At Millenium Trailers, we have always viewed the different types of flatbed trailers on America’s roads as the backbone of the trucking industry, able to haul just about anything you can strap down, from massive steel beams heading to the latest skyscraper project to bulky construction machinery.
Flatbed trailers are also quite useful for more domestic everyday tasks, like moving that neighbor’s tractor that’s been rusting away since the late nineties or hauling your kid’s entire room to their new college dorm. For those reasons, flatbed types appeal to buyers with a wide range of motivations and use cases.
Flatbed Trailer Types: Key Points
- Flatbed Trailers: These trailers are open on all sides, allowing for easy loading and unloading. They are ideal for carrying large or irregularly shaped items.
- Lowboy Trailers: With a lowered bed, these trailers are perfect for transporting tall loads that exceed standard height restrictions.
- Step Deck Trailers: Designed with two levels, these trailers are ideal for hauling freight that cannot be transported on a standard flatbed due to height limitations.
- Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGN): These trailers can transport extra-large or heavy loads, and their detachable front doubles as a ramp.
- Conestoga Trailers: Featuring a sliding tarp system, these trailers provide added protection for sensitive or valuable freight.
But What Is a Flatbed Trailer?
Before you consider buying any of the numerous different types of flatbed trailers available, it’s worth taking a look at what is a flatbed trailer. After all, selecting from the right types of flatbeds can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free haul and a logistical nightmare.
Flatbed trailers are simply platform-style trailers with no sides or roofs. Whilst simple may be the operative word when describing this haulage industry staple, they are extremely sturdy and capable: standard flatbeds, depending on the model, can handle trailer loads up to 48,000 pounds.
Their simple design is almost perfect for general freight, hence their popularity across multiple industries. However, it’s important to select the right type of flatbed. This guide will show the different flatbed trailer types available to help you find the perfect solution.
With our flexible financing options, flatbed trailers are more attainable than you might think.
Types of Flatbed Trailers
In the context of different types of flatbed trucks, the standard flatbed could be seen as the pickup truck’s big brother – they are essentially the same thing but often much larger.
With no walls or roof to box you in, you can load up from any angle: side, back, or even drop your cargo directly from above with a crane. This design is simple but almost quite genius, as hauling everything from stacks of lumber to steel beams becomes far easier than loading onto a curtained or enclosed trailer.
Aside from the standard version, other types of flatbeds also exist, ranging in size and design. So, let’s break down the different types of flatbed trailers and see what makes each one special:
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers are specialized types of flatbed trailers mostly used for carrying tall cargo. The lowered bed, situated between the axles, keeps the overall height of the load within legal limits. These trailers are commonly used for hauling oversized machinery like excavators or bulldozers.
Lowboys typically have a weight capacity of 40,000 pounds, which can be increased by adding axles. Among the different types of flatbeds, the lowboy has earned a solid reputation as the ideal solution for height-restricted heavy hauling.
Step Deck Trailers
Also known as drop deck trailers, step deck trailers have two levels: an upper deck (near the front) and a lower deck (extending toward the rear). This design allows for taller loads without exceeding height restrictions.
These types of flatbeds are perfect for transporting heavy items like construction materials or large equipment that need additional clearance. With a sturdy weight capacity of up to 48,000 pounds, step deck trailers are a popular solution for hauling freight that can’t fit on a standard flatbed trailer.
Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGN)
RGN trailers are another popular choice for transporting heavy and oversized loads. The detachable front creates a ramp, making it far easier to load equipment. Depending on the number of axles used, these trailers can support loads weighing up to a huge 150,000 pounds.
Among the different flatbed truck types, RGNs are seen as being more versatile for handling freight that requires careful loading and unloading, especially with heavier goods and items. Of all the flatbed trailer types available, they are especially useful in industries where large machinery is a common cargo.
Conestoga Trailers
Conestoga trailers are unique flatbed trucks featuring a sliding tarp system. They are designed to shield freight from weather and debris while providing the general flexibility of a traditional flatbed trailer. This added layer of protection benefits fragile or valuable items, increasing trailer security.
With a weight capacity of up to 45,000 pounds, Conestoga trailers are frequently used for hauling freight that requires a combination of security and easy accessibility. Of all the different types of flatbed trailers, Conestoga trailers might be considered the most adaptable owing to their transformational design.
Sidekit Trailers
These types of flatbed trailers are also used for transporting unpackaged or uncrated items. The panels provide a layer of stability and containment during transit. Sidekit trailers are an essential part of the types of flatbeds for more niche applications.
Bottom Line
Whether you are hauling steel beams or moving industrial-grade machines, knowing your types of flatbed trailers inside and out – from standard flatbeds to lowboys and RGNs – is vital for making every load count.
Looking to find the perfect solution among our different flatbed trailer types? Millennium Trailers has a handpicked selection waiting for you, with options to handle everything from local runs to cross-country heavy hauls.
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Sources
https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/8/11/289
https://www.emcinsurance.com/losscontrol/techsheet/flatbed-trailer-safety-tips
https://www.boomandbucket.com/blog/guide-on-using-flatbed-trailers-to-improve-your-business
