RGN Trailer Transport — Removable Gooseneck Heavy Haul

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RGN Trailer Transport — Drive-On Heavy Equipment Hauling Made Simple

An RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailer is the most versatile and efficient way to transport self-propelled heavy equipment. The gooseneck detaches from the trailer, creating a ramp from deck to ground — excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, and tracked equipment drive directly on without crane assistance. Freedom Heavy Haul operates RGN trailers in standard, stretch, and multi-axle configurations for loads ranging from 20,000 to 150,000+ lbs across all 48 states.

What Is an RGN Trailer?

RGN stands for Removable Gooseneck. The gooseneck (the front portion that connects to the truck’s fifth wheel) can be hydraulically detached and lowered to the ground. This creates a natural loading ramp — self-propelled equipment simply drives up the ramp and onto the deck. When loaded, the gooseneck reattaches and the trailer is secured for transport. The low deck height (18–24 inches) allows tall equipment to move within legal height limits.

RGN vs. Fixed Neck Lowboy

  • RGN: Drive-on/drive-off loading. No crane required. Faster loading time. Best for tracked or wheeled self-propelled equipment. Slightly higher cost than fixed-neck.
  • Fixed Neck Lowboy: Lower cost. Requires crane or forklift for loading. Better for non-self-propelled equipment or when cranes are already on-site.

RGN Trailer Specifications

  • Deck height: 18–22 inches loaded
  • Standard capacity: 42,000–80,000 lbs
  • Deck length: Standard 29 ft main deck; stretch to 53 ft available
  • Width: Standard 8.5 ft (wider loads require permits)
  • Loading ramp angle: Typically 7–12 degrees when gooseneck detached
  • Multi-axle options: 3-axle through 13-axle configurations

Equipment Best Suited for RGN Transport

Tracked Construction Equipment

  • Excavators (all size classes)
  • Bulldozers (D3 through D11)
  • Crawler Cranes
  • Trenchers and Directional Drills
  • Pipelayers
  • Compact Track Loaders

Wheeled Equipment

  • Motor Graders
  • Wheel Loaders
  • Rubber-tired Cranes
  • Telehandlers and Forklifts
  • Agricultural Tractors and Combines

Large Fixed Equipment

  • Industrial generators and transformers (crane-loaded)
  • Mining haul trucks
  • Military vehicles

RGN Weight and Height Thresholds

The RGN’s low deck height is its primary advantage. Here’s how it affects your load:

  • A 12-foot-tall excavator on an RGN with 20-inch deck = 13.7-foot transport height (may need height permit depending on state)
  • The same excavator on a flatbed with 52-inch deck = 15.3-foot transport height (requires permits in all states)
  • Most equipment transports legally or near-legally on an RGN vs. requiring extensive permits on a standard trailer

This is why RGN trailers are the default choice for most tracked equipment — they minimize permit complexity and cost.

Permits for RGN Trailer Transport

Whether you need permits depends on your load’s dimensions after it’s loaded on the trailer:

  • Under 8.5 ft wide, under 13.5 ft tall, under 80,000 lbs GVW: No oversize permit required in most states
  • Over any threshold: Oversize/overweight permit required per state
  • Over 12 ft wide: Escort vehicle required in most states
  • Over 150,000 lbs: Super load permit with engineering route survey

Freedom Heavy Haul handles all permit applications, route surveys, and escort coordination — included in your transport quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About RGN Trailers

What does RGN stand for?

RGN stands for Removable Gooseneck. It refers to the trailer design where the front gooseneck section can be hydraulically detached to create a loading ramp.

What is the weight limit for an RGN trailer?

Standard RGN trailers handle up to 42,000–80,000 lbs depending on axle configuration. Multi-axle stretch RGN configurations can handle 120,000+ lbs. Weight capacity is also limited by road and bridge limits on your specific route.

Does my excavator need a crane to load onto an RGN?

No — that’s the main advantage of an RGN. The gooseneck detaches and creates a drive-on ramp. Your excavator or tracked equipment drives directly onto the deck under its own power. No crane, no rigging, no extra cost.

What is a stretch RGN?

A stretch RGN has an extendable main deck, typically from 29 feet up to 53 feet. Stretch RGNs are used for unusually long equipment like large cranes, extended-boom machines, or multiple pieces of equipment on a single trailer.

How is an RGN different from a lowboy?

An RGN is a type of lowboy — specifically one with a detachable gooseneck for drive-on loading. “Lowboy” is the broader category; RGN describes the loading mechanism. Fixed-neck lowboys share the same low deck height but require crane loading.

Can you transport multiple pieces of equipment on one RGN?

Sometimes yes, depending on total weight and individual piece dimensions. A common combination is a compact track loader loaded in front of a small excavator, if combined weight and deck space allow. We’ll advise on feasibility during the quoting process.

How do I get an RGN transport quote?

Call (866) 305-6018 or use the quote form. Have your equipment’s make/model, dimensions, and weight ready, plus pickup and delivery addresses. We respond with a firm quote within 2 hours.

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