Lowboy Trailers

Both lowboy trailers and double drop trailers are designed to haul taller equipment and oversized loads, but they are built differently and are commonly used for different applications.

A lowboy trailer typically features a detachable gooseneck and a very low deck height, making it ideal for hauling extremely heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, and other construction machinery. Lowboys are designed primarily for heavy haul applications and are available in high-capacity configurations such as 35 ton, 40 ton, 45 ton, and 55 ton models.

A double drop trailer, sometimes called a low deck trailer, has an upper deck, a lowered center deck, and a rear deck. Unlike many lowboys, double drop trailers are often non-detachable and are commonly used for hauling taller freight, machinery, tanks, or specialized cargo that does not necessarily require driving equipment onto the trailer.

In general:

• Lowboy trailers are best for heavy equipment hauling
• Double drop trailers are often used for oversized freight and specialized cargo
• Lowboys usually offer heavier weight capacities
• Double drops often provide longer deck space for freight applications
• Many lowboys use detachable goosenecks for easy loading and unloading

hoosing the right lowboy trailer depends on several factors including:

• Equipment weight
• Overall equipment dimensions
• Length requirements
• State hauling regulations
• Frequency of loading and unloading
• Desired axle configuration
• Hydraulic vs. mechanical gooseneck preference

The team at Midco Sales can help match you with the right lowboy trailer for your hauling application.

Lowboy trailers are widely used in industries such as:

• Construction
• Heavy haul transportation
• Road building
• Agriculture
• Mining
• Oil and gas
• Forestry
• Energy and utility work

Flip axles are additional axles that can be attached to the rear of a lowboy trailer to increase weight capacity and help distribute axle weight for legal hauling requirements.

Because of the low deck height, lowboy trailers can typically haul equipment up to around 11 to 12 feet tall while remaining within standard legal road height limits, depending on local regulations and trailer configuration.

Lowboy trailers are available in many capacities depending on axle configuration and design. At Midco Sales, we commonly carry:

• 35 ton lowboy trailers
• 40 ton lowboy trailers
• 45 ton lowboy trailers
• 55 ton lowboy trailers

Higher-capacity and specialized heavy haul configurations may also be available.

An extendable lowboy trailer has a deck that can extend to accommodate longer loads. These trailers are commonly used for hauling long equipment, cranes, bridge components, and oversized machinery.

Hydraulic detachable gooseneck (HDG) lowboys use hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the neck, making them quicker and easier to operate. Mechanical detachable gooseneck (MDG) lowboys use a manual locking system and are often simpler and lower maintenance.

A detachable gooseneck allows the front of the trailer to disconnect from the deck so equipment can be driven directly onto the trailer from the ground. This design makes loading tracked and wheeled equipment safer and easier.

Lowboy trailers are commonly used to haul:

• Excavators
• Bulldozers
• Wheel loaders
• Backhoes
• Cranes
• Pavers
• Forestry equipment
• Agricultural equipment
• Mining equipment
• Oversized industrial machinery

A lowboy trailer is a type of heavy haul trailer designed with a very low deck height so it can transport tall and oversized equipment while staying within legal height limits. Lowboy trailers are commonly used to haul construction equipment, agricultural machinery, paving equipment, and other heavy loads.