Double Drop Trailer Transport: Specs, Capacity & Tall Load Guide

The double drop trailer (also called a double drop lowboy or stretch RGN) combines the ultra-low main deck of a lowboy with extended reach capability for exceptionally long or tall loads. With a main deck sitting as low as 18 inches off the ground and the ability to stretch to 65+ feet for oversized cargo like wind turbine blades, the double drop is a specialized but essential tool for the most demanding heavy haul moves. Freedom Heavy Haul operates double drop trailers in all 48 contiguous states.

Specifications & Dimensions

Double drop trailers feature three deck levels: a front ramp section, an ultra-low main deck (the ‘well’), and a rear ramp section:

  • Main deck (well) height: 18–24 inches from ground
  • Well length: 20–30 feet (standard); stretch models extend to 65+ feet
  • Total trailer length: 48–65+ feet (stretch configurations available)
  • Width: 8.5 feet standard; oversized configurations available
  • Capacity: 40,000–80,000 lbs standard well; stretch models vary by axle configuration
  • Legal load height (in well): Up to 11’6″–12’0″ depending on state and well depth

The stretch capability is the double drop’s key differentiator. By extending hydraulic rails between the front and rear frame sections, a stretch RGN can accommodate loads up to 120+ feet long — essential for wind turbine blades, long structural members, and industrial equipment that exceeds standard trailer lengths.

What Equipment Can Be Transported?

Double drop trailers handle cargo that is either extremely tall, extremely long, or both:

  • Wind turbine blades: 150–300 feet long; requires stretch double drop or specialized blade trailer
  • Transformers: Large power transformers with extreme height and weight
  • Pressure vessels: Long cylindrical vessels for oil & gas and chemical plants
  • Bridge beams and structural steel: Long spans that exceed standard trailer lengths
  • Industrial machinery: Long presses, rolling mills, paper/printing equipment
  • Mining equipment: Extra-tall machinery that doesn’t fit on standard lowboys
  • Military equipment: Specialty vehicles and long weapon systems

When to Choose This Trailer vs. Other Options

Choose a double drop over a standard lowboy when:

  • Load is longer than 53 feet — stretch double drop configurations extend the well to accommodate
  • Load height in a lowboy well is still too tall — double drops can achieve a slightly lower well profile
  • Wind turbine blade or similar aerodynamic component requires the extended length + low profile combination

Standard lowboys are preferred for shorter, heavy equipment moves where the stretch capability isn’t needed. Double drops are specialized trailers with higher day rates — use them when the load genuinely requires the length or extreme height clearance they provide.

Permits & Regulations

Double drop loads almost universally require permits. The combination of extreme dimensions — whether exceptionally long, tall, or wide — places virtually all double drop moves in permit territory:

  • Length permits required when load + trailer exceeds state limits (typically 75–85 feet total)
  • Width permits required when load exceeds 8’6″
  • Height permits required when load + deck exceeds 13’6″ total
  • Weight permits based on axle loading

Wind turbine blade moves in particular require extensive advance planning, state-by-state routing, and often specialized escort vehicles with height-detecting booms. Freedom Heavy Haul has extensive experience with wind energy transport permitting across all major wind corridors in the US.

Transport Rates & Cost Factors

Double drop trailer rates reflect the specialized nature of the equipment and the permit complexity of the loads they carry. Wind turbine blade moves and other stretch configurations are typically among the most expensive heavy haul moves per mile. Key cost drivers:

  • Number of states and permits (stretch moves often cross multiple states)
  • Route surveys (virtually always required for blade and super-long moves)
  • Escort vehicle complexity (blade trailers require specialized height-pole escorts)
  • Travel time restrictions (many long-load moves are limited to daylight or off-peak hours)

Call (866) 305-6018 for a free quote — double drop moves require custom routing and pricing that varies significantly by load and route.

Get a Free Transport Quote

Ready to move your load? Call Freedom Heavy Haul at (866) 305-6018 for a free quote, or submit your load details online. We serve all 48 contiguous states with in-house permit handling, route surveys, and 24/7 dispatch. Tell us your load dimensions, weight, origin, and destination — we’ll respond quickly with the right trailer recommendation and a competitive rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a double drop trailer?

A double drop trailer (also called a double drop lowboy or stretch RGN) has three deck sections: a front ramp at standard height, an ultra-low main deck (‘well’) sitting 18-24 inches off the ground, and a rear ramp section. The well provides maximum height clearance for tall loads, and stretch models can extend the well section to 65+ feet for long cargo like wind turbine blades.

What is the difference between a double drop and a lowboy trailer?

Both have very low main decks, but double drops are optimized for long cargo with their extendable well section, while lowboys are typically fixed-length and better suited for shorter, very heavy equipment. A standard lowboy deck is 24-53 feet; a stretch double drop can reach 65+ feet. Double drops are the go-to choice for wind turbine blades, long pressure vessels, and extended structural members.

Can a double drop trailer carry wind turbine blades?

Yes — stretch double drop trailers and specialized blade trailers are the primary transport method for wind turbine blades, which typically run 150-280 feet in length on modern turbines. The stretch RGN’s extendable well accommodates the blade’s length, while the low deck provides the necessary height clearance. Blade moves require specialized routing, piloting, and often a steerable rear axle to navigate curves.

How much weight can a double drop trailer handle?

Standard double drop trailers handle 40,000–80,000 lbs in the well section, similar to a lowboy. Stretch configurations vary by axle arrangement. For very heavy long loads (transformers, pressure vessels), multi-axle configurations are available that increase weight capacity substantially. Call (866) 305-6018 to discuss your specific load.

How do I get a free double drop transport quote?

Call Freedom Heavy Haul at (866) 305-6018 or request online. For long or complex loads, have your load dimensions (length, width, height, weight) and origin/destination ready. We’ll assess whether a standard or stretch double drop is needed, identify permit requirements, and provide a free transport plan and rate.

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