As the name would imply, equipment/flatbed trailers are open trailers (often with sidewalls) designed to withstand heavy loads and rugged conditions. Safely transporting large and heavy machinery or equipment makes it important to understand what your GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is so that you can be sure your trailer can withstand your needs for towing. You may need multiple axles, additional brakes, or have special requirements for your loading ramp - or you may need to invest in a larger towing vehicle if the weight requirements make a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch necessary.
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Equipment/Flatbed Trailer Design and Construction
Equipment trailers are typically tough and light on frills. The frames are often constructed of steel or aluminum for strength and stability.
Decks are usually made of wood, but sometimes steel or aluminum. While many decks are fixed (and rely on attached ramps or separate ramps that store underneath the trailer), some models offer tilting decks for loading/unloading.
Multiple axles and heavy-duty suspension systems are common to support the weight of heavy equipment, and to ensure that the trailer rides smoothly so that equipment stays in place during transit.
Another safety feature common to larger equipment trailers are electric or hydraulic brakes, to assist with stopping and control while towing large loads.
Equipment/Flatbed Trailers Common Sizes and Capacities
Equipment trailers typically come in a variety of sizes and weight capacities to accommodate different types of equipment and hauling needs. There are several aspects of a trailer’s size/capacity that you will want to consider when making a purchase:
Length
Equipment trailers typically run in length from 10 ft. to 30 ft. or more. Common lengths include 16 ft., 18 ft., 20 ft., 24 ft., and 30 ft.
Width
The standard widths for equipment trailers typically range between 6 ft. and 8.5 ft. - with the most common widths being 6 ft., 6.5 ft., 7 ft., and 8.5 ft.
Deck Height
The deck height (or ground clearance) varies, depending primarily on the trailer’s design, hitching, and axle configuration. So-called “Lowboy” trailers typically have a lower deck height to accommodate tall or oversized equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the maximum weight that the trailer can safely carry, including the trailer’s weight and the weight of the load. Typical GVWRs for equipment trailers can range between 3,000 lbs. to 20,000+ lbs. The higher the GVWR of the trailer, the more likely it will be to have multiple axles, suspension systems, and additional safety features like brakes. The GVWR is typically regulated by the state - generally most states allow up to 34,000 lbs. on a tandem axle trailer and then have
Payload Capacity
A part of the GVWR, payload capacity refers to the maximum weight of the load that the trailer can carry - excluding the trailer’s weight. Common payload capacities range from 2,000 lbs. to 15,000 lbs. or more. Similar to the GVWR, the payload capacity will depend on the trailer’s size, construction materials, and axle configuration.
Tongue Weight
Tongue weight refers to the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer’s tongue or coupler, and it will typically be 10% to 15% of the trailer’s total weight for proper towing stability. Heavier equipment may require higher tongue weights to maintain stability during transit.
Axle Configuration
Equipment trailers can have single, double (tandem), or triple (tridem) axles depending on their size and weight capacity. As one would expect, single-axle trailers are okay for lighter loads and smaller equipment - whereas tandem and triple axle configurations are essential to distribute the weight of heavier loads for greater stability.
Towing and Hitch Needs for Equipment/Flatbed Trailers
Safely and efficiently towing an equipment trailer means several considerations:
- Hitch type: equipment trailers typically use ball hitches, pintle hitches, gooseneck hitches or fifth-wheel hitches.
- Hitch class and rating: hitches range from Class I to Class V and each type has a specific weight rating based on towing capacity - your hitch should not exceed the trailers GVWR and GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) when loaded.
- Towing vehicle capacity: check your vehicle's GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) to ensure it can safely tow the loaded trailer without exceeding its capacity.
- Braking systems: safely towing large/heavy loads typically means a trailer will have a braking system (hydraulic, electric, or surge brakes) - and you’ll need to make sure the brake system is compatible with the tow vehicle.
- Safety chains: an important piece of equipment for any trailer, safety chains secure the trailer to the tow vehicle in case the hitch disconnects during towing. For heavy loads on trailers that have their own braking systems, it’s not uncommon to also have a breakaway system on the safety chains to activate the brakes to stop the trailer in case of a disconnect.
- Towing accessories: equipment trailer operators often find it helpful to use additional accessories like weight distribution hitches, sway control devices, and trailer mirrors to ease the process of hauling large payloads.
Equipment/Flatbed Trailer Pricing
Equipment trailers can vary widely in price depending on size, capacity, construction materials, brand, and features - but they generally start at $1,000 and go up to $30,000 or more. Here’s what you can expect in the various price ranges:
- Entry-level trailers ($1,000 - $3,000): these will be smaller flatbeds that start around 10 ft. in length, often have a bumper pull hitch, and are suitable for light duty hauling (up to 5,000 lbs.). They’re light on frills.
- Mid-range trailers ($3,000 - $7,000): these trailers are between 16 ft. and 20 ft. in length, are capable of hauling 5,000 to 10,000 lbs. They are more durably-constructed, and have some extra features (like tandem axles, electric brakes, upgraded deck materials, integrated tie-down points, a spare tire mount, and improved lighting and wiring).
- Heavy-duty trailers ($7,000 - $15,000): in this price range, trailers will be between 20 ft. and 30 ft. in length, be able to carry payloads of 10,000 to 20,000 lbs., and can take a beating. Compared to mid-range trailers, heavy-duty trailers are more likely to have tridem axles, air brakes, hydraulic ramps or tilt beds, improved suspension systems, reinforced frames/decks, integrated toolboxes or storage, heavy-duty couplers and jacks, and dual wheels or wide-track axles to help distribute weight.
Equipment/Flatbed Trailer Add-ons and Extras
There are a raft of add-ons available for equipment trailers - but some of the most popular you’ll encounter include:
- Spare tire mounts: conveniently-located backup tires for when trailers inconveniently get a flat (a feature you don’t truly appreciate until it happens to you)
- Toolboxes or storage compartments: hauling a large payload calls for more than the typical set of tools, so upper-level equipment trailers often have integrated toolboxes or storage compartments for equipment and accessories needed for the job (and keep them protected from the elements)
- Ramps or loading equipment: slide-in ramps, fold-up ramps, dovetail ramps or other styles are common and can vary depending on the style of the trailer and its intended uses; higher-end trailers will also offer hydraulic ramps or tilt beds for easier loading/unloading
- Winches: to help keep heavy loads or irregularly-sized equipment stable (and provide additional muscle) many higher-end equipment trailers have winches mounted on the trailer itself
- Tie-downs and anchor points: it’s common for equipment trailers to have integrated tie-downs, stake pockets, D-rings, or E-track systems on the sides to secure cargo with straps, chains or bungee cords
- Brakes: electric, hydraulic or air brakes on one or more axles are available in the larger (and higher priced) models to reduce stopping distances when in transit (and prevent trailer sway on the road)
- Lighting: larger trailers will have upgraded lighting systems that offer increased visibility for towing larger hauls
- Adjustable hitch options: higher-end trailers will have adjustable couplers or pintle hitches to let owners customize the hitch height and configuration for a best match to the towing vehicle (or the specific hauling requirements)
Equipment/Flatbed Trailer Popular Brands
Some reputable brands known for manufacturing quality equipment/flatbed trailers include:
Equipment/Flatbed Trailer Common Uses
Equipment trailers have a diverse range of uses because of the flexibility of flatbed trailers to accomplish many tasks. As a result, many specialized varieties of equipment trailer have become popular. Here are a few of them:
Trailers for Landscapers
Equipment trailers are popular for landscapers who need to haul commercial lawnmowers, skid steer loaders, excavators, chippers/shredders, aerators, tractors or other large pieces of equipment from site to site. Additionally, landscapers may use equipment/flatbed trailers to haul bulk materials (such as soil or gravel). As a result, they should consider some aspects of equipment trailers more closely:
- Deck material and construction: the frequent loading and unloading of equipment makes a durable deck more important because it will experience more wear and tear.
- Bulk material hauling: landscaping businesses that haul loose material like soil, gravel, sod, or plants may wish to consider trailers with higher walls to increase their cargo capacity and minimize the number of trips to job sites.
- Loading and unloading: landscapers who repeatedly load and unload equipment multiple times per day at job sites will want to consider features like attached ramps and tilt or lift systems to ease the process.
Hotshot Trailers
If you’ve spent any time down South (in Texas, or anywhere around the oil industry) you’ll be familiar with the term “hotshot trailer” for a particular breed of equipment/flatbed trailer. Likely named for their ability to deliver heavy or irregularly-shaped loads very quickly to oilfields (by using pickups and flatbeds instead of more traditional semi trailers), they’re characterized by:
- A flatbed trailer with a gooseneck hitch
- Robust construction that allows for a high weight capacity
- They typically range from 20 ft. - 40 ft. in length
- These heavy haulers can typically handle payloads of 10,000 lbs. to 30,000 lbs. or more
- They often have tandem or tridem axles to bear the weight and ensure stability during transit
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