Are you looking for a well-built, durable trailer to haul equipment and machinery all across the United States? No matter what you’re hauling, it’s important that your goods arrive safe and secure. As you know, accidents and damages have the potential to lead to major losses in profits, downtime, reputation, and more.
One of the most common equipment transportation methods is the semi-trailer. This type of trailer is quite advantageous for companies that need to load large items. However, without a drop deck, it is nearly impossible to load oversized pieces.
So, what should you do if you need to haul something so heavy and so large that it can not be easily inserted into a standard semi-trailer?
You get a lowboy.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit removable gooseneck semi trailer.
We’re glad you asked! The lowboy trailer is an incredibly useful item in the world of shipping and hauling. Though it’s known by many different names from the low-bed to the float, the classic lowboy trailer is easily identifiable with its semi-trailer style and double-level drop system. The deck height of these semi-trailers can be adjusted to drop at the gooseneck (more on that later) or just before reaching the wheels.
Standard flatbed trailers do not feature a double-level drop system and are more commonly used for shipping and hauling standard sized equipment. Lowboy trailers, on the other hand, can haul and carry equipment up to 12 ft in height. A standard two-axle trailer of this kind can haul up to 40,000 pounds. However, you may increase the limit to 80,000 pounds by adjusting the number of axles if needed.
The added capacity of the double-drop deck makes the lowboy trailer an excellent option for hauling heavy machinery and anything that fits neither a flatbed trailer nor a single-drop deck trailer (also known as a step deck trailer). As the deck lowers to near-ground level, oversized items can be more easily inserted into the semi-trailer.
Lowboy trailers can be loaded from the front or behind depending on the design. Some models allow you to place the trailer under the load and lift it.
So, what kind of items are typically hauled in a lowboy trailer?
As we mentioned earlier, many construction, freight, and shipping companies rely on lowboy trailers to ship important items across the country. But how did lowboy trailers come about, and what is their history? Let’s take a closer look into the origin of this shipping and hauling essential.
The very first lowboy trailer as we know it today was invented in the 1920s. The early model featured a riveted gooseneck, which hooked to the trucks by the front of the trailer. The back of the trailer had several solid rubber tires and could only be loaded from the rear. Due to this design, any pieces of operable equipment had to be driven onto the deck over the back tires.
In the 1950s, the lowboy got a bit of a facelift. A detachable gooseneck, or removable gooseneck (RGN) was added to make loading much easier in 1958. While the first model could only be loaded from the rear (due to the riveted gooseneck), the new lowboys in town featured the capacity for front loading. Like the detachable trailers of today, heavy equipment is inserted from the trailer. This feature might not sound like much at first, but it actually completely negated the need for loading ramps.
Modern lowboy trailers typically work with hydraulic systems; a hydraulic ram lifts the trailer to meet the unit post-loading. They also include air breaks and are towed by semi-trucks.
You’ll find several different options for lowboys out there, and it can be difficult to determine the right one for you. To make deciding easier, we’ll review some of the most common types of lowboys and their purposes.
Choosing the right trailer can be a difficult decision! A “One Size Fits All” does not exist. A gooseneck trailer is a type of trailer suited to particular tasks, and multiple kinds of gooseneck trailers are on the market. If you are shopping for a gooseneck, this guide will help you find the best gooseneck trailer on the market! Are you wondering what a gooseneck trailer is and want some more details about it? Check out our blog post all about gooseneck trailers.
Why buy a Gooseneck Trailer?A gooseneck hitch overlaps the truck bed and centers the trailer’s weight over the rear axle. This hitch configuration gives goosenecks a low center of gravity. A low center of gravity prevents trailer sway, which can cause rollovers.
Types of Gooseneck TrailersThere are several styles of gooseneck flatbed trailers on the market. Each type has its advantages! We will break down each kind for you to find the best gooseneck trailer for your needs.
Flatbed TrailerWhat is a flatbed trailer? A flatbed trailer has a flattened platform that can be loaded from the rear or the sides. Did you ever hear the term “deck over trailer”? A deck over gooseneck a simply a flatbed trailer with a deck that sits above the wheels. Flatbeds are very adaptable and easy to load and unload.
Enclosed TrailerWhat is an enclosed gooseneck trailer? An enclosed trailer has walls and a roof. An enclosed gooseneck has an extra layer of security over an open trailer. Also, an enclosed trailer protects your trailer load from the elements and road debris.
Double Drop TrailerWhat is a double-drop trailer? A double drop trailer, also known as a low boy, has two drops in deck height. The first drop is after the gooseneck and the second drop is right before the wheels. These two drops allow the deck to be closer to the ground. Double drop trailers are the best gooseneck trailers for hefty equipment loads.
Tilt TrailerSometimes you need to tow items too heavy to lift onto the trailer. Say hello to the tilt trailer! A tilt gooseneck trailer is simply a heavy-duty tilt trailer with a gooseneck hitch. A tilt trailer’s bed can be lowered at an angle for easy loading and offloading. Some manufacturers offer a full-tilting bed or a partially-tilting trailer bed.
What to Look for When Selecting a Gooseneck TrailerNot all gooseneck trailers are created equal. A trailer is an investment, so make sure you look for the best trailers on the market! Here are some of the common characteristics of the best gooseneck trailers.
FrameWant more information on 4 axle hydraulic lowbed trailer? Feel free to contact us.
The trailer frame is the most critical part of your trailer. The best gooseneck trailer features an I-Beam frame. Standard gooseneck trailers use a 12-inch I-beam but if you need a more heavy-duty trailer, shop for a trailer with a 19-inch I-beam.
AxlesYour trailer axles determine your gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR. Your GVWR determines the load size that you can haul with your trailer. Check out our landscape trailer blog if you need help calculating the GVWR.
The best gooseneck trailers usually have an oil bath and breakaway axles. Oil bath axles have longer service intervals compared to greased axles. Breakaway axles are designed to bring your trailer to a safe stop if it disconnects from your vehicle. Breakaway axles are an essential safety feature to have on your trailer!
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BrakesTrailer braking system requirements vary by state. Make sure your trailer is within your state’s legal limits! Check your state’s DOT laws for the most recent trailer braking system regulations. That being said, here are the three most popular braking systems used on the best gooseneck trailers.
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PaintThe best gooseneck trailer will be powder-coated. Period. Powder coating is more resistant to chipping, scratches, and other forms of wear. Powder coating lasts longer than regular paint, making your trailer more resistant to rust.
DeckingYour gooseneck trailer decking needs depend on what you will be hauling. Southern Yellow Pine is a common wood used for trailer decking. Southern Yellow Pine is durable and quickly absorbs treatment chemicals. However, it is prone to warping.
Oak is another wooden decking option. It is solid and more resistant to warping than southern yellow pine. However, it is less absorbent.
If you need maximum strength and durability, get Steel or Aluminum decking. Steel is durable but can rust. Aluminum doesn’t rust but is less dense and very expensive.
LightingHalogens are light bulbs of the past. The best gooseneck trailer will be equipped with LED lights and moisture-sealed harnesses. Look over the wiring system before purchasing to avoid lighting problems down the road.
Additional OptionsWhat separates the good from the best? The best gooseneck trailers have rub rails for different spring-assisted ramps. Add toolboxes, steps, and dovetails for convenience.
Standard Sizes of the Best Gooseneck TrailersThe most common trailer width is 102 inches, which is 8 ½ feet wide. Typical trailer lengths are 25, 30, 35, and 40 feet. The best gooseneck trailer size depends on how much you plan on hauling. Calculate the average length of your load and add a few more feet. You most likely will end up needing more space at some point!
The Best Gooseneck Trailers for Sale in KentuckyFour Winds Trailer is an authorized dealer for Lawrimore, Black Rhino, Anvil, and Stealth trailers in Bowling Green, Kentucky! Check out our available inventory or custom order a trailer! We also carry a large selection of parts and accessories for your gooseneck trailer. Let us help you find the best gooseneck trailer today!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Flatbed semi trailer With Hydraulic Lifting Plate. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.