A lowboy (low-loader in British English, low-bed in western Canada and South Africa or float in Australia and eastern Canada) is a semi-trailer with two drops in deck height: one right after the gooseneck and one right before the wheels. This allows the deck to be extremely low compared with other trailers.
A lowbed trailer, also commonly known as a lowboy trailer (especially in North America) or a float (in some regions), is a specialized type of flatbed trailer designed to transport exceptionally tall, heavy, and oversized cargo.
Its defining characteristic is its extremely low deck height, which is significantly lower than a standard flatbed or even a step-deck trailer. This low profile is crucial for hauling equipment that would exceed legal height limits if transported on a conventional trailer.
Key Characteristics of a Lowbed Trailer:
Low Deck Height: This is its primary feature. The main deck sits very close to the ground, often just inches above the road surface. This allows for the transport of tall machinery like excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and large industrial components without violating bridge or overhead clearance regulations.
Detachable Gooseneck (RGN – Removable Gooseneck): Most modern lowbeds are Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers. This means the front section of the trailer (the “gooseneck” that connects to the truck’s fifth wheel) can be hydraulically or mechanically detached and lowered to the ground. This creates a ramp, allowing heavy equipment to be driven directly onto the main deck from the front, rather than having to be lifted over the side or rear. This “drive-on” capability is a major advantage for loading very heavy, self-propelled machinery.
Heavy-Duty Construction: Lowbeds are built to withstand immense weight. They feature robust steel frames, multiple axles (often 2, 3, 4, or more, depending on the weight capacity), and specialized suspension systems to distribute heavy loads evenly.
Multiple Axles: To manage the extreme weight, lowbeds often have a large number of axles, sometimes in configurations like 2+2 (two axles on the trailer, two on a separate dolly), 3+3, or even more complex setups, to comply with weight distribution regulations and prevent excessive pressure on the road.
Specialized Securement Points: They have numerous heavy-duty D-rings, chain tie-downs, and outriggers to safely secure massive and often irregularly shaped cargo.
Advantages of Lowbed Trailers:
