What is a Double Drop Trailer?

What is a Double Drop Trailer trailer outside warehouse

The short answer to the question, “What is a Double Drop Trailer?”, is the double drop trailer, or lowboy, is often used to carry equipment or goods taller than what is normally transported, up to 12 ft, or 3.66 meters, in height.

Trailers that have large hauling capability are designed according to a variety of uses. Here are some examples with which you’re likely already familiar:

  1. Flatbeds are commonly used for long cargo such as logging or lumber.
  2. Dry Vans are the standard for skidded LTL and Full Truck Loads.
  3. Refrigerator Trucks are mostly for food and grocery chains and items, or other perishable goods.
  4. Tankers carry liquids of various kinds, both hazardous and non-hazardous.

What is a Double Drop Trailer – a few more details

The double drop trailer is similar to drop deck trailers. However, they drop below the trailer axles, making a well or lower deck section between the gooseneck and the first trailer axle.  This well is specifically designed to accommodate taller cargo, making the double drop trailer an ideal choice for transporting items that exceed standard height restrictions.

Double drops can either have a removable gooseneck or a fixed one that is permanently attached to the trailer well.

  • The removable gooseneck, often referred to as an RGN (Removable Gooseneck), allows for easier loading of cargo from the front, as it can be detached and create a ramp onto the well. This feature is particularly beneficial for hauling heavy machinery like bulldozers or excavators, which can simply be driven onto the trailer.
  • A fixed gooseneck, permanently attached to the trailer well, offers increased stability and is often preferred for certain types of loads that do not require front loading.

All double drops are made of steel, aluminum, or a combination of both.

  • Steel offers unparalleled strength and durability, making it a popular choice for the main structural components of the trailer. However, steel is more susceptible to corrosion and may require more frequent maintenance, especially in harsh weather conditions.
  • Aluminum, being lighter, contributes to a reduced overall weight of the trailer, allowing for the transportation of heavier loads without exceeding weight limits. It’s also more resistant to corrosion and often has a longer lifespan with less maintenance.

The combination of steel and aluminum offers the best of both worlds, providing strength where it’s most needed while reducing the risk of corrosion.

When is a double drop trailer used?

The most obvious answer is when you have a cargo that is higher than normal but still under the 12 ft limit. Double drop trailers are designed to carry taller loads because their cargo bed can go as low as 18 inches off the ground. This adds a considerable amount to your height clearance.

Having a lower center means the center of gravity is also lower, which makes it safer than standard flatbeds.

But there are also other reasons.

If your load is large and heavy

The drop between the gooseneck and the first trailer axle lowers the position of your cargo. This lowers the center of gravity of the trailer, so your load is safer and less prone to falling off or losing balance. Additionally, these benefits exist:

  1. Reduced Risk of Toppling: For high and heavy loads, the risk of toppling is a major concern, particularly when navigating turns, uneven roads, or in windy conditions. The double drop trailer’s design mitigates this risk by keeping the weight closer to the ground, making the load more secure against these factors.
  2. Improved Handling: The stability offered by the lower center of gravity also translates to better handling of the trailer. Drivers may find it easier to maneuver the trailer, especially in challenging driving conditions, due to the reduced risk of the load shifting.

If your load is too tall

The lowered structure of the double drop trailer adds a comfortable amount to your trailer’s height clearance. Vertical clearances are used to make sure your cargo fits below bridges and tunnels to avoid accidents and damage.

Many routes have height restrictions due to low-hanging bridges or tunnels. With a taller load on a standard trailer, these routes would be off-limits, potentially leading to longer, less efficient routes. Having a bigger clearance means you have more choices of routes and therefore less time on the roads.

This flexibility can lead to reduced fuel costs, shorter delivery times, and overall more efficient logistics operations.

If your cargo needs to be loaded by a crane

Using a crane to load your cargo is perfect for a double drop trailer as the central well of the double drop trailer is lower than the rest of the trailer. The crane can easily lower these items into the well, making the process more straightforward and safer compared to other types of trailers.

Note that while double drops have a well that can accommodate larger and taller industrial equipment, loading them might be a little tricky and thus requires careful planning and execution. Consider:

  1. Stability and Balance: Maintaining the stability and balance of both the cargo and the trailer is crucial. The load must be evenly distributed to prevent tipping or shifting during transport.
  2. Precision in Placement: The unique structure of the double drop trailer requires precise placement of the cargo. This is especially true for oversized or irregularly shaped items that need to fit within the specific dimensions of the well.
  3. Securing the Load: Securing it properly involves using the appropriate tie-downs and load securement methods to ensure the cargo remains stationary throughout the journey.
  4. Expertise Required: Operating a crane requires skilled operators and riggers who are experienced in handling heavy loads and understand the intricacies of the trailer’s design.

If your cargo is resistant to the harsh environment

Double drop trailers usually ship industrial and construction equipment. While these types of cargo have irregular proportions, they can withstand harsh weather conditions while traveling.

Double drop trailers are well-suited for hauling cargo that is larger and with irregular proportions. The well between the gooseneck and the first axle provides better vertical clearance for your shipment than other kinds of trailers.

Its structure ensures that the balance of the equipment is maintained throughout the travel time, which is better for the safety of both the driver and the cargo itself.

And Verduyn Tarps has many options for you to choose from, to meet your exact needs! See our flexible and secure double drop trailer tarp system here, or contact us for more information, and our experts will help you determine if, and when, the double drop trailer tarp system is right for you.

So did we answer the question, “What is a Double Drop Trailer?”