Double Drop Trailer Dimensions

Numerous vehicle choices add complexity to the already-considerable task of transporting goods. One such in-famous yet less-discussed vehicle is a double-drop trailer.

Knowing the double drop trailer dimensions can help you decide whether it’s the right vehicle for you.  Different trailers and loading wagons exist for hauling various cargo.

A double-decker usually carries taller, heavier goods because it has more capacity than standard transport vehicles. Its maximum dimensions are a height of 11.5 feet, a width of 8.5 feet, and a length of about 29 feet. 

Learning about the dimensions is necessary to use the trailer. It makes loading easier and saves you from highway rules violations. So, if you are thinking about trying a double drop trailer for loading and carrying, this article is a gem mine to help you prepare. 

What Is a Double-Drop Trailer?

A double drop trailer is a specified loading vehicle for larger goods. Another distinguishing feature of this vehicle is that it has two decks other than the central well, the front and the rear decks. The vehicle is also ideal for hauling heavier items.  

A double drop trailer is also known as a LowBoy trailer because of its pretty lower bed. It is much closer to the ground than other trailers’ and semi-trailers’ dimensions. You can also add a detachable deck to this hauler to extend its height if your freight is taller. 

Double-Drop RGN

Some people refer to double-drop trailers as RGN. However, these two have a significant difference. A typical double-drop trailer has only two decks and does not have a detachable gooseneck.

On the other hand, a Lowboy RGN comes with a removable gooseneck on the front. This makes loading easier compared to a simple double-decker.

The driver detaches the gooseneck, allowing equipment to slide into the main deck and lock it again after complete loading. The non-RGN one needs cranes to put goods inside it. This makes loading challenging. Moreover, these loaders are not as common as flatbeds, making them expensive and rare.

That is why small-budget companies usually avoid using this transport vehicle for freight. Additional Tips – do I need a cdl to pull a gooseneck trailer and without CDL needed?

Uses of a Double-Drop Trailer

The primary reason for using a double drop trailer is that it has enough space to accommodate taller freight. It can take oversized industrial, agricultural, or even construction equipment up to 12 feet in height. They are ideal if you want to haul:

• Cranes
• Bulldozers
• Vehicles
• Construction goods
• Agriculture machines 
• Industrial equipment and much more 

Apart from taller freight, a double-deck trailer is also used to carry heavier goods. It has much space and a sturdy body to transport bulkier equipment to far-off places.   

Another benefit of a lowboy trailer is that it offers secured shipping. The metal or steel framework makes it secure for carrying heavier equipment.

Other haulers are less likely to accommodate such industry-level equipment. Although the vehicle provides enough protection, you can always add ties and straps to boost security. 

What Are Double Drop Trailer Dimensions?

Compared to other trailers, a double-drop trailer usually has lesser variations. Anyhow, keep in mind that its dimensions vary significantly with the state laws. Therefore, you must check for the state’s legal allowance of hauling dimensions before you enter it.  

• Trailer Length

Commonly, the total length of a double drop trailer is 48 feet which makes it more than 570 inches long, enough to carry tall and lengthy material.

This overall area includes the individual lengths of the front, rear, and lower decks. This size can vary, especially for a multi-axle trailer. To distinguish between each portion, you can note down the following most common lengths of each end;

Lower deck/central well = 29 feet (28-30 feet) 

Front/upper deck = 10 feet (8-11 feet) 

Rear deck= 9 feet   

• Trailer Height

The premium factor of a double deck trailer dimensions is its ability to accommodate taller equipment. It all falls to its lower deck, which is closer to the ground. This way, it allows you to carry oversized loads without actually using a heightened vehicle.   

Max freight height = 11.5 feet (138 inches) 

Max height with an additional deck = 12 feet (140 inches)

Front deck height = 8.5 feet (102 inches)

Rear deck height = 10 feet (120 inches) 

Deck height from the ground = 18-24 inches 

Height can be a significant issue when hauling. That’s why you should always measure your load height before loading in a trailer to avoid legal problems. 

• Trailer Width 

The only dimension that doesn’t vary much is the width. Most of the double-deck trailers are 8.5 feet wide. This is also the legal width to carry a commodity in the trucking industry. If your vehicle or equipment exceeds this limit, a separate state permit will be required to pass. 

Total trailer width = 8’6″ (102 inches wide). This width is identical for all the front and rear decks and the central well.  

• Total Weight

The legal weight for any trailer/truck in the states is 80,000 lbs. This is the overall weight of the vehicle. It involves the weight of the goods plus the weight of the operating unit, trailer, driver, fuel, and other additional equipment. 

Maximum freight weight for a 2-axle vehicle is 40,000 – 45,000 lbs. 

Maximum overall weight for a 2-axle hauler vehicle = 80,000 lbs with all the axles. 

It means that the empty weight of a double-deck trailer should be below 40,000 lbs. If your cargo weight exceeds the legal limit, you will require an “overweight” permit to carry the load. This notice generally costs more than the oversize one.  

Why Is Knowing About a Trailer’s Dimensions Important?

• Road Access

We all know that complying with the state rules is something you can’t overlook, especially in terms of transport.

Keeping all other reasons aside, this is the primary benefit of knowing your double drop trailer dimensions. It can permit access to the destination state and roads and highways—besides, no one likes to have legal notice and penalties.  

• It Saves You Extra Charges

Just like you have to pay money if your travel load exceeds what is stipulated for an airplane, it will cost you extra charges if your cargo load exceeds the legal state limits.

If the freight height exceeds what is allowed, you must buy an “oversized” permit. Similarly, if you carry a heavier weight than 80,000 lbs, you will require an “overweight” permit to drive across the state. The latter is much more expensive.   

• Easier to Plan and Load

When you know how much and what kind of items you are carrying, it becomes easier to adjust the loading cranes, do finances, and prepare the driver. Also, you can prepare the loading crew and finalize the freight details beforehand to save you much time. 

Choosing the Right Trailer for Cargo

The categories of trailers for hauling vary. They come in various shapes, sizes, and brand types. Before choosing a suitable transporter for your business or goods, you must consider all these things. Yet, the most essential of all these factors is the dimensions of a trailer. 

Your freight’s height, weight, and width will decide which trailer will suit your needs best. Considering these factors makes transport easier and saves you from legal issues.

In addition, with these elements in mind, you can always calculate the total moving cost, contact the vehicle manufacturer for accurate dimensions and discuss them with the driver. 

Conclusion

If you are a driver, work in a transport company, or are just concerned about moving some taller and heavier freight across a distance, then you must know choosing the right trailer for carrying cargo across cities or states depends significantly on its size.

If you are about to haul a double deck or a lowboy trailer, the above factors will save you from many troubles. 

A double-deck trailer is typically preferred for oversized, taller freight. It is commonly used to transport equipment and industry-grade materials.

However, you must go through the double-deck trailer dimensions to save time and money. Typically, it can occupy a cargo of 11.5 feet in height and 8.5 feet in width. Yet, we recommend you always confirm your trailer dimensions before renting it for the day.