Best Types of Trailers for Hauling Heavy Equipment

Choosing the right trailer is critical when transporting heavy equipment. The best types of trailers for hauling heavy equipment are designed to handle high weights safely, distribute loads correctly, and remain stable during towing. Using the wrong trailer can lead to poor handling, excessive wear, brake issues, or serious safety risks.

This guide explains the most suitable trailer types for heavy equipment, what they’re best used for, and how to choose the right one for your job.

Why choosing the right trailer matters

Heavy equipment places far more strain on:

• Axles and suspension

• Brakes and bearings

• Tow vehicle stability

• Couplings and tyres

The correct trailer ensures:

• Safe load distribution

• Legal compliance

• Reduced risk of snaking

• Easier loading and unloading

Not all trailers are built for weight — and when equipment gets heavy, strength and design matter more than convenience.

Plant trailers – the go-to for heavy machinery

Plant trailers are widely considered one of the best types of trailers for hauling heavy equipment.

Best for:

• Mini diggers

• Excavators

• Dumpers

• Rollers

• Skid steers

Why they work:

• High payload capacity

• Reinforced chassis

• Heavy-duty axles

• Integrated loading ramps

Most plant trailers are braked and designed specifically for construction and industrial use, making them ideal for frequent heavy loads.

Contact Us

Flatbed trailers – versatile and adaptable

Flatbed trailers offer flexibility for equipment that doesn’t fit neatly on a plant trailer.

Best for:

• Generators

• Compressors

• Palletised machinery

• Awkward-shaped equipment

Key advantages:

• Open deck allows easy access from all sides

• Suitable for cranes or forklifts

• Multiple tie-down points for load security

Flatbed trailers require careful load securing, but their versatility makes them a popular choice for mixed equipment transport.

Low loader trailers – ideal for tall or heavy machines

Low loader trailers are designed with a lower deck height to improve stability and clearance.

Best for:

• Tall machinery

• Heavy tracked equipment

• Machines with a high centre of gravity

Benefits:

• Lower loading angle

• Reduced overall height during transport

• Improved towing stability

For particularly heavy or tall equipment, low loaders are often the safest solution.

Car transporter trailers – not just for vehicles

While designed for vehicles, car transporter trailers are often used for heavy equipment transport.

Best for:

• Machinery on wheels

• Plant fitted with transport wheels

• Compact loaders

Why they’re effective:

• Strong chassis

• Integrated ramps

• Designed for high axle loads

It’s important to confirm payload limits, as not all car transporters are suitable for very heavy plant.

Beavertail trailers – easier loading for heavy gear

Beavertail trailers feature a sloped rear section that reduces the ramp angle.

Best for:

• Heavy wheeled equipment

• Machinery with low ground clearance

Advantages:

• Smoother loading

• Reduced ramp stress

• Safer loading process

This design is especially useful when equipment struggles with steep ramps.

Key factors when choosing a heavy equipment trailer

Even among the best types of trailers for hauling heavy equipment, not every trailer suits every job.

Payload capacity

Always check:

• Trailer maximum payload

• Gross vehicle weight (GVW)

• Axle ratings

Never load to the absolute limit if regular towing is planned.

Braked vs unbraked

Heavy equipment must be carried on braked trailers. Unbraked trailers are not suitable for heavy loads and are legally restricted.

Load distribution

Correct weight placement:

• Improves braking performance

• Prevents snaking

• Protects axles and tyres

Poor distribution is one of the most common causes of towing instability.

Ramps and access

Check:

• Ramp weight ratings

• Ramp storage and locking

• Deck height and approach angle

Loading safety is just as important as towing safety.

Get In Touch

Hire or buy – what makes sense?

If you only move heavy equipment occasionally, trailer hire is often the smarter option:

• No maintenance responsibility

• Access to the correct trailer type for each job

• Lower upfront costs

Regular equipment transport may justify buying, but the trailer must match your heaviest and most demanding load.

Final thoughts

The best types of trailers for hauling heavy equipment are built for strength, stability, and safety. Plant trailers, flatbeds, low loaders, car transporters, and beavertail trailers all serve different purposes — and choosing the right one depends on the equipment you’re moving.

If in doubt:

• Check weight ratings

• Choose braked trailers

• Prioritise stability over convenience

Using the correct trailer not only protects your equipment — it protects you and everyone else on the road.

-B.R.E.N.T