Lowboy Trailers

Picture this: a massive bulldozer, towering excavator, or hefty agricultural machine. These colossal pieces of equipment play pivotal roles in construction, mining, and various industries. However, moving them from one job site to another is no small feat. That's where lowboy trailers come into play – the unsung heroes of heavy equipment transportation.

In this article, we'll embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of lowboy trailers, exploring their different types, capabilities, and the diverse range of tasks they perform.

So, What Actually Is a Lowboy Trailer?

A lowboy trailer is a specialized hauling rig designed for transporting tall and heavy equipment and machinery. It stands out from standard flatbed trailers due to its unique design, which allows it to carry extra-tall cargo.

How Do Lowboy Trailers Work?

Lowboy trailers are not your everyday cargo carriers. They are meticulously designed with a deck that features two drops in height: one just after the gooseneck and another just before the wheels. This unique design results in an exceptionally low deck, capable of accommodating loads towering up to 12 feet in height.

Typically towed by trucks, lowboy trailers often come equipped with hydraulic systems for effortless loading and unloading and are fitted with air brakes for safe operation.

Heavy-duty lowboy trailers come in various configurations, ranging from two to eight axles. Some of these axles can be lifted or swiveled, controlled either independently through wiring or via a radio remote control.

When to Use a Lowboy Trailer?

• Oversized Machinery: When you're dealing with heavy-duty machinery like excavators, bulldozers, or cranes, lowboy trailers are your reliable partners. Their capacity to handle towering and hefty equipment is unmatched.
• Unique Shipping Needs: Lowboy trailers cater to shippers with distinct and challenging transportation requirements. If your cargo doesn't fit within the constraints of standard trailers, a lowboy could be your solution.
• Auctions and Equipment Trade: If you frequently participate in auctions or engage in the buying and selling of large equipment, lowboy trailers are your ticket to seamless logistics. They ensure your valuable assets reach their destinations safely and securely.

When to Avoid Using a Lowboy Trailer?

• Home Furnishings and Electronics: If your cargo consists of delicate items like home furnishings or electronics, lowboy trailers are not the right choice. Consider using dry vans for their protective and weather-resistant qualities.
• Non-Perishables: Freight like non-perishable goods or dry products is better suited for conventional dry van trailers, which provide ample space and security.
• Perishable Goods: When transporting perishable items that require temperature control, refrigerated (reefer) trailers are the ideal choice to maintain freshness and quality.

What are the Advantages of Lowboy Trailers?

1. Versatility: Their ability to accommodate a wide range of large items, from heavy machinery to oversized loads, sets lowboy trailers apart.
2. Height Compliance: Lowboy trailers ensure your cargo stays within highway height restrictions, keeping your shipments compliant with regulations.
3. Stability: The lowered deck design provides a stable ride and maintains a lower center of gravity for your freight, enhancing safety during transportation.
4. Width Advantage: In addition to height, lowboy trailers offer a significant width advantage, making them suitable for bulky and oversized items.

What Challenges Should You Consider with Lowboy Trailers?

By understanding when to embrace their advantages and when to explore alternative options, you can make the right move for your cargo and ensure it reaches its destination safely and efficiently:

• Availability: The availability of lowboy trailers in your geographic location can impact costs. In areas with fewer lowboy options, you may encounter higher expenses.
• Cost Variability: Like other freight shipping methods, lowboy trailers are subject to fluctuating costs, which can be influenced by factors such as fuel prices and demand.
• Shipment Volume: The amount of space your shipment occupies within the trailer can affect costs. Smaller shipments may find lowboy transportation less cost-effective.

Specifications

Lowboy trailers exhibit some variation in dimensions, with specific details depending on the trailer's design. However, there are maximum dimensions that all lowboys must adhere to in order to ensure safe and compliant transportation:

• Length: Lowboy trailers typically range from 24 feet to 29.5 feet in length.
• Width: These trailers should not exceed a width of 8.5 feet.
• Height: The well height of a lowboy falls within the range of 18 feet to 24 feet. The maximum freight height, including the trailer, reaches up to 12 feet. Overall, the maximum height, including cargo and trailer, is capped at 14 feet.
• Weight: Lowboy trailers are designed to handle varying weights based on their axle configuration. A standard 2-axle lowboy has a weight limit of 40,000 pounds. By adding additional axles, this weight capacity can be doubled to a substantial 80,000 pounds.

Capabilities

• Carrying Capacity: The capacity depends on the configuration. A 2-axle lowboy handles up to 40,000 lbs.; while extra axles can double it. Lowboys feature a double-level drop system for stability.
• Dimensions: Length varies from 24 to 29.6 feet, well height is 18 inches to 24 inches, standard height from the ground is 18 feet, and freight height ranges from 11.5 to 12 feet. The maximum width is 8.5 feet.

What are the Common Types of Lowboy Trailers?

Lowboy trailers come in three main types, each with its unique features:

1. Fixed Gooseneck (FGL) Lowboy: These trailers have a solid attachment to the trailer and allow easy front and back loading. Despite the name, the gooseneck can be adjusted to a fixed position, and their arched necks serve as loading ramps.
2. Fixed Neck Lowboy: These trailers are lightweight, offering increased payload capacity. However, their necks are fixed and not adjustable for front-loading, relying on fixed load ramps for equipment loading.
3. Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Lowboy: RGNs are versatile and come in mechanical and hydraulic versions. Hydraulic RGNs allow for height adjustments or detachment using hydraulic cylinders. They can have up to twenty axles and handle loads up to 150,000 pounds, making them heavyweight champions in hauling.

In your journey to transport oversized and heavy equipment with confidence, look no further than lowboy trailers. These versatile haulers, with their diverse types and capabilities, are your trusted companions. When it comes to ensuring that colossal machinery and invaluable cargo reach their destinations efficiently and securely, choose the reliability of lowboy trailers. And for all your shipping needs, consider the expertise of Ship A1, your partner in safe and seamless transport solutions.