Everything You Need to Know about RGN Trailer Transport

Removable gooseneck trailers (RGN) were first introduced to the transport industry in the late 50s. Invented in 1958, the RGN shipping method was created to meet the demand for an easier way of transporting tall and/or over length shipments. Today, RGN trailer haulage is incredibly common and most often used to carry a variety of drive-able machinery.

Specs and Dimensions of RGN Trailers

When you understand the specifications and dimensions of RGN trailers, you can maximize their usefulness in transporting heavy machinery. Typically, an RGN trailer can range from 20 to 65 feet in length. The width is generally around 8.5 feet to meet standard road regulations, but there are wider options available to handle larger loads. 

The height of the deck from the ground can be as low as 18 inches, which is a key feature of this trailer type that allows them to transport taller items without going over height restrictions on roads. 

Another key feature of RGN trailers is their weight capacity. Depending on the number of axles, an RGN trailer can carry loads ranging from 42,000 pounds up to 150,000 pounds or more. The flexibility in both length and weight capacity is a large part of what makes these trailers ideal for different heavy and oversized equipment. 

What is RGN Trailer Shipping Most Suitable For?

Many types of machinery are driveable but not suitably rated for highway driving. Specialized mining equipment, agricultural and farm machinery, off-road trucks, and lots of construction equipment can all utilize RGN trailer transport. Whether it’s a vehicle that uses a track, such as a drill, mining shovel, or dozer, or it’s a wheel loader or wheel excavator, RGN transport can effectively transport it safely.

RGN trailer transport equipment can often ship the following machinery:
– Articulated Trucks
– Backhoes
– Buses Cranes
– Combine Harvesters
– Excavators
– Heavy Machinery
– Longwall Mining Machinery
– Pavers
– Pipelayers
– Boats
– Tractors
– Off-Highway Trucks
– Wheel Loaders

What Makes RGN Shipping Different?

RGN shipping equipment consists of three main elements: a gooseneck that connects the trailer to the truck cab, a drop deck, and a step back up over the rear axles of the trailer. The well created by the drop deck allows for taller equipment to meet the rules and regulations associated with heavy equipment transport, as it holds machinery lower to the ground so that they don’t exceed maximum height restrictions.

In addition to providing an extra foot of clearance space, RGN transport also includes an extended trailer option, in which the drop-deck area can be extended to 61ft, increasing the maximum length of the RGN to 74ft. This provides a much larger usable space if you’re looking to transport oversized equipment using RGN haulage options.

The main difference between a removable gooseneck trailer and many other trailers is, as the name suggests, the fact that the front gooseneck mechanism can be easily detached. This detachable component enables front-loading, where haulers can drive equipment such as forklifts and other machinery directly onto the trailer. Once the gooseneck is removed, the trailer can be lowered to ground level.

Another important distinction with RGN and extended RGNs is their ability to be configured to take advantage of multiple axles. Standard configurations can include two to four support axles, but more can be added for extended heavy loads.

Safety Features and Considerations in RGN Transport

When transporting heavy and oversized equipment, safety is paramount. RGN trailers offer several key safety features that make them a reliable choice for all of your heavy equipment transportation needs. Here’s an overview of some of the mechanisms integrated into RGN trailers that can increase safety and efficiency. 

• Secure Tie-Down Points: These trailers are equipped with numerous tie-down points so that you can securely fasten your cargo. This is an essential step in preventing any movement of the machinery during transport, which could lead to unbalanced loads or, worse, accidents. The strategic placement of these points is meant to accommodate a wide variety of machinery, keeping each piece as immovable as possible once secured.
• Advanced Braking Systems: Given the significant weight they often carry, RGN trailers are fitted with advanced braking systems to make sure the driver has full control over the vehicle at all times. These systems are typically more involved that those found on standard trailers since they are so important for preventing accidents—especially in downhill or stop-and-go traffic.
• Low Deck Height: While the unique design of RGN trailers makes it easier to load and unload, it also lowers the center of gravity of the cargo. A lower center of gravity increases stability during hauling, which reduces the risk of overturning under normal and abrupt driving conditions.

Differences Between Lowboy and RGN Trailers

In addition to the RGN trailer, the lowboy is often used to transport heavy machinery. However, while both can effectively haul large loads, there are a few distinct differences in the design and functionality of each that make them more appropriate for different needs.

The most notable difference is the detachable gooseneck that gives RGN trailers their name. It allows the trailer’s front to be lowered to the ground, creating a ramp for equipment to be driven on and off. Lowboy trailers, while similar in appearance, typically do not offer this feature and instead require cranes or other loading equipment.

Due to the detachable front, RGN trailers provide easier loading and unloading capabilities, especially for heavy machinery that can operate under its own power. Lowboy trailers, on the other hand, often require additional equipment and handling to load and unload—which can increase time and cost.

RGN trailers offer greater versatility in the types of equipment they can carry. Their ability to become essentially flat to the ground allows for taller items to be transported more easily than with lowboy trailers.

Ultimately, both trailers may be suitable for heavy loads, but RGN trailers are particularly useful for extremely heavy or tall equipment. In contrast, lowboys are often used when height is less of a concern, but length and weight are still significant factors.   

Essential Advantages of RGN Trailer Haulage

RGN equipment towing can allow project managers to coordinate the transport of oversize equipment with ease safely. RGN trailers can haul longer and taller gear, sometimes without requiring additional height permits or other shipping constraints, reducing the time it takes to undertake RGN transport shipping projects effectively.

RGN trailers are incredibly versatile and capable of transporting oversize, heavy equipment without compromising the trailer’s integrity. These transport trailers have multiple axles to help evenly distribute the weight of your cargo. Two, three, or four-axle configurations enable greater flexibility when trying to tow oversize equipment using RGN shipping methods, and they provide more stability than other types of trailers.

One of the most useful advantages of towing equipment using an RGN is that it is possible to drive most equipment directly onto the trailer. It offsets the need for additional loading equipment and makes loading and unloading equipment much more manageable, saving time and energy when it comes to essential, urgent transport projects.
Multiple vehicles can be loaded onto the same RGN transport trailer, making them suitable for a variety of industries, particularly construction and automotive sectors. Numerous cars can quickly be shipped from one dealership to the next, and it’s also possible to tow construction Heavy Hauling Transport machinery to the next job site in fewer shipments.

The RGN trailer serves as an important tool in the transport industry due to its unmatched efficiency and versatility in handling heavy and oversized loads. Its unique design features, combined with advanced safety mechanisms, make it an indispensable asset for companies that need to move large machinery.

Whether it’s for construction, mining, or agricultural purposes, the RGN trailer provides a reliable and safe solution, streamlining logistics operations and minimizing the potential for delays and accidents. Embracing the capabilities of RGN trailers not only enhances project efficiency but also significantly contributes to safer and more effective transport processes across various industries. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does RGN trailer stand for? RGN stands for Removable Gooseneck Trailer. This type of trailer features a gooseneck that can be detached from the main deck, allowing the trailer to be lowered to ground level for easy loading and unloading of heavy machinery.
• How much weight can an RGN trailer carry? An RGN trailer can typically carry between 42,000 to over 150,000 pounds, depending on the number of axles and the specific design of the trailer. This capacity makes it suitable for transporting both heavy and oversized equipment.
• Can RGN trailers transport multiple types of machinery at once? Yes, RGN trailers can transport multiple types of machinery simultaneously, depending on the size and weight of each piece. Their versatile design and large loading space make them ideal for carrying various equipment in a single trip.
• Are special permits required for RGN trailer transport? Special permits may be required for RGN trailer transport if the load exceeds standard legal dimensions or weight limits. Permit requirements vary by state and the specifics of the load, such as height, width, and total weight. However, the low profile of the trailer means it can haul tall objects often without the need for additional permits.

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