Patriot Freight Group

Folding vs. Removable Gooseneck Trailers: The Differences Explained

Are you looking for a transport to move heavy machinery, vehicles, or any wheeled equipment without the need to use a crane? Well, perhaps you want to consider using either a folding or a removable gooseneck trailer. 

But, which do you choose?

Well, as it turns out, there are a couple of things to know about each one before you make a decision. Here’s a quick guide to the differences between each type of trailer.

Features of Removable Gooseneck Trailers

To get a better idea of what removable gooseneck trailers are all about, let’s take a look at a couple of their features. Here are the key things to know about these types of trailers. 

Low Loading Platforms

The first thing to know about removable gooseneck trailers is that they have a low loading platform. 

The low-loading platform is great for a couple of different reasons.

For one thing, when you remove the gooseneck from the trailer body, the trailer bed can touch the ground. That makes loading and unloading the removable gooseneck trailer much safer than other types of trailers.

On top of that, even if you don’t remove the gooseneck, the tailer bed still sits pretty low to the ground. That means that you can load the trailer even if it’s not detached.

Long Distances and High Traffickability

Another key feature of removable gooseneck trailers is that they’re hardier. These types of trailers are easily adaptable, which makes them better for higher trafficability. 

What’s more, you can actually adapt the trailer for long-hauls. That means that there are quite a few removable gooseneck trailer uses!

If you’re heading short or long distances, you can rely on this type of trailer to help your goods reach their destination unharmed.

Great Reliability

The last key feature of removable gooseneck trailers (and one of the most important features), is their reliability. 

Gooseneck trailers have cargo platforms that feature an upward arch design. That helps you increase the load capacity as well as reduce the deadweight on the trailer.

The result?

You can transport hefty loads without worrying about damaging your trailer or about the trailer being unable to bear the weight.

Features of Folding Gooseneck Trailer

Now that you’ve got a good understanding of removable gooseneck trailers, let’s talk about folding gooseneck trailers. Even though these have a similar design, they’re not the same thing. 

Loading Style

Unlike the removable gooseneck trailer, folding gooseneck trailers are front loading. Whereas the removable gooseneck trailer is simply collapsed for loading, folding gooseneck trailers aren’t. 

Don’t let that fool you, however!

They’re still super easy to load and unload. That’s why many shipping carriers still utilize this type of trailer.

No Disassembly Required

Probably the biggest difference between the removable gooseneck trailer and the folding gooseneck trailer is that you don’t have to disassemble the trailer. 

In order to use a removable gooseneck trailer, you have to detach it from the truck. On the other hand, you can simply fold the folding gooseneck out of the way to help you pack and unpack loads.

For instance, the neck can be folded to the ground as a slope for the crane or other machines to drive on. That makes it far easier for you to get your loads on and off the truck.

Tips for Choosing the Right Trailer

Now that you know the differences between folding gooseneck and removable gooseneck trailers, it’s time to choose the right one for your project!

However, in order to do so, you’ll need to do a bit more than just understand what each type of trailer means. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right type of trailer.

Look at the Size

The first thing you’ll need to do when it comes to choosing a trailer is to analyze the size of the load. The size of the load will impact which type of trailer you can use.

The reason for that is that your state may have specific regulations regarding oversized transport. They may require you to use a specific type of trailer if you’ve got extra-large goods.

Aside from following regulations, it’s always good to know about your load size anyway. That way, you can determine the safest and most reliable trailer to use. Generally, the larger the load, the lower the trailer should be. 

Consider the Costs

Size isn’t the only thing that matters. You also need to think about how much each trailer will cost. 

In general, detachable gooseneck trailers are a bit more affordable than folding gooseneck trailers. If you’re looking to cut costs, you might want to look into the detachable gooseneck instead of a folding one.

Think About Efficiency

Load efficiency is another major consideration when picking a trailer. You want to get the most efficient trailer for your price point and load size. 

In many cases, folding gooseneck trailers are more efficient than removable gooseneck trailers. However, it’s best to speak with your shipping carrier to make sure that’s the case for your particular situation.

Don’t Forget Maintenance

Now, although maintenance is largely out of your control, it’s still something to keep in mind. Why? Because you want to make sure you’re getting a well-oiled and well-kept trailer.

Although a good trailer company should be able to offer you a well-maintained trailer regardless of the type, it’s still good to keep this in mind. 

In general, folding gooseneck trailers require more maintenance and care than removable goosenecks. Be sure to ask your chosen carrier how often they service their trailers so you can be sure your choice is up to the task. 

Choose Between a Folding or Removable Gooseneck Trailer

With this guide to removable gooseneck and folding trailers, you should feel better equipped to transport big loads. Whichever you decide, we’re confident that you have the tools to pick a great trailer.

Speaking of trailers, are you ready to reserve one now? Get in touch with our team and we’ll get you a quote for our shipping services.