What is Gooseneck, RGN, Single & Double Drop, and Lowboy Trailer?

Posted On 14th August 2019

When it comes to truck loads, you have a lot of different trailer options.

There are gooseneck trailers, RGN trailers used for shipping, single drop trailers, and double drop trailers, with each type going by several different names.

What is RGN, Double Drop, Gooseneck, Lowboy Trailers

With so many choices it can be hard to know which one is best for your shipment.

To make sure you’re well informed on all the different types of trailers, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. From removable goosenecks to double drop flatbeds, we’ve included all the information you need on each trailer type (also - learn about What is a Step Deck Truck).

What is a Gooseneck & RGN Trailer?

What is an RGN Trailer We hear a lot of people asking “What does RGN trailer stand for?” or “What is RGN trailer?” RGN stands for removable gooseneck trailer. They’re also often just referred to as gooseneck trailers.

RGN trailers are a type of flat deck trailer, allowing them to haul a wide range of large items that wouldn’t be able to fit into an enclosed space. In this sense, they’re similar to standard double drops and lowboys trailers, however, there is one important difference. The RGN gooseneck trailer at the front can be removed, creating a ramp.

A lot of people ask us how to load a gooseneck trailer. Well, once the ramp has been created you can literally just drive your load right on to the trailer.

This makes loading heavy wheeled equipment on to RGN gooseneck trailers extremely easy compared to other trailer types.

Because of this, RGN trucks are a popular choice for a wide range of heavy equipment, including:

Cranes
Loaders
Compactors
Large trucks
Telehandlers
Pile Hammers
Waste & Recycling Equipment
Generators

Essentially, if you’re looking for a trailer that will allow you to drive your equipment or heavy machinery up onto it, goosenecks are the way to go.

RGN trailers come in a number of different variations, including single-drop and double-drop. You can also have hot shot loads for an RGN gooseneck trailer. Hot shot loads are smaller loads pulled by medium-duty or one-ton trucks.

Some other types of gooseneck trailers:

Removable Gooseneck Trailer;
Detachable Gooseneck Lowboy Trailer for Pickup Truck;
Drop Deck Gooseneck Trailer;
Gooseneck Detach Trailer;
RGN Gooseneck Trailer for Pickup Truck;
Detachable Gooseneck Trailer for 1 Ton Truck;
Lowboy Gooseneck Trailer;
RGN Trailer for Pickup Truck.

What is a Single Drop Trailer

What is a Single Drop Trailer Single drop trailers drop down at the front then remain flat all the way to the end of the trailer. Because they drop down and are low to the ground they are great for carrying tall loads, giving them an advantage over standard flatbed trailers. However, they are not quite as low to the ground as double drop trailers.

Single drop trailers are designed to carry loads that are too long for a step deck and provide support at the rear without letting any of the load hang over the edge. They can also be fitted with a gooseneck, which only adds to their versatility.

What is a Double Drop Trailer or Lowboy

What is a Double Drop Trailer or Lowboy A double drop trailer, also known as a lowboy trailer or a double drop lowboy trailer, has two drops in deck height.

Lowboy trailers have a well in between the two axels that’s extremely low to the ground. The end of the lowboy trailer is slightly higher than the well but lower than the front, giving it two different levels. This allows for more flexibility when dealing with oversized loads.

Like single drops, double drop trailers can also have goosenecks as well. So, when you’re talking about RGNs vs lowboys, they’re often the same thing.

Double drop RGNs or lowboy RGN trailers have the advantage of a removable gooseneck, as well as a double drop deck to accommodate taller loads.

RGN double drop trailers are perfect for carrying:

Construction equipment
Large vehicles
Tanks
Cranes
A wide range of tall oversized loads

Essentially, if you’re going to be transporting something and you’re worried about height, go with a double drop truck or an RGN lowboy, since drop deck trailer height can be up to 12 feet tall.

Trailer Dimensions: Gooseneck, RGN, Single Drop, and Double Drop (Lowboy)

Trailer and freight dimensions often vary widely. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, depending on the manufacturer as well as the intended use.

That being said, there are some standards in place for trailer sizes. The following information will give you an idea of the size of each trailer type.

Gooseneck Trailer Dimensions & RGN Trailer Dimensions

When talking about RGN trailer dimensions, you need to remember that gooseneck trailers can also be double drops and lowboys. So, RGN trailer specs can fluctuate quite a bit.

That being said, the typical RGN trailer can have a length anywhere from 20’ - 40’, a height of 18” - 5’, and a width generally around 8.5’.

Single Drop Trailer Dimensions

Drop deck trailer dimensions can vary depending on the trailer.

The average length of single drop trailers ranges from 35’ - 63’ feet, while the height is anywhere between 18” - 2’. Like RGN trailers, they’re usually about 8.5’ wide. They can carry loads up to 10’ high.