buying a new or used lowboy trailer for sale can feel overwhelming even for experienced heavy equipment operators truck drivers or business owners but it doesn't have to be in this episode of buying bigger better Academy from my little salesman we're going to examine what to examine when looking to buy a new or used lowboy trailer as always there's no need to take any notes as you can find an entire written version of this on our blog at mylittlesman.com forward slash news or Linked In the descr
iption of this episode before we get too far along let's make sure we're on the same page what is a lowboy trailer a lowboy trailer is a specialized type of trailer that is designed to transport heavy equipment and machinery lowboy trailers typically have a drop deck design with the main deck positioned lower to the ground than the front and rear sections allowing for the transportation of taller cargo while complying with height restrictions this design provides stability and allows for the saf
e loading and unloading of heavy equipment lowboy trailers often feature multiple axles and a robust suspension system to distribute the weight evenly and ensure Safe Transportation they are built with durable materials to withstand the demanding nature of hauling heavy loads they're equipped with various loading configurations such as ramps or hydraulic lifts to facilitate easy equipment loading and unloading what are the advantages of using a lowboy trailer there are many scenarios in which a
lowboy trailer is the best choice for a hauling job let's look at when a lowboy trailer shines transporting heavy equipment and machinery got big tools that need moving a lowboy trailer is usually your best bet a primary purpose of a lowboy trailer is to transport heavy equipment and machinery their robust construction and specialized features mean they can handle the immense weight of large equipment including bulldozers excavators cranes and other oversized Machinery safely and intact clearanc
e for taller cargo got tall equipment Get Low lowboy trailers are specifically designed with a low deck height allowing for the transportation of taller cargo this is particularly important when hauling equipment that exceeds height restrictions on regular flatbed or open trailers by utilizing a lowboy trailer taller equipment can be loaded and transported without the risk of damage or violating height regulations making it easier to move oversized machinery stability and load distribution stayi
ng low often means remaining stable the low deck height of a lowboy trailer contributes to its ability to keep heavy equipment stable during transportation by keeping the center of gravity closer to the ground the lower design reduces the risk of swaying or tipping especially when navigating uneven terrain or sharp turns additionally lowboy trailers typically feature multiple axles and a well-designed suspension system to ensure proper load distribution and minimize stress on the trailer and the
towing vehicle versatile loading and unloading options loading heavy equipment can be a nail-biting experience but lowboy trailers help Crews keep their fingernails nibble free but how lowboy trailers provide versatile loading and unloading configurations making them highly adaptable to different types of equipment they often include features such as ramps hydraulic lifts detachable goosenecks or folding decks allowing for convenient and efficient loading and unloading processes the flexibility
offered by these options enables smoother operations and saves time and effort for operators durability and longevity because they need to haul the heaviest equipment over potentially challenging terrain lowboy trailers are built to withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions they are constructed using durable materials such as high strength steel to ensure longevity and reliability the robust construction reinforced frames and high quality components make lowboy trailers capable of withstanding
the demanding nature of hauling heavy equipment providing a durable solution for long-term use safety and compliance when transporting heavy equipment safety is key lowboy trailers are designed with safety features in mind some of these features include properly secured tie-down points effective braking systems adequate lighting and reflective markings furthermore they have to comply with Transportation regulations ensuring that the load is securely fastened and the trailer adheres to legal req
uirements promoting Safe Transportation practices types of lowboy trailers which one is right for you even within the world of lowboy trailers there is a wide variety of styles to choose from each with its own specialized application let's see what kinds of lowboy trailers are available where they shine and their weaknesses to help you make the best buying decision based on your needs detachable gooseneck or dgn lowboy trailers detachable gooseneck or dgn lowboy trailers also known as removable
gooseneck or RGN lowboy trailers feature a detachable front gooseneck section this gooseneck can be disconnected from the trailer allowing for easy loading and unloading of equipment these tend to be the most common style of gooseneck lowboy trailer used DG and lowboy trailers have enhanced maneuverability as the detachable gooseneck provides greater flexibility when navigating tight spaces and making sharp turns the detachable design also allows for increased height adjustability making it suit
able for transporting taller equipment the downsides of DG in lowboy trailers include the need for additional equipment such as a heavy duty truck with hydraulic systems to detach and reattach the gooseneck this adds complexity and cost to the operation Additionally the detachable gooseneck design may have slightly lower load carrying capacities compared to fixed Gooseneck trailers fold down gooseneck lowboy trailers fold down gooseneck lowboy trailers feature a front gooseneck section that can
be folded down to create a ramp for easy loading and unloading the gooseneck is hinged near the trailer's front allowing it to be lowered to the ground and serving as a ramp for equipment to be driven or rolled onto the trailer the fold down design of the gooseneck of this lowboy trailer makes for easier loading and unloading especially for self-propelled equipment however the reduced ground clearance of a folded gooseneck and the need for additional space behind the trailer to accommodate the e
xtended length when the gooseneck is in the lowered position can be a bit of a drawback fixed gooseneck lowboy trailers less frequently used but still with their function fixed gooseneck or fgn lowboy trailers have a permanently fixed front gooseneck section FG and lowboy trailers include their high-end load carrying capacities stability during transportation and accessibility for equipment loading through ramps or hydraulic systems the fixed gooseneck design provides a solid connection between
the trailer and towing vehicle enhancing stability and maneuverability one downside of fgn lowboy trailers is their limited maneuverability in tight spaces when navigating sharp turns compared to detachable Gooseneck trailers they also typically require additional assistance from cranes or forklifts in order to load Additionally the fixed gooseneck design May restrict the height adjustment capability which can be a drawback when loading taller equipment always double check the manufacturer's use
recommendations for FG and lowboy trailers hydraulic or pneumatic tail lowboy trailers hydraulic or pneumatic tail lowboy trailers feature a hydraulically or pneumatically operated tail section at the rear these trailers are sometimes called beaver tail trailers because the tail section can be raised or lowered to create a ramp for easy loading and unloading of equipment hydraulic or pneumatic tail lowboy trailers are great for their versatility and convenience in loading a wide range of equipm
ent including wheeled and tracked machinery axle tilt bed trailers another form of rear loading equipment trailers are axle tilt bed trailers these trailers use Hydraulics to tilt and lower the entire bed for easy rear loading while growing a popularity due to convenient loading and unloading because there's no need to disconnect the gooseneck equipment rides higher than the average lowboy trailer leading to increased traveling height the hydraulically or pneumatically operated tail eliminates t
he need for additional ramps or equipment simplifying the loading process these trailers also offer a lower deck height for taller equipment and provide better ground clearance during transport a downside of hydraulic or pneumatic tail lowboy trailers includes potential maintenance and repair costs associated with the hydraulic system as well as the added weight of the hydraulic or pneumatic components which may slightly reduce the overall payload capacity factors to consider when buying a lowbo
y trailer when purchasing a lowboy trailer it's crucial to consider various factors to make an informed decision the right lowboy trailer should match your specific hauling needs and provide the necessary features for the safe and efficient transportation of heavy equipment let's take a look at these factors to help us make a great decision payload capacity and deck length it is essential to consider both the payload capacity and the deck length when looking to buy the right lowboy trailer the p
ayload capacity determines the maximum weight the trailer can safely carry so it should exceed the weight of your equipment or machinery the deck length should be sufficient to accommodate the dimensions of your cargo longer deck links provide more flexibility and versatility in transporting various equipment sizes considering the payload capacity and deck length will ensure that you select a lowboy trailer capable of safely and efficiently hauling your specific needs axle configuration and weig
ht distribution axles play a key role in distributing the weight of your loads but can also contribute to the weight making it important to strike a good balance of support and weight the axle configuration determines the number of axles and their Arrangement on the trailer different axle configurations offer varying load-bearing capacities and maneuverability the weight distribution across the trailer also affects the trailer stability and handling proper weight distribution ensures that the lo
ad is evenly distributed over the axles minimizing the risk of overloading or unbalanced weight distribution evaluating the axle configuration and weight distribution will help you choose a lowboy trailer that can safely handle your intended loads while providing optimal stability and maneuverability on the road suspension systems the suspension system plays a vital role in providing a smooth and stable ride while minimizing the impact of bumps and vibrations on the cargo being transported air r
ide suspension systems offer Superior shock absorption and can be adjusted to accommodate different load weights ensuring optimal ride quality the suspension system should be durable and capable of handling the demands of heavy duty hauling deck material and construction the deck material of any lowboy trailer should be strong durable and capable of withstanding the weight and demands of heavy equipment common deck materials include steel aluminum and wood steel offers exceptional strength and d
urability but can be heavier aluminum provides a lightweight option with good corrosion resistance wood decks are often used for their affordability and versatility deck construction should be robust featuring reinforced beams and cross members to ensure structural integrity by carefully considering the deck material and construction you can choose a lowboy trailer that can withstand years of Heavy Hauling and provide a reliable platform for transporting equipment ramp options and accessibility
features good ramps are the key to loading and unloading equipment onto the trailer making it important to evaluate their design strength and ease of use look for ramps that can handle the weight and size of your equipment and have a suitable incline for safe loading manually lowering and raising ramps can be difficult making it a good idea to consider additional accessibility features such as hydraulic systems or adjustable ramps these devices can simplify the loading process and accommodate di
fferent types of equipment a well-designed ramp system and accessibility features can increase the Simplicity and safety of equipment loading and unloading operations safety features when looking to buy a lowboy trailer there are some key safety features to look for including braking system an object in motion stays in motion for this reason a reliable braking system such as air brakes or hydraulic brakes is essential for safely stopping and controlling the trailer's movement anti-lock braking s
ystems or ABS systems help prevent wheel lockups during braking these systems can reduce the risk of skidding lighting and reflectors adequate lighting including brake lights turn signals and reflectors is crucial to ensure visibility and promote safe driving the importance of good lighting elements is especially important at night or during adverse weather conditions load securement look for features such as tie down points stake Pockets or d-rings that allow for secure and proper load secureme
nt these will help prevent equipment from shifting or falling off during Transit safety chains safety trains provide a robust layer of security by keeping the trailer connected to the towing vehicle in case of accidental detachment cost and budget considerations it shouldn't be any surprise that the cost of a new or used lowboy trailer just depends size capacity style customization all of these factors impact the price prices for lowboy trailers can range from around twenty thousand dollars to t
wo hundred thousand dollars or more again depending on the before mentioned factors age condition brand or any added features or modifications can all Impact lowboy trailer prices consider factors such as the expected frequency of use the type of equipment to be transported and the durability required for your operations while it may be tempting to opt for a lower price trailer it is crucial to balance cost with quality and reliability investing in a well-built durable lowboy trailer that meets
your requirements can ultimately save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs and enhancing efficiency research different models compare prices and consider the total cost of ownership to make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and provides value for your investment also consider asking an experienced heavy equipment mechanic during an inspection how much they would pay for set equipment if they were in the market maintenance and durability when looking to buy a lo
wboy trailer it is essential to consider maintenance and durability aspects to ensure the longevity and reliability of the trailer look for trailers that are constructed with high quality materials to withstand the rigors of Heavy Hauling such as robust steel or corrosion resistant aluminum consider the structural design weld quality and reinforcement elements for durability ensure the accessibility of Maintenance points such as lubrication points and inspection areas to facilitate regular upkee
p follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and schedule routine inspections to identify and address any potential issues promptly and if the seller has a pass record of repairs and maintenance this bodes well for the purchase investing in a well-built and properly maintained lowboy trailer will not only extend its lifespan but also minimize downtime reduce repair costs and ensure safe and efficient transportation of your equipment seek out professional inspection before purchase in the e
nd these recommendations are best for narrowing down your lowboy trailer purchase candidates to be inspected by an experienced trailer mechanic a professional mechanic can easily provide a thumbs up or thumbs down for any trailer in question let you know what repairs it may need and perhaps give you a rough estimate of how much the lowboy trailer may be worth brand reputation and dealer support brand reputation signifies the manufacturer's track record quality of products and customer satisfacti
on over time a reputable brand ensures that the lowboy trailer is built to Industry standards is reliable and is durable thereby minimizing the risk of unexpected breakdowns or performance issues dealer support on the other hand encompasses pre-sales assistance after sales service and customer support a reliable dealer with a strong support system ensures that the buyer receives guidance in selecting the right lowboy trailer for their specific needs timely assistance in case of any concerns or r
epairs and access to spare parts or maintenance services when required buying lowboy trailers from private sellers purchasing a lowboy trailer from a private seller offers both benefits and disadvantages on the positive side buying from a private seller can potentially save money compared to purchasing from a dealership private sellers often offer lower prices and may be open to negotiation private sellers may be more flexible during the buying experience and can offer a direct insights into the
trailer's history maintenance records and any modifications made however there are downsides to consider buying from a private seller carries a higher risk as there is no warranty or guarantee of the trailer's condition it may lack the comprehensive inspection and certification process that dealerships provide additionally private sellers may have limited knowledge or resources for ongoing support making it more challenging to address any issues that may arise after the purchase buyers must tho
roughly inspect the trailer ask detailed questions and assess the seller's credibility before purchasing finding a lowboy trailer seller once you have written a short list of what manufacturers and models of lowboy trailers you'd like to look into buying it's time to find your next trailer from a seller fortunately the internet has made this easier than ever before and your friends from my little salesman are here to help armed with your wish list simply head over to mylittlesman.com lowboy trai
lers for sale page to find Trailer listings from dealers near you use the handy filtering tool to dial in all of your preferences including searching by manufacturer condition newer used capacity Dimensions axle type and much more that's going to do it for this lowboy trailer edition of buying bigger better Academy from your friends at mylittlesman.com if you haven't done so yet and you found value in this episode make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode and leave a rev
iew of the podcast on Apple podcasts Spotify Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts I've been kin from my little salesman and we'll see you next time
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