Look, if you’ve ever tried booking a trailer for oversized equipment, you know the confusion. Someone throws around terms like “lowboy,” “RGN,” “double drop,” and you’re left wondering if they’re all the same thing with different names or if these differences actually impact your shipment.

They do. And the dimensional differences between lowboy and RGN trailers aren’t just technical specs to fill out permit forms—they determine whether your excavator makes it under that bridge on I-40 or whether you’re paying for an escort vehicle you didn’t budget for.

Let me break down what you actually need to know.

What Makes a Lowboy Trailer Different

Lowboy trailers are constructed to transport loads too lofty to fit on a classic flatbed trailer. The name tells you exactly what it does—it sits low. Really low.

Most flatbeds put your cargo about 5 feet off the ground. A lowboy drops that deck height to 18-24 inches. That extra clearance matters when you’re hauling a bulldozer that’s already 9 feet tall. Add the trailer height, and you’re still under the 13’6″ to 14′ legal limits in most states without special permits.

Here’s what standard lowboy trailer dimensions look like:

Deck Height: 18-24 inches loaded (varies by configuration)
Width: 102 inches (8.5 feet) – legal without width permits
Well Length: 24-29.6 feet of usable deck space
Weight Capacity: 40,000 pounds on a 2-axle setup, up to 80,000 pounds with additional axles

The most common lowboy trailer length options you’ll see are 48-foot, 53-foot, and 60-foot models. A 48-footer typically has an 18-inch deck height. The 53-foot version bumps that to 22 inches, while the 60-foot lowboy trailer specs include a 24-inch platform height.

But here’s what matters more than memorizing these numbers: lowboys have a fixed neck. You can’t detach the front. That means you’re loading from the rear with ramps or using a crane. If you don’t have loading equipment at pickup or delivery, that’s a problem.

RGN Trailers: The Front-Loading Game Changer

RGN stands for Removable Gooseneck. That detachable front section is the entire point.

When the gooseneck disconnects, hydraulics lower the front of the trailer deck until it’s practically touching the ground—sometimes as low as just a few inches. Your equipment drives straight on. No ramps. No cranes. No crew spending an hour figuring out how to winch a 60,000-pound excavator onto a platform.

That’s why RGN trailers dominate construction sites. If your machine has wheels or tracks and can move under its own power, an RGN makes loading simple.

RGN trailer dimensions typically include:

Main Deck Height: 18-24 inches when loaded
Loading Height: Near ground level when gooseneck detaches
Width: 102 inches (8.5 feet) standard
Well Length: 29 feet on standard models, up to 53+ feet on stretch configurations
Weight Capacity: 42,000 pounds standard, but multi-axle RGNs can handle 150,000+ pounds

RGNs come in both hydraulic (HRGN) and mechanical (MRGN) versions. Hydraulic systems make detaching easier but add weight to the trailer itself, which eats into your payload capacity. Mechanical RGNs are lighter and better for long hauls where you’re maximizing every pound.

The Real Differences That Impact Your Load

Everyone talks about deck height when comparing lowboy vs RGN trailers, but that’s only part of the story.

Loading Method: Fixed vs. Removable Neck

Lowboy = fixed neck, rear loading only
RGN = detachable neck, front loading via drive-on ramp

If you’re moving a crane, excavator, dozer, or any self-propelled machine, the RGN’s drive-on capability saves time and eliminates the need for auxiliary loading equipment. If you’re hauling something that can’t move itself—like a steel press or generator—the lowboy works fine and costs less.

Weight Capacity Scaling

Both trailer types handle heavy loads, but RGNs scale higher. A standard 2-axle lowboy maxes out around 40,000-80,000 pounds. RGNs with 10, 15, or even 20+ axle configurations routinely handle 100,000-150,000 pounds.

That matters when you’re moving mining equipment, oil field machinery, or anything where the weight pushes past typical construction gear.

Well Length Flexibility

Lowboy trailers typically offer 24-29 feet of well space. That’s enough for most excavators and loaders.

RGN trailers start at 29 feet and can stretch to 53+ feet for longer loads like dragline booms or wind turbine blades. If your equipment footprint exceeds 30 feet, you’re probably looking at an RGN.

Cost Differences

Here’s the reality: RGNs cost more. The detachable gooseneck, hydraulic systems, and often heavier-duty axle configurations mean higher rental or per-mile rates.

But if an RGN saves you from needing a crane at both ends of the route, the math shifts. Crane rental can run $500-1,500+ per day depending on capacity and location. Suddenly that extra $200-400 in RGN transport costs looks different.

Lowboy vs RGN: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Stop asking which one is “better.” They’re tools for different jobs.

Use a Lowboy When:

• Your cargo can’t move itself (stationary equipment, generators, large components)
• You have loading equipment available at pickup and delivery
• Height is your main concern, not extreme weight
• You want to minimize transport costs
• Equipment footprint is under 29 feet

Use an RGN When:

• You’re hauling self-propelled machinery (excavators, dozers, wheel loaders)
• Loading equipment isn’t available at job sites
• Weight exceeds 80,000 pounds
• Equipment length pushes past 30 feet
• Drive-on/drive-off speed matters for your timeline

Some loads genuinely work on either trailer type. A 50,000-pound excavator with a 25-foot length could go lowboy or RGN depending on site access and available equipment. That’s when you call a heavy haul shipping company and let someone with actual route experience make the call.

Step Deck vs RGN: Not the Same Thing

Quick clarification because this confuses people: a step deck (also called a drop deck) is not a lowboy and definitely not an RGN.

Step decks have two levels—a higher front section and a lower rear deck that sits about 3.5 feet off the ground. That gives you roughly 10’2″ of legal cargo height versus 8’6″ on a standard flatbed.

Lowboys drop the entire well section to 18-24 inches, giving you 11’6″-12′ of height clearance.

RGNs have that same low deck as a lowboy but add the removable gooseneck for front loading.

So when comparing RGN vs step deck, you’re looking at different trailer categories entirely. Step decks work great for loads that are a bit tall but don’t need maximum height clearance. Lowboys and RGNs handle the stuff that’s pushing legal limits or needs specialized loading.

What “Small Lowboy Trailer” Actually Means

There’s no official category called a “small lowboy trailer,” but people use the term to describe shorter configurations—usually 48-foot models with 2-axle setups.

These work well for compact excavators, skid steers, or smaller construction equipment where you need the low deck height but don’t require the 53′ or 60′ length.

Lowboy trailer specifications on these shorter models typically include:

• 48 feet overall length
• 18-24 inch deck height
• 8.5 feet width
• 40,000-pound capacity

They’re more maneuverable in tight job sites and often rent for less than larger lowboys, making them a solid choice when your equipment fits the dimensions.

Ground Bearing Lowboy: What That Term Means

You might see “ground bearing lowboy” in transport quotes. This refers to lowboy trailers designed to distribute extreme weight across more contact points with the ground.

Think of it like this: a standard lowboy might have 2-4 axles. A ground bearing lowboy might have 8, 10, or more axles spread across a longer chassis. This distributes load weight to prevent damage to roads, bridges, or job site surfaces that can’t handle concentrated weight.

These are specialty trailers for extremely heavy hauls—large transformers, industrial presses, mining equipment—where per-axle weight limits become the limiting factor.

RGN Trailer Meaning in Real-World Terms

When someone says “I need an RGN trailer,” here’s what they’re really saying:

“I have heavy, tall equipment that needs to be driven onto the trailer because I don’t have a crane, and I need the transport company to show up ready to load without auxiliary equipment.”

That’s the practical RGN trailer meaning. Yes, it technically stands for Removable Gooseneck, but the functional meaning is all about that self-loading capability.

Industries that default to RGN trailers:

• Construction (excavators, loaders, graders)
• Mining (drills, haul trucks, large dozers)
• Agriculture (combines, harvesters over 10′ tall)
• Oil & gas (drilling rigs, pumping units)
• Energy (generators, transformers, wind components)

Dimensions of a 53′ Trailer vs. Specialized Lowboys

Just for comparison, since people often ask about dims of a 53′ trailer when researching lowboy and RGN options:

A standard 53′ dry van or flatbed trailer sits much higher—about 60 inches deck height on a flatbed. Width is the same 102 inches. Length is obviously 53 feet.

But you’re limited to 8’6″ cargo height on a flatbed to stay under 13’6″ total height limits (in most states).

A 53′ lowboy drops that deck to 22 inches, giving you 11’+ of cargo height in the same 13’6″ envelope. That’s a massive difference when you’re moving equipment.

So while the length might be the same (53 feet), the dimensional characteristics completely change what you can legally haul.

How Wide Is a Lowboy Trailer? (And When Width Becomes an Issue)

Standard answer: 102 inches (8 feet 6 inches).

That’s the legal width limit before you need overwidth permits in most states. Both lowboy and RGN trailers stick to this dimension for the deck itself.

But here’s where it gets tricky: your cargo can overhang the sides. An excavator with tracks fully extended might be 10 or 11 feet wide. That overhang triggers permit requirements, route restrictions, and often escort vehicles.

So when someone asks “how wide is a lowboy trailer,” the follow-up question matters more: “How wide is your equipment, and how much overhang are we dealing with?”

Overwidth permits vary by state. Some allow 10′ width with self-issue permits. Others require pre-approved routes for anything over 10’6″. A few states limit weekend or night travel for overwidth loads.

That’s why working with an experienced heavy haul shipping company matters. They know which routes allow what dimensions and when.

Lowboy Height Considerations Beyond Deck Specs

Everyone fixates on lowboy trailer height at the deck level—those 18-24 inch specs.

But total height under bridges includes:

• Deck height
• Cargo height
• Any blocking or securing equipment
• Potentially a tarp (though most lowboys haul uncovered)

A lowboy with an 18-inch deck hauling a 10-foot bulldozer puts you at roughly 11’6″ total height. Most interstate bridges clear 14 feet minimum, so you’re safe.

But secondary routes, some underpasses, and certain state highways might have 12′ or 13′ clearances. That’s when 6 inches of deck height difference (18″ vs. 24″) determines whether you can take the direct route or need a 200-mile detour.

Height of lowboy trailer matters most when combined with your actual cargo dimensions. Always measure your equipment with whatever it’s sitting on (tracks fully down, buckets lowered, booms stowed) and add that to realistic deck height specs.

The Lowboy RGN Hybrid: Yes, It Exists

Here’s something that confuses people: some lowboy trailers have RGN capability.

A “lowboy RGN” is exactly what it sounds like—a double-drop trailer with a removable gooseneck. You get the extreme low deck height of a traditional lowboy plus the drive-on loading of an RGN.

These trailers typically cost more than either a standard lowboy or a basic RGN, but they offer maximum flexibility. You can haul the absolute tallest legal loads while still benefiting from easy self-loading.

If you’re regularly moving equipment that pushes height limits and needs drive-on capability, a lowboy RGN configuration might be worth the premium.

Making the Right Choice: What Actually Matters

You don’t need to memorize every specification difference between these trailer types. You need to know three things:

1. Your equipment dimensions (height, width, length, weight)
2. Loading conditions at pickup and delivery (crane available? equipment self-propelled?)
3. Route requirements (permits needed? bridge clearances? escort requirements?)

From there, a competent heavy haul shipping company should be able to tell you whether a lowboy, RGN, or specialized configuration makes the most sense.

Don’t let someone convince you that you “have to” use a specific trailer type without explaining why. If a company defaults to RGN for everything, they might be prioritizing their fleet inventory over your actual needs. Same if they push lowboys for everything.

The best approach: give them your equipment details and site conditions, then ask them to explain the trailer recommendation. If they can’t clearly articulate why one option makes more sense than another, find someone who can.

Quick Reference: Lowboy vs RGN Trailer Comparison

Feature	Lowboy Trailer	RGN Trailer
Deck Height	18-24 inches	18-24 inches (nearly ground-level when loading)
Width	102 inches (8.5 ft)	102 inches (8.5 ft)
Well Length	24-29.6 feet	29-53+ feet
Weight Capacity	40,000-80,000 lbs	42,000-150,000+ lbs
Gooseneck	Fixed	Removable/detachable
Loading Method	Rear loading (ramps/crane)	Front drive-on loading
Best For	Stationary equipment, budget-conscious hauls	Self-propelled machinery, heavy loads
Cost	Lower	Higher
Axle Configurations	2-4 axles typical	Can go 10-20+ axles
Common Uses	Construction gear, generators, steel components	Excavators, dozers, mining equipment, cranes

The Bottom Line

Lowboy and RGN trailers both solve the same fundamental problem: moving tall, heavy equipment legally and safely. They just do it in different ways.

Lowboys offer simplicity and lower cost when you have loading equipment available. RGNs provide drive-on convenience and higher weight capacity when you need it.

Neither one is universally “better.” The right choice depends entirely on what you’re hauling, where it’s going, and what equipment you have access to at both ends.

If you’re still unsure which trailer type fits your next heavy equipment move, talk to professionals who handle this daily. At Freedom Heavy Haul, we’ve matched thousands of loads to the right trailer configuration—and we’re happy to walk you through the specifics of your situation.

Because in the end, the “best” trailer is the one that gets your equipment delivered safely, legally, and without surprise costs halfway through the route.

FAQs: Lowboy vs RGN Trailers

1. What’s the main difference between a lowboy and RGN trailer?

The gooseneck. RGN trailers have a removable front section that detaches and lowers to the ground for drive-on loading. Lowboys have a fixed neck and require rear loading with ramps or a crane. Both sit low (18-24 inches), but RGNs make loading self-propelled equipment much easier.

2. Which is cheaper to rent: lowboy or RGN?

Lowboys typically cost less. RGNs run $200-400 more per haul due to their hydraulic systems and detachable gooseneck. But if you’d need crane rental at both ends for a lowboy ($500-1,500/day), the RGN often saves money overall.

3. Can an RGN trailer carry more weight than a lowboy?

Usually, yes. Standard lowboys max out around 40,000-80,000 pounds. RGNs scale higher with multi-axle configurations handling 100,000-150,000+ pounds. If your equipment pushes past 80,000 pounds, you’ll likely need an RGN.

4. How low does an RGN trailer sit when loading?

When the gooseneck detaches, the front of an RGN drops to just a few inches off the ground—sometimes as low as 6-8 inches. This creates a gradual ramp angle that lets excavators, dozers, and other tracked equipment drive straight on without steep inclines.

5. Do I need special permits for lowboy or RGN trailers?

The trailer itself doesn’t trigger permits—your cargo does. Both lowboys and RGNs are 102 inches wide (legal limit). Permits kick in when your equipment exceeds height (13’6″ in most states), width (8’6″), weight (80,000 lbs gross), or length limits. Oversized loads need route-specific permits regardless of trailer type.