26,000+ lb Equipment Trailer

This class is appropriate when gross combination weight—trailer plus load—exceeds 26,000 lb, requiring a CDL operator and commercial tow vehicle. Operators transporting excavators over 10 tons, wheel loaders, or multiple pieces of heavy equipment typically specify this range. For loads comfortably under 26,000 lb gross (including trailer weight), the 14,000–26,000 lb Equipment Trailer class avoids CDL requirements and permits simpler logistics. Within this 26,000+ lb class, deck height, axle count, and capacity spread from tag-along lowboys near the threshold to multi-axle heavy-haul configurations exceeding 60,000 kg capacity.

• Transporting 20-ton excavators between commercial construction sites
• Hauling wheel loaders or dozers for highway and infrastructure projects
• Moving multiple skid steers or compact equipment on a single heavy-capacity deck
• Delivering industrial compaction equipment to landfill or grading operations
• Relocating farm tractors and large agricultural implements across state lines

• CDL-certified operators required; pre-trip inspections must verify brake function, hitch security, and tire condition per FMCSA regulations
• Load securement follows FMCSA standards—chains, binders, and tie-downs rated for the cargo weight with specified working load limits
• Oversize/overweight permits dictate travel hours, route restrictions, and escort requirements in many states
• Deck height and center of gravity critical during loading; tracked equipment should be centered and chained at multiple points

• Requires commercial tow vehicle rated for the gross combination weight—typically heavy-duty pickup (Class 3–5) or semi-tractor
• CDL mandatory in most jurisdictions due to GVWR exceeding 26,000 lb; oversize/overweight permits often required depending on load dimensions and axle spacing
• Gooseneck or pintle hitch configurations common; tilt or hydraulic dovetails simplify loading tracked equipment

• Trailer lighting and brakes powered by 7-pin or commercial breakaway systems on the tow vehicle
• Electric-over-hydraulic brakes standard on heavier models; some units include hydraulic power units for tilt-deck operation
• No auxiliary power required for the trailer itself; transported equipment may need separate fuel or battery maintenance