How Much Is A Lowboy Trailer

What is the General Price Range for a New Lowboy Trailer?

Based on my experience, a new lowboy trailer starts at $60,000 and can go up to $120,000 or more. Your final cost depends on the trailer’s specifications, the manufacturer, and the features you select.

I suggest you expect the base price for a new lowboy trailer to start at $60,000. Premium or heavy-duty models often cost more than $100,000. You also need to add taxes and the cost of any optional customizations.

How Much Can You Save Buying a Used Lowboy Trailer?

From my experience, buying a used lowboy trailer saves a lot of money. It’s a great choice for many people. A new lowboy trailer can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000. Custom models can go over $200,000. In comparison, I’ve seen used lowboy trailers start around $20,000. You can find many used trailers for much less than a new one. This lowers your initial investment by a large amount.

Key Savings Advantages

1. Lower Purchase Price: I find that used trailers cost much less. This frees up your money for other important gear without breaking your budget.
2. Deals from Private Sellers: I recommend looking at private sales. You can get better deals from private sellers than from dealerships. They often have lower prices, and you have more space to negotiate.
3. Less Depreciation: A new trailer loses value the fastest in its first few years. A used trailer has already passed that stage. Its value is more stable, so you avoid the big drop in value that new buyers face.
4. Heavy-Duty Trailer Savings: I’ve seen new heavy-duty lowboys priced at $90,000–$100,000. You can find a similar used one in good shape for $40,000–$60,000. That’s a savings of 30%–60%, based on its age and condition.
5. Entry-Level Trailer Savings: For a trailer that costs $30,000 new, you might find a used one for $20,000–$25,000. This is common for trailers that are a few years old with some normal wear.
6. Check the History: I suggest you always ask for maintenance and service records. A trailer with good records can save you money on repairs down the road. It also helps you trust its reliability.
7. Look at the Condition: I believe you should check a few things. Its age, brand, any past changes, and its overall condition all affect the price and how long it will last.
8. Know the Trade-offs: You save money at the start. But from my experience, you should remember there’s no warranty. You might have to pay for small repairs. I recommend adding these possible costs to your budget.

To sum it up, buying a used lowboy trailer can save you tens of thousands of dollars. For many people, I think these big savings are worth the trade-offs. This is very true if you inspect the trailer carefully and negotiate the price.

Lowboy Trailer Pricing by Tonnage Capacity (35 Ton, 55 Ton, 80+ Ton)

From my experience, when you look at lowboy trailer prices, the tonnage capacity is a huge factor in the cost. I’ve created a breakdown by capacity below. This should help you compare new and used models. It also explains how different features and specs change the price.

35 Ton Lowboy Trailer Pricing

1. New Models: I see new 35-ton lowboy trailers, like the 2025 Trail King TK-70MG (48′ steel frame, wood floor, tandem axle), priced between $80,000 and $95,000. The final cost depends on the setup and features.
2. Used Options: Used 35-ton models sell for $31,000 to $60,000, based on their age and shape. For versions with many custom upgrades, prices can be higher, like the $131,890 for a 2024 BWS 35ADG2X53 (52’11” dual 25,000 lb axles).
3. Payload: Most 35-ton trailers can carry over 70,000 pounds. I find this capacity is perfect for standard heavy equipment hauling.

55 Ton Lowboy Trailer Pricing

1. Used Trailers: Common models, such as the Fontaine 44 EXP (48′, 88,000 lbs capacity), sell for about $66,000.
2. High Capacity: If you need to haul 110,000 lbs, I suggest looking at options like the Alpha HD 110HDG-SF (53′ long, 10′ wide), which costs around $130,790. Another choice is the Choice 355NG (53′, 110,000 lbs), which I’ve seen listed at $136,290.
3. Price Range: You can find older or basic 55-ton models for less than $100,000. Builds with special or high-end specs can cost more than $130,000.
4. Payload: I recommend 55-ton models for larger construction equipment or for hauling multiple items. They offer more flexibility with their payload.

60+ Ton Lowboy Trailer Pricing

1. Heavy-Duty Models: For the heaviest loads, you will need a heavy-duty trailer. A model like the Trail King 160HDG (160,000 lbs capacity) can cost as much as $328,900.
2. Other Listings: I also see the Alpha HD A90 HDG (90,000 lbs, 48′, 102″ wide) selling for about $148,390.
3. Super Load Trailers: Very large, custom units like the 2021 Cozad 120-ton super 13-axle can cost much more than $200,000–$300,000. The price is based on its specific features, condition, and age.
4. Payload: These trailers are made for extreme jobs. I’m talking about moving oversized items like cranes or parts for industrial buildings.

Quick Reference: Price by Tonnage (Sample Table)

Important Notes on Lowboy Trailer Price Differences

1. Prices vary based on the trailer’s condition and specifications. This includes the deck type, axles, any custom features, and your location.
2. Higher capacities (80+ ton) are hard to find on the used market. In my experience, their rarity means they command higher prices.
3. My recommended uses: A 35-ton trailer is good for standard jobs. A 55-ton trailer is better for heavier equipment. An 80+ ton trailer is what you need for oversized loads.

If you are buying a trailer, I suggest you first focus on the payload you need. Next, consider any customizations you might want. Then, compare different models in that tonnage range. This process will help you find a trailer that fits your job and your budget.

How Trailer Type Affects the Cost (RGN vs. Fixed Neck Lowboy Trailers)

From my experience, choosing between a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) and a Fixed Neck lowboy impacts your purchase price, your operating costs, and what you can haul.

RGN Lowboy Trailer Cost & Benefits

Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers have a gooseneck that detaches. This design lets you drive equipment straight onto the trailer deck from the ground. I find this can make loading up to 30% faster than using a fixed neck trailer. Hydraulic RGNs use cylinders to detach the neck and adjust the height. This adds more convenience, but they do cost more.Payload capacity: RGNs can support loads up to 150,000 pounds (about 70 tons). A standard tandem axle model typically handles up to 40,000 pounds. For extreme loads, you can get specialized versions with 20+ axles.Operational savings: Because you can load from the ground, you often don’t need cranes or other lifting equipment, which can save you money.Cost impact: This flexible, heavy-duty design comes with a much higher purchase and rental price. I believe that investment pays off if you often move oversized or very heavy machinery.Example: I would suggest an RGN to a construction firm that transports bulky excavators, cranes, or large combines. Even with its higher cost, the time savings and hauling capacity provide a better return.

Fixed Neck Lowboy Trailer Cost & Applications

Fixed neck lowboys have a neck that does not detach. You must use ramps or other machinery to load equipment. This makes them less flexible, but the simpler design has clear benefits:Lower cost: Fixed neck trailers have a lower purchase and rental price than RGNs.Lighter weight: The fixed neck makes the trailer lighter. This gives you a better payload-to-trailer-weight ratio, so you can carry more while staying within legal highway limits.Best for: I recommend them for short-distance hauls, lighter loads, or when ground-level loading isn’t a priority.Example: I’ve seen contractors save a lot of money by choosing a fixed neck trailer. It’s a great choice for moving smaller construction machines or standard loads, as long as the job doesn’t require frequent heavy lifting or fast loading.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eS5U9UajZA

Cost Comparison: Key Distinctions

• RGN Lowboy Trailers:
  1. Higher purchase and rental costs
  2. Maximum payloads up to 70 tons (150,000 lbs)
  3. Up to 20+ axles available
  4. I recommend them for oversized, tall, or extra-heavy equipment
  5. Reduce need for loading cranes/lifts
  6. Suited for industries with frequent, heavy-duty moves
• Fixed Neck Lowboy Trailers:
  1. Lower cost, both to buy and rent
  2. Lighter, for more payload with the same gross weight
  3. Fewer axles, less complex design
  4. I suggest them for standard or lighter equipment moves
  5. Slower to load/unload because they require ramps

Quick Comparison Table

I want to emphasize that your choice between an RGN and a fixed neck trailer has a big effect on your budget and daily operations. I suggest you base your decision on what you need to haul and how often you load and unload. You should ask yourself if the operational savings of an RGN make the higher upfront investment a good choice for your business.

Price Comparison of Popular Lowboy Trailer Brands

From my experience, a lowboy trailer’s brand and features have a big impact on its price. I’ll show you the pricing for some top brands. These real-world examples show how specs, age, and different options change what a trailer is worth.

Fontaine Lowboy Trailer Prices

1. Used Fontaine 44 EXP (48′, 88,000 lbs): Priced at $66,000.
2. Fontaine 55 Ton Magnitude 55MX (Hydraulic Detach, Tri-Axle, Extendable): This can cost $167,990 or $160,990. The price depends on features like well extensions.
3. 2023 Fontaine 55 Ton Quad Axle, Expandable (29ft–50ft): $167,990.

Trail King Lowboy Trailer Prices

1. Used 1992 Trail King 160HDG (48′, Heavy Duty): Listed for $328,900.
2. 2020 Trail King TK110HDG (54′ Drop Side, Tri-Axle, Hydraulic Detach): $87,990.
3. I’ve seen older Trail King models sell for less. It just depends on their features and condition.

Alpha Lowboy Trailer Prices

1. 2024 Alpha HD A90 HDG (48′, 90,000 lbs): $148,390.
2. Alpha HD 110HDG-SF (53′, 110,000 lbs): $130,790.

Choice, BWS, and Load King Pricing

1. Choice 355NG Flip Axle (53′, 110,000 lbs): $136,290.
2. BWS 2024 ADG (53′, Dual 25,000 lbs Axles): $131,890.
3. 2019 Load King 35 Ton RGN (53′): $67,990.

Other Notable Brands: XL Specialized, TRANSPORT, Kalyn-Siebert

1. XL Specialized XL 110HDG (2015, 46’8″, 110,000 lbs): You have to ask for the auction price.
2. TRANSPORT 1988 Lowboy (60 Ton, 6 Axles, Jeep & Booster): $30,000.
3. Kalyn-Siebert 2001 (50 Ton, Tri-Axle): This is at auction with a starting bid of $0.

Pricing Range & Key Takeaways

Here is a quick summary based on what I have seen:
– Lower-end used: Around $30,000 (like the 1988 TRANSPORT)
– Standard used/mid-level: $66,000–$87,990 (Fontaine, Load King, Trail King)
– Modern high-capacity/expandable: $130,000–$167,990 (Alpha, Choice, Fontaine, BWS)
– Premium heavy-duty: $148,390–$328,900 (Alpha HD, Trail King 160HDG)

• Expandable decks and hydraulic detach systems add a lot to the cost.
• The trailer’s year and condition matter. The axle count and max hauling capacity also cause big price swings between different models.
• From what I’ve seen, special heavy-duty models for loads over 100,000 lbs cost more than standard 35 to 55-ton trailers.

At-a-Glance: Brand, Models & Prices

1. Fontaine: $66,000–$167,990
2. Trail King: $87,990–$328,900
3. Alpha: $130,790–$148,390
4. Load King: $67,990
5. Choice: $136,290
6. BWS: $131,890
7. TRANSPORT: $30,000
8. Kalyn-Siebert: Price depends on the auction.

These numbers show that lowboy prices vary a lot. Brand, specs, year, and custom features all play a part. Based on my experience, I recommend you compare everything carefully before making a purchase.

Key Features That Add to the Cost of a Lowboy Trailer

If you are figuring out how much a lowboy trailer costs, certain features directly affect the final price. In my experience, these key factors change your initial investment. They also impact your trailer’s long-term use, performance, and what you can haul with it.

Load Capacity and Tonnage

A trailer’s load capacity is one of the biggest cost drivers. Trailers built for a higher tonnage, like 55-ton or 80+ ton models, need better engineering and stronger materials. For example, hydraulic lowboy trailers can support heavier loads than mechanical models. I think this is a big upgrade that comes with a higher price tag. If you need to haul heavy machinery, I suggest you prepare to pay more for that payload capacity.

Deck Height, Length, and Extendibility

Deck Height: From my experience, models with lower decks are great for moving taller loads within legal height limits. Creating these low-profile trailers requires skilled engineering and strong materials, which increases their price.Deck Length and Extendibility: Longer trailers and those with extendable decks (from 19′ to 53′ or more) give you options for oversized loads. I find that adding these features is complex and can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost.

Trailer Weight, Size, and Axle Configurations

Heavier and larger trailers need more top-grade material and an improved structural design. I believe heavier trailers may also need stronger, more expensive tractors to operate. Add-ons like extra axles or tri-axle suspensions help you carry more and manage difficult routes. I have to say, each axle you add increases the price a great deal.

Premium Materials and Build Quality

High-Tensile Steel or Reinforced Aluminum: I recommend trailers made with high-quality materials. They are more durable and resist wear, but this quality comes at a higher cost.Brand Reputation: I think well-known makers like Trail King, Fontaine, and Alpha also have higher prices. This is because they have a history of quality and dependable performance.

Hydraulic Systems and Mechanical Upgrades

Hydraulic features make loading and unloading much easier. These include hydraulic detachable necks, ride height adjustment, or axle lifting, which are a big help for heavy gear. I want to be clear that these advanced systems are much more expensive than simple manual setups.

Customization and Specialized Features

If you need a lowboy trailer for unique equipment, like cranes, wind farm blades, or heavy machines, you often need custom work. Based on my experience, I suggest looking into:

• Reinforced floors for better weight distribution
• Special tie-down points
• Better lighting and safety packages

Compliance, Safety, and Regulatory Equipment

You have to meet federal and state transport rules for oversized or heavy loads. This means you need to invest in better braking systems, suspension parts, and other safety gear. I’ve found that trailers set up for full compliance cost more to buy and to use.

Seasonal and Market Influences

Prices also change with supply and demand. During busy construction seasons or in high-demand areas, I’ve seen prices for new and used lowboy trailers go up.

At-a-Glance: Key Features Impacting Cost

• Increased tonnage/payload capacity
• Low or extendable deck designs
• High-quality materials (high-tensile steel, reinforced aluminum)
• Hydraulic detach systems
• Brand reputation and build quality
• Multiple axles or advanced suspension setups
• Regulatory and safety features
• Custom add-ons for specific hauling jobs

In summary: Any of these features, alone or combined, can add tens of thousands of dollars to a lowboy trailer’s base price. For example, a basic mechanical trailer will be far cheaper than an 80-ton hydraulic, extendable model with many custom options. I always recommend matching the features to your real hauling needs. You should budget for every upgrade that adds to the cost.

Hidden Costs of Owning a Lowboy Trailer

From my experience, the real cost of a lowboy trailer goes way beyond the sticker price. You need to account for hidden costs. These expenses impact your budget over time and can add up to more than what you paid for the trailer itself.

Ongoing Maintenance and Repairs

You can’t get around regular maintenance. I suggest investing in a premium lowboy trailer. It might cost more at the start, but you’ll have fewer repairs later. This saves money and keeps you on the road. Cheaper models often break down. You’ll find yourself replacing tires, brakes, lights, suspension, flooring, and hydraulics. These repair bills pile up. Plus, every moment your trailer is in the shop, you’re losing money.

Trailers lose value at different rates. In my view, a high-quality lowboy trailer is a better long-term investment. It loses its value at a slower pace. This means you get more of your money back when you sell it. A cheaper or badly kept trailer will lose value much faster. This fast drop in value makes it difficult to recover your initial cost, driving up your total expense.

Customization and Necessary Upgrades

I find that a trailer’s base price almost never covers everything you need. You might need to add extra tie-down points or ramps. Maybe you need custom storage or have to modify a used trailer for your gear. These changes add more costs, and they can be quite large. If you haul unique or heavy equipment, you’ll almost certainly need to customize your trailer.

I want to stress the importance of rules for heavy machinery transport. You must follow strict guidelines for weight limits, permits, and safety features. If you miss a small detail, you could face big fines. You also have to pay for permits and keep your trailer updated to new standards. These are costs that never go away.

Pre-Purchase Inspection and Condition Verification

I strongly recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection from a good mechanic. This is very important if you are buying a used trailer. Yes, it’s an upfront cost. But an inspection can find big problems like frame damage or rust. Fixing those issues later would cost you a lot more money.

You must factor in insurance and registration fees. I’ve found that insurance for heavy haul trailers costs much more than for standard gear. Registration fees also change depending on your state. Both of these are repeat expenses that will increase your yearly ownership cost.

Unexpected Fees and Surcharges

You should prepare for extra expenses that pop up without warning. You might see fuel surcharges on deliveries or overtime labor costs. You may need to pay for a pilot car or after-hours service fees. The initial quote or contract will not always list these charges.

Let me give you a real-world example. One analysis showed the five-year cost of owning a lowboy trailer was $15,659. That breaks down to about $261 each month. A huge part of that cost was from maintenance, upgrades, and hidden fees. It just shows that these costs you don’t see at first can be very high.

Quick-Reference List: Hidden Costs to Expect

• Costs for regular maintenance and repairs
• Value loss (depreciation), which is faster on cheaper trailers
• Needed upgrades and custom changes
• Fees for rules, permits, and possible fines
• Insurance and registration payments
• The cost of a pre-purchase inspection
• Surprise fees for admin, service, or delivery

summary

Based on my experience, buying a lowboy trailer is about more than the initial cost. You have to look at the long-term value. You might spend $20K on a used trailer or $200K on a brand-new one. In my opinion, the most important thing is to match the trailer to your specific hauling jobs. I suggest you don’t let a high price scare you away from real quality. But you also shouldn’t waste money on extra features you will never use. I recommend doing your research carefully. The right trailer is a great investment. It will work well and save you from future repair costs and downtime.

FAQS

1. Q: What’s the average price for a new lowboy trailer?

A: Expect $40,000–$80,000+ for a new standard-duty model (e.g., PJ or Big Tex hauling 20–40 tons). Heavy-duty trailers (50+ tons, hydraulic tilt, brands like Fontaine/Talbert) jump to $80,000–$200,000+. Your final cost depends on axle count, deck height, and features – always get custom quotes!

2. Q: Why do prices vary so wildly?

A: Three big factors:

1. Capacity: A 25-ton trailer costs half as much as an 80-ton beast.

2. Brand/Quality: Premium brands (e.g., Trail King) command 20–30% premiums over generic models.

3. Features: Hydraulic ramps, removable necks, or aluminum construction add $15,000–$50,000.
   Cheap trailers often skimp on steel thickness or axle quality – inspect specs closely!

3. Q: Is buying used worth the risk?

A: Yes, if you’re cautious. A well-maintained 5-year-old lowboy saves 30–50% off new prices (typically $20,000–$60,000). Critical checks:
✅ Test hydraulic systems for leaks
✅ Measure deck wear/flatness
✅ Verify axle alignment (look for uneven tire wear)
✅ Get maintenance records
Skip any trailer with frame cracks or rust pits – repairs will erase savings.

4. Q: What hidden costs should I budget for?

A: Beyond the sticker price:

1. Taxes/Registration: $2,000–$10,000 (varies by state)

2. Insurance: $1,200–$5,000/year

3. Annual Maintenance: 5–10% of trailer value (tires=$400+/ea, brake repairs=$1,500+/axle)

4. Customization: Adding ramps/stakes? Budget $3,000–$15,000 extra.

5. Q: What’s the smartest way to buy?

A: Follow this playbook:

1. Rent first ($200–$600/day) to test specs.

2. Compare 3+ dealers (check TrailerTrader.com or local auctions).

3. Prioritize warranty – 1-year minimum on new, 90 days on used.

4. Scale down: Buy 10% more capacity than your heaviest load – overbuying wastes fuel and cash.