Mechanical Detach or Hydraulic Detach for an RGN

Hey, everyone! I’m still planning on purchasing a mini deck next year. Originally, I was planning on buying a trailer with a hydraulic detach. The more I talk to drivers experienced with these trailers, the more I wonder if I should just get a mechanical detach instead. According to most of the drivers I’ve talked to, they very rarely actually detach the neck from the trailer. Most of the freight they run is put on with a crane or some other piece of equipment. If this is the case, perhaps I should save the money and the time and just have a mechanical detach built instead. What do you think? For those of you who have experience with a mini deck, are you glad you have a hydraulic detach? Would you miss it if you didn’t have one? Do you wish you had one? Thanks for your advice.

-Josh

 

I didn’t take advice from a buddy a few years ago and I bought a used mechanical neck. I did a lot of drive on drive off though. If I did it again it would be a pony Motor. Just my opinion. Unless you know you will never detach.

 

Thank you for weighing in. I thought I would be, but apparently most of the mini deck freight at Landstar doesn’t call for detaching. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

 

If rarely front loading, go mechanical.
Are your trucks all wet kitted already ?

I rather like the little honda gas engine powered hydraulic system for an rgn, means anything can pull it, because not every truck is set up wet.

 

No, neither of them have a wet kit and most people say that the pony motor is the way to go, if I’m going to go with a hydraulic detach.
I’m thinking the same thing. If I rarely front load, then I should just go mechanical. I need more time and advice before I make a final decision.

 

If you don't use it much, still keep everything well greased, and a couple times a month fire the honda up and cycle the system on your days off.

 

the benefit of a hydraulic neck trailer is not necessarily the taking the neck off.

if I was running mini deck (and I am not) - with 0 inches ground clearance - I #### sure would want to be able to lift up.

you know for things like railroad tracks, road crowns, driveways, pieces of paper on the ground - bugs, snakes and painted lines.

 

A single sheet of paper should be okay, but if folded in half you got problems

 

Only cheap copy paper….

 

Bingo. I think xl or trailking make an air powered hatbox. That’s another route to go.

Miller Transfer does zero RORO freight and spec most of their double drops with hydro necks for adjustment.