RGN's - Mechanical vs Hydraulic

In my opinion, you probably won't do much better with a 5 axle RGN setup than you would with a step or flat. Generally, I find there is a reasonable premium on the first load. After that, the RGN actually becomes harder to load and you end up hauling a lower paying load. I have a few accounts that require RGNs for shipments from out and about coming back toward the Midwest, but this occurs less than 50% of the time. You may have better luck on the Landstar board, but it could mean home time becomes less frequent. It could mean being out 4-5 weeks because it is more difficult finding something heading toward home. In the end, your MPM won't be much better and your home time will be worse.

 

I always enjoy seeing the pictures you post. Good looking rig and loads.

But yes, when you're looking for back-haul for an RGN on a 5 axle rig, load capacity is a critical issue. One of our company trucks is one thing, but throw a heavy contractor truck into the mix and it is a whole other can of worms.

On a side note, I had some idiot from TQL call me to offer me a load of 2 #20K coils. I asked him if they'd load an RGN. He replied saying "sure, but #40K might be too much weight for an RGN, I've heard of them breaking in half under that kind of weight." I kindly said yeah, you're right, I'll take your advice and pass on the load.

 

Why thank you

My rule has always been to run heavy or a complex load. If I load 70,000# & up it tends to weed out some haulers. If I play in the 5axle playground I would go broke, to much competition. I love it when I hear a broker pause when I call on a 70k load and they want to make sure I understand how heavy it is & I ask them do you have anything heavier....

SHC, cpape, is correct and brings a valid point up. It has been my experience, unless you have a dedicated account, if you go RGN go big. Else just stay with step or flat.

 

hey Rob, LS just bought some new tandem Fontaine RGN's, I had to look twice when I saw the first one at the Port of Brunswick. Call Brenda and see if you can try one out if you have time on the trade deal.

 

Talbert is my favorite trailer in a lowboy.

 

I pulled and owned hydraulic lowboys, only run one mechanical and would never put money into a mechanical.

Stay away from mechanical RGN

 

You have to pay to play! Everyone I know that pulls heavy uses mechanical, so I don't have anything to add. I looked into buying one earlier in the year, but the FL market seems to have slim freight pickings compared to flat and step. I'd have to be on the road more, which isn't going to happen.

 

IMO hydraulic all the way. I run a 40 ton Rogers when i can find work for it and would not trade it for a mechanical ever.