane placement
• Ultra-heavy loads - Some lowboys handle higher capacities
• Stability is paramount - Very top-heavy equipment

Ideal Lowboy Loads

• Large excavators (over 80,000 lbs)
• Tower cranes
• Industrial presses
• Transformers
• Generators
• Pre-fabricated structures

When to Use an RGN

Choose an RGN trailer when:

• Equipment is self-propelled - Tracked or wheeled machinery
• No crane available at origin/destination
• Multiple pickups/deliveries - Faster loading/unloading
• Versatility needed - Various equipment types

Ideal RGN Loads

• Bulldozers and dozers
• Wheel loaders
• Scrapers and graders
• Smaller excavators
• Agricultural equipment (tractors, combines)
• Pavers and compactors

Other Heavy Haul Trailer Options

Step Deck (Drop Deck)

A step deck trailer has an upper and lower deck section:

• Upper deck: Standard height (~60”)
• Lower deck: Reduced height (~38-42”)
• Good for mixed loads or medium-height equipment
• Easier loading than lowboy via rear ramps

Double Drop

Double drop trailers combine features:

• Front deck at standard height
• Middle “well” section dropped low
• Rear deck at standard height
• Maximum height capacity in the well section

Extendable Trailers

Stretch trailers extend for long loads:

• Extend from 48’ to 80’+
• Ideal for bridge beams, wind blades, pipe
• Available in lowboy, RGN, and flatbed configurations

Choosing the Right Trailer: Decision Guide

Step 1: Measure Your Equipment

Document exact dimensions:

• Height (highest point when loaded)
• Length (including any attachments)
• Width (widest point)
• Weight (operating weight)

Step 2: Assess Loading Capabilities

Consider:

• Can the equipment drive under its own power?
• Is crane access available at both locations?
• What are the site conditions (paved, gravel, soft ground)?

Step 3: Calculate Height Requirements

Available height = Legal limit (13.5') - Deck height - Securement

If your equipment is 12’ tall:

• Lowboy (20” deck): 13.5’ - 1.67’ - 0.5’ = 11.33’ ❌ Too tall
• Need permits for over-height

Step 4: Consider the Full Route

• Are there low bridges requiring minimum deck height?
• Will you need to load/unload at multiple sites?
• What’s the terrain at pickup and delivery?

Heavy Haul Trailer Costs

Trailer selection affects transport pricing:

Trailer Type	Typical Rate Premium
Standard Flatbed	Base rate
Step Deck	+5-10%
Lowboy	+15-25%
RGN	+10-20%
Multi-Axle/Specialized	+30-50%+

Rates vary by availability, region, and specific requirements.

Everdauer’s Trailer Fleet

Everdauer Heavy Haul maintains a diverse fleet to match any requirement:

• Standard Lowboys - 48’ and 53’ configurations
• Stretch Lowboys - Extendable to 65’
• 2-Axle RGNs - For standard heavy equipment
• 3-Axle RGNs - Higher capacity units
• Multi-Axle Configurations - 9, 13, 19+ axle setups
• Specialized Trailers - Blade trailers, Schnabel, beam

Our operations team matches your load to the optimal trailer, ensuring safe transport at competitive rates.

Get Expert Trailer Recommendations

Not sure which trailer your load needs? Our team provides free consultations:

• Load analysis and trailer matching
• Route planning for height restrictions
• Complete transport quotes

Contact Everdauer Heavy Haul:

• Call: (414) 600-3636
• Online: Request a Quote

We’ll recommend the right equipment for your specific transport needs.