Fast, reliable & cost effective Equipment Transport

Moving a 40-ton excavator isn’t like renting a U-Haul for your college dorm furniture. When you’re staring down at a piece of equipment that costs more than most houses, the trailer you choose matters more than you think.

I’ve watched construction managers scramble at the last minute, realizing their standard flatbed can’t handle the height clearance they need. I’ve seen project delays that cost thousands per day because someone picked the wrong trailer type. Here’s what actually works when you need to move heavy, oversized equipment without the headaches.

What Makes RGN Trailers Different (And Why You Should Care)

RGN stands for Removable Gooseneck, but the name doesn’t tell you much. Think of it like this: the front section detaches and becomes a ramp. Your equipment drives straight onto the deck instead of getting craned or winched up.

The real advantage? That detachable neck drops the deck height to around 18-24 inches off the ground. When you’re hauling a tall piece of machinery, those extra inches matter. They’re often the difference between needing special permits for height restrictions and driving straight through.

Here’s what sets RGN trailers apart:

The gooseneck unhooks completely, creating a ground-level ramp angle that heavy equipment can climb under its own power. No need for ramps, cranes, or crossing your fingers that your dozer doesn’t tip during loading.

The deck sits lower than standard lowboy trailers. You get more vertical clearance for tall loads while staying within legal height limits. This means fewer permit headaches and route restrictions.

Most RGN configurations use a multi-axle design with spread axles. Translation: better weight distribution, more stability on highways, and the ability to legally haul heavier loads without special permits.

The well deck (the lowered center section) typically measures 29 feet, but extends up to 53 feet depending on configuration. You’re not forcing oversized equipment into undersized spaces.

Quick Comparison: RGN vs Standard Lowboy

Feature	RGN Trailer	Standard Lowboy
Deck Height	18-24 inches	24-30 inches
Loading Method	Detachable neck/self-loading	Ramps or crane required
Typical Weight Capacity	40,000-150,000 lbs	40,000-80,000 lbs
Ideal For	Tall, heavy equipment	General oversized loads
Average Daily Rental	$450-$900	$300-$600
Permit Complexity	Lower (height clearance)	Higher (more restrictions)

Why Renting Beats Buying (Even If You Move Equipment Regularly)

A new RGN trailer runs $80,000 to $150,000. That’s before maintenance, insurance, storage, and the fact that it sits unused 60% of the year for most companies.

Renting makes sense for reasons beyond just avoiding that upfront cost:

You match the trailer to the job, not the other way around. One month you’re moving a 30-foot excavator. Next month it’s a 50-foot crane boom. Owning one trailer means compromising on every other load. Renting means you pick exactly what fits.

Someone else handles maintenance and compliance. State DOT inspections, brake system checks, tire replacements, and the mountain of paperwork that comes with commercial trailer ownership? Not your problem when you rent. The rental company keeps equipment road-legal and inspection-ready.

Your capital stays liquid. That $100,000 not tied up in a trailer can go toward another excavator, more jobs, or simply staying in your operating budget for when clients pay late (because they always do).

Seasonal flexibility without dead weight. Construction slows in winter across most of the country. Why pay insurance and storage on equipment gathering dust? Rent during busy season, scale back when work slows.

The math gets simple: if you’re not using an RGN trailer 200+ days per year, renting costs less. Even companies that haul regularly often maintain one owned trailer and rent additional capacity as needed.

Matching Your Load to the Right RGN Configuration

Not all RGN trailers handle loads the same way. The difference between a standard RGN and a double-drop can mean whether your load makes it under bridges or gets stuck halfway to the jobsite.

Standard RGN (2-axle or 3-axle): Your basic workhorse for equipment up to 50,000 pounds. Works for most excavators, small bulldozers, and standard construction machinery. The 29-foot well deck handles typical equipment lengths without special permits.

Stretch RGN (extendable): The deck telescopes from 29 feet to 53 feet. When you’re hauling longer equipment like boom trucks, pile drivers, or extended excavator configurations, this prevents rear overhang issues. Keeps you legal on length restrictions that vary by state.

Multi-axle RGN (4-axle and up): Built for serious weight. These configurations spread loads across additional axles, allowing legal transport of equipment exceeding 80,000 pounds. Think industrial generators, large mining equipment, or military vehicles.

Double-drop RGN: Combines the removable gooseneck with an even lower deck height (sometimes under 18 inches). Reserved for extremely tall loads that absolutely cannot exceed height restrictions. The tradeoff is reduced weight capacity and higher rental costs.

Most heavy equipment falls into the 40,000-60,000 pound range. A standard 3-axle RGN handles this comfortably. Going bigger than necessary just costs more money without added benefit. Going smaller creates safety issues and legal problems.

Finding RGN Rental Near You (And What Actually Matters)

Searching “rgn trailer rental near me” pulls up dozens of options. Here’s what separates the companies that deliver from those that leave you stranded:

Fleet size and variety matter more than location. A rental company 100 miles away with 50 trailers beats the local shop with three units that might be booked when you need them. Ask about fleet size before anything else.

Maintenance records should be available on request. Legitimate operations track every inspection, repair, and compliance check. If they hesitate to show maintenance logs, their equipment probably doesn’t meet DOT standards.

Insurance requirements vary wildly. Some providers include basic coverage in rental rates. Others require you to carry commercial trailer insurance or pay steep daily coverage fees. Get this clarified in writing before booking.

Delivery and pickup logistics can kill your budget. Rental rates look great until you realize delivery costs $500 each way. Some companies include local delivery free, others charge by the mile. Factor this into your total cost comparison.

Customer support during transport matters. Equipment breakdowns happen. Blowouts, brake failures, electrical issues. The question is whether your rental company answers their phone at 6 PM on a Saturday when you’re broken down in rural Nevada.

Check reviews specifically mentioning equipment condition and emergency support. Generic five-star ratings don’t tell you if trailers show up roadworthy or if someone answers when things go wrong.

For comprehensive Heavy Haul Truck Service that includes both equipment and experienced drivers, look for companies offering full-service transport rather than bare trailer rental.

Planning Your Heavy Haul (The Parts Nobody Mentions Until It’s Too Late)

Route planning decides whether your transport goes smoothly or turns into an expensive disaster. This isn’t about punching an address into Google Maps.

Bridge clearances and weight ratings: Every bridge has height and weight limits. Your route needs checking against both your loaded height and gross vehicle weight. State DOT websites list restrictions, but they’re not always updated. Call ahead for major bridges along your route.

Road width and turn radius: RGN trailers with long equipment need wide turning radius. Some rural routes, downtown areas, and older highways can’t accommodate 70+ foot combinations. Scouting the route beforehand prevents expensive backtracking.

Time restrictions: Many states prohibit oversized loads during rush hours, weekends, or holidays. Others ban them entirely from certain highways. These rules vary by state, sometimes by county. What’s legal in Wyoming might get you pulled over in Colorado.

Permit requirements hit faster than expected: Anything exceeding 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet high, or 80,000 pounds gross typically needs permits. Some states require permits for loads over 75,000 pounds. Processing times range from same-day to two weeks depending on the state and load specifications.

Escort vehicle requirements: Oversize loads often legally require pilot cars. Width over 12 feet usually needs one escort. Over 14 feet might need two. Some states mandate escorts for height as well. Budget $150-300 per escort vehicle per day.

The rental company should help with permit applications, but final compliance responsibility falls on you. State troopers don’t care that your rental company said it was fine. They’ll cite the driver and impound the load.

Choosing the right specialized trailer depends on your load’s details. For more on tractor transport, check out this resource.

Real-World Pricing (Beyond the Daily Rate)

That advertised RGN rental rate rarely reflects what you actually pay. Here’s where the hidden costs appear:

Base daily rental: $450-$900 depending on trailer type and capacity. Standard 3-axle RGN trailers typically run $500-$650 per day. Specialized or high-capacity units cost more.

Mileage charges: Some companies include unlimited miles. Others charge $1-$3 per mile after 100-200 miles. On long hauls, mileage fees can exceed the daily rental rate.

Delivery and pickup fees: $200-$800 depending on distance. Some companies waive this for weekly rentals or include a local delivery radius (usually 50 miles).

Insurance or damage waiver: $50-$150 per day if you don’t carry commercial trailer insurance. Read the terms carefully. Some waivers still hold you liable for tire damage, which gets expensive fast.

Cleaning and inspection fees: Return the trailer caked in mud or with hydraulic fluid leaks and expect $100-$300 cleaning charges. Some companies charge regardless to inspect for damage.

Permit processing fees: If the rental company handles permits, they typically charge $100-$300 per state on top of actual permit costs.

After-hours pickup/return: Need the trailer at 6 AM Sunday? That convenience might cost $100-$200 extra.

Weekly rentals usually offer better per-day rates than daily. Monthly rates drop further. If your project timeline allows flexibility, booking for a full week even if you only need five days can cost less than the daily rate times five.

Any extra features or services needed can also change the price. For example, if you need special equipment or extra safety, it will cost more. For more on trailer types and sizes, see this guide.

The Rental Process (What Actually Happens)

Booking an RGN trailer rental involves more than filling out a web form. Here’s the realistic timeline:

Step 1: Initial inquiry (same day): Contact rental companies with your equipment specs, dimensions, weight, pickup location, delivery location, and dates needed. The more details you provide upfront, the faster you get accurate quotes.

Step 2: Quote and availability (24-48 hours): Companies check fleet availability and provide detailed quotes. This includes trailer specifications, rental terms, delivery logistics, and total costs. Get everything in writing. Verbal quotes don’t help when disputes arise.

Step 3: Documentation (1-3 days): You’ll need commercial insurance certificates, business licenses, driver’s license information, and payment details. Companies verify insurance coverage meets their requirements (typically $1 million minimum liability).

Step 4: Booking confirmation (same day after paperwork): Once documentation clears, you receive booking confirmation with pickup details, equipment specifications, and rental agreement terms. Read the damage liability section carefully. You’re responsible for damage during your rental period.

Step 5: Equipment inspection (at pickup): Walk around the trailer with the rental company representative. Document existing damage with photos. Check lights, brakes, tires, deck condition, and safety chains. Don’t skip this step. It’s your only protection against being charged for pre-existing damage.

Step 6: Return inspection: Same process in reverse. The company inspects for new damage, unusual wear, or cleanliness issues. Be present for this inspection to dispute questionable damage claims immediately.

Most rental companies require 48-72 hours notice for standard equipment. Specialized trailers or high-demand periods might need a week or more. Last-minute rentals cost more and limit options.

Regional Availability: Where Finding RGN Rentals Gets Harder

RGN trailer availability clusters around industrial centers and major construction markets. Your location significantly affects both availability and cost.

High availability regions: Texas, California, Florida, and the industrial Midwest (Ohio, Illinois, Indiana) maintain large rental fleets. Competition keeps prices reasonable and equipment options diverse. You’ll find multiple providers with various RGN configurations.

Moderate availability regions: Most other states have adequate options but fewer providers. Expect longer booking windows and potentially higher delivery fees if you’re outside major metro areas.

Limited availability regions: Rural areas, particularly in mountain states and the upper Great Plains, have sparse rental options. You might need equipment delivered from 200+ miles away, adding significant costs and logistics complexity.

Seasonal demand swings availability dramatically. Spring and summer construction seasons create shortages in active markets. Book weeks in advance during peak season. Winter availability opens up, sometimes with discounted rates.

RGN Rental Availability by Region

Region	Provider Density	Average Delivery Range	Peak Season Challenges
Gulf Coast (TX, LA)	High	50-100 miles	Hurricane season impacts
West Coast	High	75-150 miles	Fire season restrictions
Midwest Industrial	Medium-High	100-200 miles	Winter weather delays
Southeast	Medium	100-250 miles	Summer demand spikes
Mountain West	Low	200-400 miles	Limited year-round options
Northeast Corridor	Medium	75-150 miles	Traffic and permitting delays

If you’re in a limited market, establish relationships with rental companies before you need equipment. Last-minute rental searches in rural Wyoming won’t go well.

Lowboy vs RGN: When the Cheaper Option Actually Costs More

Lowboy trailers rent for less than RGN trailers. Daily rates run $300-$600 versus $500-$900 for comparable RGNs. That price difference tempts companies to save money on the trailer rental.

Here’s when that backfires:

Your equipment can’t climb a ramp. Lowboys require ramps or crane loading. If your machinery doesn’t have working hydraulics or you’re at a site without crane access, you’re stuck. RGN trailers load themselves.

Height restrictions kill your route. That extra 6-8 inches of deck height might seem minor until you’re taking 50-mile detours to avoid low bridges. The time and fuel costs quickly exceed the savings from the cheaper trailer rental.

Loading time matters. RGN trailers load in minutes once positioned. Lowboy trailers require setup, ramp positioning, and more careful maneuvering. On jobs where time costs money, faster loading pays for the rental difference.

Your equipment has ground clearance issues. Low-slung equipment with minimal ground clearance can’t negotiate the angle on lowboy ramps. RGNs solve this with their detachable neck creating a gentler approach angle.

Lowboy trailers work great for many applications. But when you need an RGN, trying to make a lowboy work creates more problems than the cost savings justify. Match the tool to the job, not your budget to the cheapest option.

Heavy Equipment Categories: What Fits Where

Different equipment types have different hauling requirements. Here’s what typically loads on RGN trailers:

Construction equipment (most common): Excavators up to 60,000 pounds, bulldozers, backhoes, track loaders, motor graders, and wheel loaders. Standard RGN trailers handle these without special configurations.

Industrial and manufacturing: Large generators, transformers, industrial compressors, and manufacturing equipment. Often requires multi-axle RGN configurations for weight capacity.

Agricultural equipment: Large combines, cotton pickers, and specialized harvesters that exceed road-legal dimensions for self-transport.

Military vehicles and equipment: Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other military hardware frequently moves on heavy-duty RGN trailers.

Specialty and oddball loads: Anything oversized that doesn’t fit standard categories. Retired aircraft, large sculptures, custom industrial equipment.

Most rental companies specialize in construction equipment transport. If you’re hauling something unusual, confirm the rental company has experience with similar loads. Military equipment and specialty industrial loads require different tie-down and securement knowledge than standard construction machinery.

Compliance Isn’t Optional (And Ignorance Isn’t a Defense)

State troopers pull over commercial vehicles. When they do, your trailer better meet every legal requirement. Here’s what they check:

Permit validity: Your oversize/overweight permit must match your actual load dimensions and weight. Running with an inaccurate permit gets treated the same as running without one.

Lighting and marking: Oversized load signs, amber beacons, flags, and reflectors must meet state requirements. These vary by jurisdiction but aren’t optional.

Brake functionality: Trailer brakes must work independently and in coordination with the towing vehicle. Annual inspections verify this, but roadside checks happen randomly.

Tire condition and rating: Every tire must be rated for the weight it carries and show no damage or excessive wear. One bad tire can shut down your transport.

Securement and load distribution: Your equipment must be properly chained, secured with binders, and positioned to maintain legal axle weights. Improper securement citations come with heavy fines.

Hours of service compliance: Commercial drivers must maintain logbooks and comply with federal hours-of-service regulations. This applies even if you’re not a traditional trucking company.

Non-compliance penalties start at several hundred dollars per violation. Serious violations can impound your load, suspend commercial driving privileges, or trigger legal liability if something goes wrong. One accident with an improperly permitted load can expose your company to massive liability claims.

The rental company should provide compliant equipment, but legal responsibility for permits, proper loading, and transport compliance falls on you. Don’t assume anything is handled unless explicitly stated in your rental agreement.

Choosing the right rental service is all about matching your needs. Consider safety and insurance too. For more on finding the right transport solutions, check out this resource: understanding heavy hauling companies.

Making RGN Rental Work for Your Operation

Heavy equipment moves when you need it moved, not when it’s convenient. RGN trailer rental gives you the capacity to handle those moves without the overhead of ownership.

The key is matching the specific trailer configuration to your actual load requirements, not renting the biggest trailer available just in case. Know your equipment weight, dimensions, and transport route before you call rental companies. That information determines which trailer works and what permits you need.

Budget realistically. The daily rental rate is one piece. Add delivery, insurance, permits, and potential escort vehicles to get actual costs. Companies that seem cheaper often hide fees in the fine print.

Build relationships with reliable rental providers before you’re desperate. The middle of a project with equipment sitting idle isn’t when you want to be comparing unknown companies. Know who delivers quality equipment and answers their phone when problems arise.

Heavy load transport isn’t complicated, but it’s unforgiving of mistakes. The right trailer rental and proper planning prevent those mistakes from becoming expensive lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions About RGN Trailer Rentals

How much does it cost to rent an RGN trailer?

Daily rates typically run $450-$900 depending on the trailer’s capacity and configuration. Standard 3-axle RGN trailers average $500-$650 per day. Weekly and monthly rentals offer better per-day pricing. Factor in delivery fees ($200-$800), insurance ($50-$150/day if needed), and any mileage charges beyond included limits.

What’s the difference between an RGN trailer and a lowboy trailer?

RGN trailers have a detachable gooseneck that creates a ground-level loading ramp, while lowboys require separate ramps or cranes. RGNs sit 18-24 inches off the ground versus 24-30 inches for lowboys, giving you more height clearance for tall equipment. If your machinery can drive itself on and off, RGNs make loading faster and easier.

Do I need special permits to haul on an RGN trailer?

Most likely, yes. Anything exceeding 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet high, or 80,000 pounds gross weight requires oversize/overweight permits. Requirements vary by state and sometimes by route. Processing times range from same-day to two weeks. Many rental companies help with permit applications but you’re ultimately responsible for compliance.

Can I rent an RGN trailer without a CDL driver?

You need a valid CDL to operate any combination vehicle over 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. Since RGN trailers with heavy equipment easily exceed this, a CDL is required. Some rental companies offer full-service transport with their own CDL drivers, which costs more but handles the driving for you.

How far in advance should I book an RGN trailer rental?

Plan for 48-72 hours minimum for standard equipment during normal periods. Peak construction season (spring and summer) often requires 1-2 weeks advance booking. Specialized high-capacity trailers or rural delivery locations need even more lead time. Last-minute availability exists but expect limited options and higher prices.