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Equipment

The right trailer for every load

The trailer decides how tall, how heavy and how legal your load can ride. Here’s how each one works — with typical specs — so you know what to expect on your quote.

Trailer types

Specs at a glance

Specs are typical industry ranges and vary by manufacturer, axle configuration and state. We confirm the exact setup for your load.

RGN (Removable Gooseneck)

The front neck detaches so the deck drops to the ground and equipment drives straight on. The go-to for construction machinery.

Well length~24–29 ft
Deck height~18–24 in
Legal cargo height~11.5 ft
Typical capacity~40,000–42,000 lbs

Best for

ExcavatorsDozersLoaders

Multi-Axle Lowboy / RGN

Extra axles and jeeps/boosters spread the weight of very heavy machines so they can travel under an overweight permit.

Well length~24–30 ft
Axles3 – 9+
Legal cargo height~11.5 ft
Capacity (permitted)80,000–150,000+ lbs

Best for

Large dozersCrane basesTransformers

Step Deck

A lower main deck behind a short upper deck gives extra legal height without the cost of a lowboy.

Deck length~48–53 ft
Main deck height~3.5 ft
Legal cargo height~10 ft
Typical capacity~46,000 lbs

Best for

Tall machineryTractorsVehicles

Double Drop

Drops twice to create a deep center well — the most legal height of any standard trailer for tall freight.

Well length~25–29 ft
Well height~18–24 in
Legal cargo height~11.5 ft
Typical capacity~40,000 lbs

Best for

Tall tanksIndustrial unitsBoats

Stretch / Extendable

Telescopes to carry long freight with less overhang. Available as flatbed, step deck and RGN styles.

Retracted~48 ft
Extendedup to ~80 ft
Legal cargo height~8.5–10 ft
Typical capacity~40,000 lbs

Best for

Steel beamsTrussesPipePoles

Flatbed

The workhorse. Loads from the sides, top or rear — ideal for legal-height machinery, steel and building materials.

Deck length~48–53 ft
Deck height~5 ft
Legal cargo height~8.5 ft
Typical capacity~48,000 lbs

Best for

SteelLumberSmall machines
Compare

Side-by-side comparison

TrailerMax legal cargo height*Typical capacityLoading methodRelative cost
Flatbed~8.5 ft~48,000 lbsCrane, forklift$
Step Deck~10 ft~46,000 lbsCrane, forklift, ramps$$
Stretch / Extendable~8.5–10 ft~40,000 lbsCrane, forklift$$
Double Drop~11.5 ft~40,000 lbsCrane, drive-on (some)$$$
RGN~11.5 ft~40,000–42,000 lbsDrive-on, crane$$$
Multi-Axle Lowboy / RGN~11.5 ft80,000–150,000+ lbs (permitted)Drive-on, crane$$$$

*Before an oversize-height permit, assuming a ~13′6″ legal limit. Many western states allow 14′ or more.

Beyond the trailer

Support equipment & gear

  • Securement gear — grade-70 chains, binders, straps and edge protectors sized to the load’s weight.
  • OS/OW signage — “Oversize Load” banners, flags and amber lighting to state spec.
  • Pilot cars & height poles — coordinated for every leg that requires them.
  • Tarps & weather protection — for machinery and materials that need to stay dry.
Not sure which one?

Use the Trailer Finder

Enter your load’s size, weight and how it loads. We’ll suggest the best-fit trailers and whether you’ll need permits.

Open Trailer Finder

Got a big load to move?

Send us the specs — we’ll come back with the right trailer, route, permits and a clear price, usually within one business day.

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