When the cargo is too tall for a standard flat-bed and too heavy for a conventional lowboy, the multi-axle detachable-gooseneck lowboy trailer (often called an RGN) rolls in as the undisputed champion of heavy-haul logistics. Below we break down why this specialized platform has become the go-to choice for mining, construction, wind-energy and infrastructure contractors around the world.
1. What “Detachable Gooseneck” Really Means
Unlike a fixed-neck lowboy, the front of an RGN literally detaches. The driver uncouples the gooseneck hydraulically, lowers the deck nose to the ground and creates a built-in loading ramp. The result: self-propelled equipment—excavators, dozers, cranes, drill rigs—can be driven straight onto the deck without assistance from a dock, crane or winch. When loading is complete, the tractor backs in, reconnects the neck in under five minutes and the unit is ready to roll .
2. Multi-Axle = Modular Capacity
Basic lowboys usually stop at three axles (≈ 55 t legal payload). An RGN can be scaled from 2 to 20+ axles in single, tandem or tridem configurations, spreading super-heavy loads and meeting axle-load laws in almost any jurisdiction. For example:
- 9-axle set-up: 70–80 t in most U.S. states
- 3-line 6-axle (China spec): rated 150 t on special permit
- Euro-modular 10+ axle: > 120 t gross with tractor
Need more? Add a jeep (booster) or stinger axle in front of the king-pin and you can push past 150 t without switching trailers .
3. Ultra-Low Deck, Ultra-Stable Ride
Deck height is typically 300–450 mm (12–18 in), far lower than a drop-deck or flat-bed. This keeps the centre of gravity down and allows hauls up to 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in) tall while staying within 4 m overall height limits common in the EU and many U.S. states. The recessed “well” also protects fragile components such as glass windshields or aerial devices from over-bridge strikes .
4. Built for Punishment
Main beams are fabricated from high-tensile structural steel, welded by submerged-arc machines for full penetration. Suspensions are heavy-duty mechanical or air with 10–24 tyres, giving high lateral stability on quarry roads or mountain switchbacks. World-class running gear—JOST king-pins, WABCO brakes, BPW or SAF axles—cuts downtime and parts bills .
5. Real-World Paybacks
- Faster cycle times: Load or unload a 40 t excavator in 15 min, no extra labour.
- Permit-friendly: Modular axle groups let you match local weight tables instead of buying a second trailer.
- Versatility: Haul a 95 t mining dump truck today, remove axles and haul a 30 t transformer tomorrow.
- Resale value: Detachable-neck trailers command 15-20 % higher residuals than fixed-neck units of the same age.
6. Key Specification Snapshot (3-line 6-axle model)
- Overall length: 17 000 mm
- Deck length: ≈ 9 000 mm extendable
- Width: 3 000 mm (expandable to 3 500 mm)
- Load height: 1 150 mm (unloaded, adjustable)
- Rated payload: 150 t on special permit
- Tyres: 24 × 12 R 22.5 super singles
- King-pin: 90 #, interchangeable 50 / 75 mm
- Brakes: WABCO EBS with ABS & load sensing
7. Who Should Spec One?
If you regularly move self-propelled construction, agricultural or industrial machines above 45 t, or indivisible refinery / wind-energy components taller than 3 m, an SHANGHAI TRAILER will pay for itself in reduced permits, escort costs and loading hours. For lighter, static loads a fixed-neck lowboy is cheaper; for the heaviest and tallest, nothing beats a multi-axle detachable gooseneck.
Bottom line: The multi-axle detachable-gooseneck lowboy is not just another trailer—it is a mobile loading dock, a modular heavy-haul platform and an insurance policy against downtime, all rolled into one low-slung, hard-working package. Spec it right, maintain it well, and it will keep your payload—and your profit—rolling for decades.