Common Flatbed Trailers You Should Know About

Common Flatbed Trailers

Common Flatbed Trailers

Whether you’re buying, renting, or leasing your flatbed trailer, it’s helpful to know about the different types of flatbed trailers before you make your final decision. In this article, we’ll go over the most common types of flatbed trailers, including the purpose and components of each model.

1) Step Deck Trailers

Although its name suggests otherwise, step deck trailers do not feature a step passengers can climb up to reach cargo. As explained by the experts at Hale Trailer, these trailers have two separate decks and an opening. Also, their horizontal design allows for larger loads. Step-deck trailers can carry anywhere from 5,000 to 14,000 pounds worth of cargo. They also feature short sides and come in either V-bottom or flat-bottom designs.

2) Stretch Double Drop Trailers

These flatbed trailers are perfect for hauling large, bulky items that you cannot lift by a forklift or even a crane. With two axles and two steering axles, you can haul items up to 24-feet wide and 20-feet tall. Your cargo will remain stationary during transit to ensure no damage from bumping around in transport. Construction companies often rent these flatbeds to transport building materials from warehouses to job sites.

3) Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGN)

This type of trailer is essentially a flatbed with a gooseneck. People often use them for hauling heavy equipment and machinery. RGNs have ramps at both ends, allowing drivers to pull them into any position. Being able to pivot makes it easier to load heavy items onto them, even when they’re against walls or in corners. This flexibility also makes it easier to adapt an RGN for different uses.

4) Conestoga Trailers

The Conestoga type of flatbed trailers usually has 5 to 6 axles and a fifth wheel on each end. Because they are heavier, they require special trucks to haul them around. These trucks also have a strengthened frame and suspension that can handle their bulkiness. Because it is more expensive than other types, you will find these used mainly by large shipping companies like UPS or FedEx.

5) Lowboy

Lowboys are frequently used in hauling machinery, construction equipment, and other large items that can’t fit onto a standard flatbed trailer. Lowboys typically have an extra-low deck height, often just 30 inches above ground level. This allows for increased stability when transporting items like bulldozers and backhoes, often large enough to tip over even at normal deck heights.

6) Sidekit Trailers

Sidekit trailers are good for hauling oversized, heavy, and low to the ground cargo. This type of trailer comes with a side ramp that extends from its back. The ramps are used by connecting them to another trailer in order to load or unload larger items that would otherwise not fit on a flatbed.

Although there are many different types, flatbed trailers have a lot to offer. So if you need flatbed trailer rentals for your business or personal use, think about hiring one from places like Hale Trailer today.

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