Luyi Vehicle-Custom Semi Trailers & Truck Manufacturer Since 2019.
What is an RGN Trailer? How Is It Different from a Low Bed Trailer?
Low-bed trailers come in a variety of configurations, each with its own specific features to meet different transportation purposes. Although they are impressive and widely praised for handling oversized goods and heavy loads, many users lack clear standards to select the low-bed trailer that best suits their specific needs.
Although they have excellent transportation performance, it is still crucial to determine the best type of trailer for your project. We strongly recommend a comprehensive comparison of the existing solutions to understand their respective advantages. Consulting experienced transportation professionals can provide valuable insights based on your operational needs, ensuring that you make the clearest choice.
Low flatbed semi-trailer
Detachable gooseneck semi-trailer
When it comes to transporting oversized and heavy goods, two types of trailers come to mind naturally: mobile (RGN) semi-trailers and low flatbed trailers. Each one gets its name from the different structural features that define its function.
But what really makes them different? When is an RGN trailer better than a low flatbed trailer? This article will enable you to fully understand their unique design, functions and ideal applications, to help you determine which trailer is the most suitable for your transportation needs. Whether you are working with mobile construction equipment, industrial machinery or wind turbine components, understanding these differences can ensure that you choose the most effective and cost-effective solution for your project.
1. WHAT IS AN RGN TRAILER?
RGN trailers (detachable gooseneck trailers) are specialized heavy-duty transportation systems used for moving oversized and super-heavy goods that conventional trailers cannot handle. They first entered the transportation industry in 1958. Its original design was to enable the trailer to carry long and tall goods. Its key innovation is the detachable hydraulic gooseneck, which can load large equipment on the ground.
RGN Trailer
Why can the goose neck (front part) of the RGN trailer be completely removed, allowing the goods to be loaded from the ground or side without a ramp? It is often used for transporting construction equipment (bulldozers, cranes), wind turbine blades, industrial modules, etc.
The load capacity of RGN trailers (detachable gooseneck trailers) is generally around 80 to 200 tons, featuring reinforced decks and optional multi-axle configurations.
2. ADVANTAGES OF RGN TRAILERS？
1. A variety of loading method options
The detachable gooseneck design enables ground and side loading without the need for slopes or additional loading equipment
2. Superior load-bearing capacity
It can transport extremely heavy loads (80-200 tons and above) with multi-axle configuration to achieve the best weight distribution
3. Enhance operability
Compared with fixed trailers, the detachable front gooseneck improves the limitation on narrow Spaces
4. Save time and cost
A faster loading and unloading process reduces labor demand and downtime
5. Wide range of applications
It is suitable for construction equipment, wind turbines, oil/gas modules, and for the transportation of super-large goods
6. Adapt to various terrains
Suitable for both on-road and off-road applications, it can overcome challenging road conditions and achieve smooth and safe transportation
3. RGN TRAILER SPECIFICATIONS, CAPACITY AND DIMENSIONS
| Category | Specification | Standard Range | Heavy-Duty Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Max Payload | 80-120 tons | 150-200+ tons |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | 100-150 tons | 200-400 tons (permitted) | |
| Dimensions | Overall Length | 48-60 ft (14.6-18.3m) | Up to 80 ft (24.4m) |
| Deck Length | 30-40 ft (9.1-12.2m) | 45-55 ft (13.7-16.8m) | |
| Deck Width | 8.5 ft (2.6m) | Up to 10 ft (3m) | |
| Deck Height (loaded) | 24-30 in (61-76cm) | 32-36 in (81-91cm) | |
| Ground Clearance | 10-12 in (25-30cm) | 14-16 in (36-41cm) | |
| Axle System | Number of Axles | 3-5 axles | 6-9 axles |
| Axle Load Capacity | 20,000-25,000 lbs/axle | 30,000 lbs/axle | |
| Axle Spacing | 48-52 in (122-132cm) | Adjustable | |
| Deck Specifications | Deck Thickness | 3/4" (19mm) steel | 1" (25mm) steel |
| Deck Strength | 10,000 psi | 12,000 psi | |
| Gooseneck | Detachable Weight Capacity | 25 tons | 30-40 tons |
| Neck Length | 12 ft (3.7m) | 15 ft (4.6m) | |
| Suspension | Type | Air ride/Spring | Heavy-duty air ride |
| Brakes | System | Air brakes with ABS | Dual-circuit ABS |
| Tires | Size | 11R22.5 or 12R22.5 | 14.00R20 (off-road) |
| Load Rating | 8,000-10,000 lbs/tire | 12,000+ lbs/tire | |
| Hydraulic System | Pump Capacity | 3,000 psi @ 20 GPM | 5,000 psi @ 30 GPM |
| Coupling | Kingpin Rating | 50 tons | 75-100 tons |
4. Low flatbed semi-trailer
Across different regions, you may encounter various terms for this specialized hauling equipment – commonly called lowboy trailers, lowbed trailers, or low loader trailers. While the names differ, their core purpose remains the same: to transport oversized, tall, and heavy loads that standard trailers cannot handle.
Low flatbed semi-trailer
1.Proven Heavy-Haul Solution
Originally developed in the 1920s for industrial and construction needs, these trailers have evolved with advanced engineering to meet modern demands.
2.Custom Configurations Available
Tailor the trailer’s deck length, width, axle count, and suspension to match your specific cargo requirements.
3.Designed for Tall & Heavy Loads
Features an ultra-low deck height (typically 24–36 inches) to maximize vertical clearance for oversized freight.
Ideal when your cargo exceeds standard legal height limits for road transport.
4.Wide Range of Applications
Perfect for bulldozers, excavators, cranes, transformers, and other industrial machinery.
Used in construction, mining, oil & gas, and wind energy sectors.
5.FUNCTIONS OF THE LOWBOY TRAILER
1. Economical basic transportation
The fixed gooseneck structure reduces manufacturing costs and is suitable for short-distance relocation of conventional heavy equipment ranging from 80 to 120 tons (such as crawler cranes and asphalt pavers), offering a relatively high cost performance.
2. Standardized loading process
Loading and unloading are accomplished by relying on the tail ramp or auxiliary gangplank, and need to be used in conjunction with forklifts or cranes. It is suitable for logistics bases or construction sites with complete loading and unloading conditions.
3. Stability takes priority
Due to the fixed height from the ground (about 300-600mm), it has a stronger ability to resist crosswinds during road travel and is suitable for transporting highly sensitive equipment (such as precision machine tools).
4. Easy to maintain
The structure is simple and the failure rate is low. Daily maintenance only requires checking the saddle and suspension system, and the operation and maintenance cost is 30%-40% lower than that of RGN.
6.DETACHABLE GOOSENECK LOW FLAT PLATE VS. ORDINARY LOW FLAT PLATE
| Feature | Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Lowboy Trailer | Standard Lowboy Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Design | Hydraulic detachable gooseneck | Fixed gooseneck |
| Loading Method | Ground-level loading (0mm) & side loading | Ramp-assisted loading (300-600mm) |
| Deck Height (loaded) | Adjustable to 0mm | Fixed 12-24 inches (300-600mm) |
| Max Payload | 200+ metric tons (multi-axle) | 80-120 metric tons |
| Axle Configuration | 6-9 axles (self-steering available) | 3-5 axles |
| Deck Thickness | 1" (25mm) high-tensile steel | 3/4" (19mm) steel |
| Loading Efficiency | 50% faster (no ramps needed) | Requires loading equipment |
| Typical Cargo | • Power plant transformers • Wind turbine blades • Military tanks | • Excavators • Road rollers • Precast concrete |
| Terrain Adaptability | Excellent (off-road capable) | Limited to paved roads |
| Regulatory Compliance | Meets STAA/DOT oversize permits | Standard freight regulations |
| Initial Cost | $$$$ (Higher investment) | $$ (Cost-effective) |
| Operational Cost | Lower (saves labor/equipment) | Higher (requires loading aids) |
Trailer buyers need to invest a great deal of effort in researching and understanding the different options available in the market.
Purchasing an RGN trailer is an expensive expense. To spend money on a product that suits you better and make the right decision, it is important to understand the knowledge of different types of semi-trailers. Each type of trailer has its specific characteristics.
Understand the differences among all these trailers in terms of strength, loading capacity, cost and stability. Here, the differences between RGN trailers and lowboy trailers are carefully listed.
Now you know why and when you should choose a low flatbed trailer instead of an RGN trailer.
There are obvious differences between these two types of trailers. If you want to purchase a trailer that suits you better, you must understand your own needs and meet them.
If you are concerned about the weight and height of the goods, both types of trailers are suitable for you. However, RGN trailers will offer you the maximum carrying capacity.