Comprehensive Guide: Understanding RGN Trailers and Lowboy Trailers in Heavy Hauling
When moving big, heavy, or tall mining equipment in the construction industry, picking the right trailer for the type of cargo is very important, especially when it comes to lots of construction equipment and various types of machinery like farm machinery, a wheel excavator, or a mining shovel. Two common trailers used for heavy hauling are RGN trailers (Removable Gooseneck trailers) and lowboy trailers with a main deck that takes advantage of the number of axles for better support. This guide will explain what is an RGN trailer with support axles is and what a lowboy trailer. It will also talk about their differences, features, and uses, including RGN trailer transport equipment suitable for various types of cargo. We will use keywords like rgn transport, rgn trailer, rgn truck, rgn with pullout ramps, rgn lowboy, and comparisons like rgn vs lowboy or lowboy vs rgn.
What Is an RGN Trailer?

RGN means Removable Gooseneck, and RGN trailer haulage is a common method for transporting equipment in the transport industry using the RGN shipping method, especially for over-length shipments that date back to the late 50s. This type of trailer, an RGN trailer, has a front part called a detachable front gooseneck mechanism that can be removed. The main difference is that this detachable component, the gooseneck, lowers to ground level, making a ramp suitable for transporting heavy equipment, including construction machinery. This ramp helps heavy machines drive onto the trailer easily, providing an easier way for loading and unloading compared to standard trailers, without the need for additional loading equipment. This is a big advantage.
Main features of RGN trailers:
- The gooseneck can be removed and lowered with hydraulics.
- The deck in standard configurations is low, sometimes only 18 inches from the ground. This helps keep the load under height limits.
- They have many axles (3 to 20 or more) to carry very heavy loads up to 150,000 pounds or more.
- The deck length is usually 29 feet but can extend to 74 feet for very large cargo.
Because of these features, RGN trailers are great for moving heavy machines that can drive but are not allowed on highways. Examples are excavators, tractors, cranes, and farm equipment. The rgn truck is the truck that pulls the RGN trailer.
What Is a Lowboy Trailer?

A lowboy trailer is also called a low-bed or low-loader trailer. It has a fixed gooseneck that does not move. The deck is low to carry tall or heavy equipment that would be too tall on a flatbed.
Main features of lowboy trailers:
- The gooseneck is fixed and connects firmly to the truck.
- The deck is low, usually 16 to 36 inches above the ground. This is done by dropping the deck after the gooseneck and before the axles.
- They can carry 40,000 pounds on two axles and more with extra axles.
- Loading is done from the back or side using ramps or cranes because the gooseneck does not come off.
Some lowboy trailers have a removable gooseneck. These are called rgn lowboy trailers because they mix features of both types.
RGN Trailer vs Lowboy Trailer: Key Differences
| Feature | RGN Trailer | Lowboy Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Gooseneck | Removable, hydraulic; forms a ramp | Fixed; no removable gooseneck |
| Loading Method | Front loading; equipment drives on/off | Rear or side loading; ramps or cranes needed |
| Deck Height | Very low (~18 inches) | Low (16-36 inches), but higher than RGN |
| Load Capacity | Usually 40,000-80,000+ lbs with fewer axles. The weight capacity varies significantly depending on the configuration and is designed for carrying heavier loads. | Usually 40,000-80,000+ lbs with fewer axles |
| Length | 29 ft standard, extendable to 74 ft | 24-29.6 ft well length |
| Best Use | Heavy machines that can drive on | Heavy equipment needing low height but no drive-on |
| Cost | More expensive because of complex design | Usually cheaper |
| Ramp System | Hydraulic removable gooseneck ramp | Manual or mechanical ramps |
The rgn trailer meaning focuses on the removable gooseneck. This makes loading safer and faster. Some rgn trailers come with pullout ramps to load from the rear too.
Applications of RGN Trailers and Lowboy Trailers

RGN Trailers
- Best for moving driveable heavy machines like:
- Excavators, bulldozers, cranes
- Tractors and combine harvesters
- Mining and construction equipment
- Used a lot in construction, mining, farming, and heavy equipment transport.
- The rgn truck pulls these trailers and benefits from easy loading and unloading.
Lowboy Trailers
- Used to move heavy machines that cannot drive onto the trailer.
- Common cargo includes:
- Bulldozers and large construction machines
- Steel parts and concrete slabs
- Good choice when you want a cheaper trailer and the machine cannot drive on.
Rules and Safety Tips
- Both RGN trailers and lowboy trailers have many tie-down points to keep cargo safe.
- The low deck of an RGN trailer lowers the center of gravity of the cargo. This makes the load more stable and less likely to tip over.
- Weight limits and axle rules change by state. Adding axles helps meet these rules.
- Loads wider than 8.5 feet or taller than limits need special permits and sometimes escorts.
- When choosing between rgn vs lowboy, think about these rules to avoid problems.
How to Choose Between RGN and Lowboy Trailers
- If your load can drive onto the trailer, an RGN trailer is usually better. It is easier to load and unload.
- If you want to save money and your load cannot drive on, a lowboy trailer is a good choice.
- For very heavy or very long loads, RGNs can carry more weight and longer lengths.
- If you want a mix of both, look for an rgn lowboy trailer.
- Talk to experts or trailer rental companies to find the best trailer for your needs.
Summary of Important Keywords and Ideas
- RGN trailer / RGN trailers: Trailers with removable goosenecks for ramp loading, suitable for transporting larger loads, including an extended trailer option.
- RGN truck: Truck that pulls an RGN trailer.
- RGN with pullout ramps: RGNs that have extra ramps for rear loading.
- What is a lowboy / what is a lowboy trailer: Fixed gooseneck trailers with low decks for tall or heavy loads.
- RGN lowboy / RGN lowboy trailer: Lowboy trailers with removable goosenecks.
- What is RGN in trucking: The removable gooseneck trailer used in heavy hauling.
- RGN vs lowboy / lowboy vs rgn: Comparing trailer types by design, loading, height, capacity, and cost.
Conclusion
Knowing what is an RGN trailer and what is a lowboy trailer helps you move heavy industrial equipment, such as a wheel loader, and other heavy machinery more safely and efficiently. Both trailers carry big loads but work differently. The RGN trailer is great for easy loading and very heavy or tall cargo. The lowboy trailer, specifically a type of lowboy trailer, is cheaper and good for heavy loads that don’t drive on. Choosing the right trailer depends on your cargo, budget, and rules. This guide helps you understand the options and pick the best trailer for your needs.
