Moving a heavy object or piece of equipment from one construction site or fabrication facility to another involves transporting the object in some manner, whether it be human strength, animal power or, in most instances, trailers.
There are as many trailers available as there are jobs that need items hauled. Finding the right trailer to fit the need is imperative.
Here are some of trailers you may use on your next project:
Flatbed
This versatile trailer is among the most common trailer used and is exactly as it sounds — they are open, flat beds that provide varied options for attaching walls and specific tarp systems. Flatbeds are beneficial because your crew can load from any side of the trailer.
RGN (Removable Gooseneck)
An RGN is also known as a “lowboy” or “double drop deck.” This trailer is most commonly used for moving heavy equipment. This type of trailer features a detachable deck that allows the front of the trailer to become a ramp. The RGN often transports oversized loads typically up to 150,000 pounds, because its various configurations allow it to accommodate large loads.
Step Deck
It's also known as a “drop deck” that is very much like a flatbed trailer. The main use of this trailer is the ability to carry freight that is above the legal height limit. Another feature of the step deck trailer is a ramp that allows equipment to be driven on and off the trailer.
Stretch Trailer
The flatbed stretch and the RGN stretch trailers allow extra-long loads to be transported, such as lumber, beams, pipes or any other freight too long for a standard flatbed.
Double Drop Trailer
This trailer features an upper deck in the front and a deck in the rear. The middle of the trailer is known as the well. This allows the deck to be extremely low, allowing for transport of legal loads up to 12 feet tall. These trailers are often used to haul heavy equipment.
Specialized Trailers
This type of trailer is designed for specific equipment or loads that are above standard weight, height or other requirements.
Side Kit Flatbed
A side kit is a flatbed with removable sides. This type of trailer is often used in the steel industry and other industries where cranes are needed for loading and offloading.
Another consideration when discussing trailers is axle type. There are seven major types of trailer axles designated numerically (5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 and 19). Special axles exist for custom equipment and highly diversified hauling companies. Each axle category is separated by how many sets of wheels are attached to the engine and trailer together. In general, the higher your axle count, the more the truck can transport. Fewer trailer configurations are available when using more axles and more engine power is required.
With so many options and features available, choosing the right equipment can seem a daunting task. Manufacturers and dealers are more than ready to play matchmaker. It’s just a matter of knowing what you need to get the job done.
Sherry Cisneros is in truck sales for Kenworth Sales Co. in Salt Lake City. She specializes in Fontaine trailers and medium-duty trucks.