Extendable Trailers - When Do You Need Them

The transportation of freight really changes when the length exceeds the standard deck size. A regular flatbed trailer or even a utility trailer can quickly reach its limits. That’s where extendable trailers and stretch trailers step in. They provide you with full control over the deck size, without forcing you to plan around fixed dimensions.

These are trailers for heavy loads that solve balance, safety, and permit issues on the road. You can easily extend the deck only when needed and retract it when it's not.

In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through cases in which extendable trailers are needed. We’ll also review their types and learn how to choose the right extendable truck trailer for your freight.

Key Scenarios for Using Stretch Trailers

Sometimes, freight breaks limits. That’s why an extendable flatbed trailer, also known as a “stretch flatbed trailer”, is necessary for heavy hauls.

Here are some common freight and scenarios:

Very Long Materials

Some freight requires the longest flatbed trailer. Some examples include steel beams, poles, and precast structures that exceed legal limits.

Construction Pieces

A long flatbed trailer is often needed for construction pieces and equipment. Some of them include cranes and drilling rigs, and other heavy-duty cargo.

Mixed Contracting

Some freight shipping carriers that switch between regular and oversized freight need extendable truck trailers. This allows them to fulfill transportation orders of any kind.

Remote Site Delivery

Narrow access roads and uneven job sites benefit from controlled deck extension. This is where you adjust trailer length after positioning rather than during highway travel.

Types of Extendable Trailers

There are different types of extendable trailers, each of which solves a different problem. A wide variety of issues arise due to the distinct nature of each route. Anything from weight, loading method, clearance, and axle can be configured through a different type of extendable trailer.

There is no universal solution. There are only different types that match different routes and challenges on the road. Let’s go through the types:

Extendable RGN Trailers

An extendable RGN trailer works by detaching the front section. This allows the freight to go directly into the deck. The extendable RGN is ideal for freight that cannot be lifted via crane.

Some RGN extendable trailers, also known as “RGN stretch trailers,” include air and electrical lines. These lines are meant to keep the lights functional at any length of the extendable RGN.

Stretch RGN trailers are most commonly used for construction, mining, and energy transport.

Stretch Flatbed Trailers

A stretch flatbed trailer works by keeping the deck height accessible while offering extra length.

The extension works by rails and can be expanded and retracted on demand. It works perfectly with cargo that is being loaded from above (cranes or forklifts).

The extendable flatbed trailers are very simple mechanically. The maintenance is low, and using them is fairly easy. They are mainly used for steel coils, construction equipment, and materials.

Extendable Double Drop Trailers

The extendable double drop trailer offers two ways of dropping the deck height. One behind the rear axles and the other behind the neck. It creates a single drop or double drop in the middle for extra clearance. It is also called a “drop deck” or “step deck”. It is perfectly suitable for freight that is taller than the limits.

These “double drop trailers,” or “double drop stretch trailers,” are perfect for vertical loads. They are often used for generators, turbines, and other tall equipment.

Choose Extendable Truck Trailers for Your Freight

The type of freight determines the right extendable truck for you. You must consider everything from the loading method to the route permits matters.

Here’s a quick decision framework:

• If you’re moving freight that can roll, an extendable truck with a detachable gooseneck or extendable RGN trailer will be ideal.

• For tall or heavy freight, many teams go with extendable lowboy trailers or extendable step deck trailers to keep the height low.

• For any other regular freight that is beyond the legal length, a deck-extendable flatbed truck trailer would get the job done.

Our recommendation is to look for a trailer manufactured for heavy transportation. The best way to find a high-quality service is to use a free quote calculator. It’s a simple tool helping you find extendable trailer providers and compare their rates.

This way, you can narrow down the best ones. Best of luck!