Lowboy, low-pro or RGN: what's the difference?
All three keep the deck low so tall, heavy equipment rides at a legal or near-legal height.
- Lowboy: a deck that sits in a well close to the ground. Fixed-neck lowboys load from the back over ramps; many modern lowboys have a removable neck.
- RGN (removable gooseneck): the gooseneck detaches and the front of the deck lowers to the ground, so machines drive straight on from the front. It's the standard trailer for tracked equipment.
- Low-pro (low-profile): a lower-riding deck for freight that's a bit too tall for a regular trailer but doesn't need a full heavy-haul setup.
Heavy haul trailer specs
General industry figures. Real numbers depend on the trailer, the axle setup and the province or state.
| Setup | Well length | Deck height | Typical capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2- or 3-axle RGN | About 24 to 29 ft | About 18 to 24 in | Roughly 40,000 to 42,000 lb at legal weight |
| Multi-axle RGN or lowboy | Varies, often longer | About 18 to 24 in | Rises with added axles, jeeps and boosters; overweight on permit |
| Double drop (for comparison) | About 25 to 29 ft | About 18 to 24 in | Similar to a 2- or 3-axle RGN |
Freight height before permits on a low deck is usually around 11 ft 6 in to 12 ft, depending on deck height and the legal overall height where the load travels.
Equipment we arrange transport for
- Excavators and mini excavators, dozers and crawler loaders
- Wheel loaders, graders, backhoes and compactors
- Mining equipment and components, drills and crushers
- Large tractors, combines and other agricultural equipment
- Modular buildings, site offices and work-camp units
- Transformers, generators and other electrical equipment
- Industrial machinery, skids and plant equipment
Heavy haul planning: axles, permits and escorts
Once a machine is over legal weight or size, the move becomes a project. Extra axles (jeeps and boosters) spread the weight so the load stays within what the roads and bridges can carry. Each province and state on the route issues its own overweight or oversize permit, and the permit sets the route, travel times and any escort requirements. Spring road restrictions and construction season can change what's possible on a given week. We plan all of it with the carrier and build permits and escorts into the quote. More detail is on our oversize load transport page.
Getting the machine ready
The fastest way to an accurate heavy haul quote is the make, model and year, plus how the machine is configured. A bucket, blade, counterweight or attachment can be the difference between a legal load and a permitted one, so it's worth asking whether anything can come off and ride separately. Know the operating weight as configured, the transport width over the tracks or tires, and the height to the top of the cab, exhaust or boom.
What to send for a heavy haul quote
- Make, model and year, or a spec sheet
- Weight as it will ship, with or without attachments
- Length, width and height as it will ship
- Loading method: drive-on, crane or forklift
- Site access at pickup and delivery: paved, gravel or soft ground, and any tight turns
- Ready date and required delivery date
Send it through the quote form or call or text 204-361-6765. Smaller machines that fit on a step deck can cost less to move, and we'll tell you if that's the case.
