Which manufacturer of RGN/Lowboy do you like best and why?

I think they all have pros and cons personally, but unfortunately I've not seen a 1 size fits all trailer. I personally like Fontaine and Talbert because that's what I've mostly been around. If I had to choose between those 2, I'm really not sure which I'd choose. About the time I think I have a trailer speced in my mind the way I'd want it, I see someone pulling one that I see something on it I'd like to have as an option. Sucks because I think they all have some good options from each manufacturer.

Little detail things add up tho. Example: I like the way my neck hooks up on my Talbert for the most part, but I get aggravated at the air cylinder on the drop pin sometimes. Fontaine has a different setup which I like better.

The outer rails on my Talbert has lots of D-Rings and hook pockets, but when it comes to tarping, it sucks. No where good to hook bungie straps. My old Fontaine on the other hand, had the hand holes in the rails. Definitely made tarping a machine or crate alot easier.

One thing I do like on some of the Talbert mechanical trailers are the retractable deck pins. The dog bones are welded solid to the neck like a hydraulic RGN. You dont have to get down and move the dog bones on/ off the deck pins when you hook and unhook. I liked that. Fontaine doesn't offer that.

At the end of the day, man it's hard to spec one to fit everything, but in my opinion you cant go wrong with Trailking, Fontaine, Talbert as far as strength and durability. Some of the off brands like Witzco, Kauffman, etc I'd be leery of.

 

The next trailer you buy after your current one will be the one with all the features you want. This repeats forever with each new trailer you buy.

Pick a major brand out there and the quality will probably be fine. Order the trailer you want with all the options you can imagine. The first time you use it you'll run into something you didn't think of and want to add or change now that you have it.

Personally I only have experience with Trail King in RGN/multi axle trailers. I like some things and dislike others. Guy I got my big trailer from built a new Aspen. It's a #### nice trailer and also has some things I really like and others I don't.

 

I have to agree with Snowman about the Talbert trailer,but my experience is dated.I pulled one for 6 mos. back in 96', and never had a problem.I was working for a bulkheading company moving cranes and excavators, most times 3 moves a day.That trailer was a pleasure to use.It was a brand new 55ton triaxle, air ride with air lift back axle, nonground bearing.The only time it even had a hint of strain, was when I moved a 100ton American crane.The machine was too heavy for the trailer(obviously) but man it got the job done.

 

I've used and like both Murray and Cozad's. Great light, strong trailers. Best there is. Except up here in Alberta's Oilfield. Then I prefer a Peerless. Great trailer, but a little heavy.

 

we have ordered six Aspen trailers in our time doing heavy haul here in NW Alberta, they were the only ones when we were looking to spec a 40 wheeler that would warranty their gooseneck. we still have 4 of them, they will build them exactly how you want them, and they stand behind their work.

 

Here’s the thing, what you do buy will not be right for everything you need. And what you don’t buy looks like the most perfect trailer ever. Buy a good one and work with the tools you got. Nothing will ever be perfect.

 

For what it's worth, I have a 1996 model Aspen 50 ton. This may not have much bearing on new trailers, but the quality of my trailer is excellent, and I suspect that new Aspens are as well.

 

I would have loved to tried an Aspen, just wasn’t sure without a local dealer and whatever I got I knew I’d be stuck with for years.

 

I prefer Fontaine 55 ton magnitude, second choice trailking 55 ton avantage. Talbert never owned one but alot of regional companies use them. XL YOU CAN'T GIVE ME ONE OF THEIR TRAILERS.