Need To Purchase RGN Trailer

Hello Guys,

It's been some time since I have been on this site. I have left the road for good now and I am now full time in the office as a supervisor. We have been contemplating getting a RGN trailer to move some of our equipment when needed. We currently pay contractors to move our equipment but they are not always reliable when it comes to picking up the machines, we can't go to anyone we want as we are a government agency and go by "bidding contracts" therefore our hands are tied in that respect. So not we would like to get an RGN to do it ourselves, the initial cost of the trailer would be high but in our business cost of moving the equipment is just one factor, we also need to worry about compliance with Ontario governments (like the ministry of environment) which is a more important aspect. Also, if we get the right kind of deck then we would be able to open up our possibilities to move smaller equipment for other departments.

I have never spec'd a trailer which is why I am reaching out to you knowledgeable. We just want to get a rough idea of the weight class trailer we need to haul our equipment. Of course we will need to spec the trailers with the whoever we go with but just sort of need to know what we can go with. Due to being a government agency, all we can do is create a list of specs we need (both mandatory and optional) and then a bidding process has to go out and see which company can offer what we need within our perimeters for the best price. We can't really pick and choose too much with who we go with.

So our tractors are already heavy spec'd to haul 61,000kg (135,000lbs~). Double frame front to back, heavy spec 5th wheel, 46,000lbs rears, 14,600lbs steers. 218" wheelbase and our tandems are 60" spacing. We are already setup with hydraulics as we haul waste in 4 and 5 axle walking floor trailers. The trucks weigh in at approx 9800kg (21000lbs~). We run a low profile 5th wheel, right now I'm not sure of the exact height but I believe with a hydraulic gooseneck this shouldn't be an issue.

Our machines are as follows

Case 1021G XR - The specs say for our model that the weight is approximately 27 tons, but this does not take into account that we do not run air filled tires. We have solid rubber tires which I am sure probably weight a pretty penny. I would say our machine are probably more in the 30-32 ton range.

Volvo 150F - Same as above the specs are between 23-27tons. But again we run solid rubber tires plus the other add-ons like window grates, fire suppression system etc. I believe the manufactures weights are all considered dry weights no fuel no hydraulics.

Cat 973D - The specs on this say 28ton, our machine has refuse tracks (I think that is what you'd consider them). They are not a normal dozer track, they chew up the garbage when running on top of the garbage pile.

We want to stay below 13'6 and want to keep this as simple as possible. I know a drop side rail would lower the height but we'd like to stay with a flatdeck design to maximize the use. We want to have the option of hauling our daycab tractors and other small types of machines.

If you need anymore information please let me know. Like I said we are just looking at some general ideas on the trailer specs. What tonnage model, would 40-45ton be sufficient? Can we get away with a tandem or tridem? Axle spread, 54" or 60" ? etc.. I know we'd want the rear axle as a lift axle do save on wear and tear when light or empty. Rear axles with a deck would be nice then open with bolsters, but not required. From what I can tell 40-45, trailers tend to have lower deck heights like 12" or so, where a 50-55ton seems to be 18" to 24". Our loaders would be the highest machines, and I think they around 11ft 8".

We are not concerned about operation of the trailer or the fact the load with be slightly over width. We have a few experiences drivers in our company that A) know how to operate these trailer and B) have done over dimensional loads. Plus if need be, we would have the dealer who provides the trailers also provide additional training on the specific trailer. We have no issues providing training for equipment use and sending guys out for load securement course as well.

I know my questions might be vague and you may or may not need more information. I'd just like a general idea of what we need to be looking for. The small details would be between my company and the dealers who make these trailers. The more information I can get the better.

If you need anymore information, I will try my best.

I appreciate the help in advance.

 

Hello, I appreciate the info. I never even though about these guys and the funny thing is Bridgeland road is around the corner from my transfer station. I agree with the 3rd lift axle as we can run a 2 axle setup when empty and leave the last axle up. The covered axles was something I was suggesting to my upper management as it can increase what we can use it for, as it becomes a usable space and we don't need a trough for bucket arms.

What would be the point in the manual #1 axle lift though, and the override chains?

We want to keep the trailer as simple as possible for operation purposes.

I appreciate the link, with that I was able to discover head office is around the corner from me.

 

Considering I am here asking for help and direction on an uncomplicated trailer setup and that our company will send the drivers for training not only on the trailer operation but also the tie down rules I'm not sure how you could say Sergei. Also, we are not pulling over height as long as we get the correct trailer and width is only approce 6" on each side which nothing. Plus I also said we have experience drivers who have pulled float. The point of the post was to get advice on the trailer specs, we will still be speaking with the trailer manufactures so they can properly spec the trailer. That is why my post is for information, I didn't realize asking questions to get educated on what we need to do what a bad thing.. I guess the proper thing to do is just wing it and not ask the knowledgable drivers and owner operators on equipment specs. Maybe I am looking into to much, but I know what people on here thing about Sergei so I am gonna assume your post was meant in a negative way.

Also I don't see what the issue is with him, he does his stuff legally, gets the permits, over chains the equipment, does all this paper work correctly. Sure he buys new stuff on bank loans etc.. but that doesn't make it a bad trucker or equipment mover. Am I missing something when it comes to him?

The second part of your post seems like it's not sarcastic, I thank you for that piece of advice. I have already thought about that and accounted for it when we decide to spec the trailer. We want the equipment to stay with the trailer, so between the rails we will have boxes made to store this stuff.

Also, if I took the first part of your post the wrong way I apologize in advance. My company takes safety seriously, I work for a big city municipal government so proper training and safety is of the upmost important. If we were hauling huge oversized loads like 12-14 feet wide or 50+ feet long then I could see why working into it would be important as I use to do oversized and flatbed work. Our stuff is basically legal for the most of, minus a few inches on either side of the trailer. The stuff isn't super heavy, the gross of the combo and our heaviest machine would still be lighter then our waste loads which gross over 50tons. And again, we have 2 guys in our department that are experienced in RGN trailers, as my experience is with flatbed, drop deck and extendable double drop trailers.

Cheers