Can You Haul Oversized Vehicles with a Lowboy or Landoll?
Oversized vehicles are a common sight on construction sites, industrial facilities, ports, and infrastructure projects. These vehicles are often too large, too heavy, or not legally permitted to travel long distances on public roads. As a result, hauling oversized vehicles becomes a necessary part of logistics planning.
Two of the most commonly used trailers for this purpose are lowboy trailers and Landoll trailers. While both are designed for heavy hauling, they serve different functions and are suited for different types of oversized vehicles. Understanding whether an oversized vehicle can be hauled with a lowboy or a Landoll—and which option is safer or more efficient—can help prevent costly mistakes.
This article explains how oversized vehicle hauling works, what types of vehicles can be transported with lowboy and Landoll trailers, and how to determine the right option for your specific situation.
What Qualifies as an Oversized Vehicle?
An oversized vehicle is generally defined as any vehicle that exceeds standard legal limits for width, height, length, or weight when traveling on public roads. These limits vary by jurisdiction, but common examples include:
Vehicles wider than standard traffic lanes.
Vehicles taller than bridge or overpass clearances.
Vehicles heavier than roadway or axle limits.
Vehicles too long to safely maneuver on streets.
Oversized vehicles are often not designed for road travel and may lack proper lighting, braking systems, or tire ratings for long-distance use.
Understanding Lowboy and Landoll Trailers
Before determining whether an oversized vehicle can be hauled, it is important to understand how lowboy and Landoll trailers differ.
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers feature a deck that sits very close to the ground. This low deck height allows tall vehicles to be transported while staying within legal height restrictions. Lowboys often use removable goosenecks or ramps for loading.
Lowboy trailers are commonly used when overall load height is a concern.
Landoll Trailers
Landoll trailers, also known as traveling axle trailers, use a hydraulic system that allows the deck to tilt to the ground. This makes ground-level loading possible without cranes or forklifts.
Landolls are especially useful for extremely heavy vehicles or situations where lifting equipment is unavailable.
Types of Oversized Vehicles That Can Be Hauled
Many types of oversized vehicles can be hauled using lowboy or Landoll trailers, depending on their size, weight, and loading requirements.
Construction Vehicles
Oversized construction vehicles such as bulldozers, articulated dump trucks, large loaders, and graders are commonly hauled using lowboy or Landoll trailers.
Lowboys are often used when height restrictions are a concern, while Landolls are used for very heavy units or challenging loading environments.
Industrial and Specialty Vehicles
Industrial vehicles such as port equipment, terminal tractors, large forklifts, and specialty transport vehicles are frequently oversized.
Landoll trailers are often preferred for these vehicles because they allow ground-level loading and handle extreme weight effectively.
Military, Utility, and Emergency Vehicles
Specialized military, utility, and emergency vehicles are often oversized and require careful handling. These vehicles may have unusual dimensions or sensitive components.
Both lowboy and Landoll trailers can be used, depending on vehicle design and site access conditions.
Agricultural and Off-Road Vehicles
Large agricultural machines and off-road vehicles often exceed legal road limits. Tracked vehicles, wide implements, and high-clearance machines typically require hauling.
Lowboy trailers help reduce transport height, while Landolls simplify loading on uneven terrain.
When a Lowboy Is the Right Choice
A lowboy trailer is often the best option when:
The oversized vehicle is tall.
Overall height must stay within legal limits.
The vehicle can be driven or winched onto the trailer.
Loading ramps or removable goosenecks are available.
Lowboys provide excellent stability and are ideal for vehicles with high centers of gravity.
When a Landoll Is the Right Choice
A Landoll trailer is often the better option when:
The vehicle is extremely heavy.
Ground-level loading is required.
Lifting equipment is not available.
Precise control during loading is needed.
Landolls are especially useful for oversized vehicles that cannot be driven easily onto a trailer.
Safety Considerations for Oversized Vehicle Hauling
Hauling oversized vehicles involves significant safety considerations. Improper equipment selection or loading can result in accidents, equipment damage, or road hazards.
Key safety factors include:
Accurate weight and dimension measurements.
Proper load securement.
Stable ground conditions during loading.
Adequate braking and towing capacity.
Both lowboy and Landoll trailers must be properly matched to the vehicle’s specifications.
Permits and Regulatory Requirements
Oversized vehicle hauling often requires permits due to size and weight. Permits may specify approved routes, travel times, and escort requirements.
Failure to comply with permit regulations can result in fines, delays, or forced unloading. Understanding regulatory requirements is essential before hauling begins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some common mistakes when hauling oversized vehicles include:
Assuming any heavy trailer will work.
Underestimating vehicle weight.
Ignoring height or width restrictions.
Failing to assess site access conditions.
Avoiding these mistakes requires proper planning and equipment selection.
Planning for a Successful Haul
Successful oversized vehicle hauling begins with planning. This includes measuring the vehicle accurately, evaluating site access, selecting the correct trailer, and confirming regulatory compliance.
Advanced planning helps reduce delays, improves safety, and ensures efficient transport.
Route Planning and Clearance Challenges
When hauling oversized vehicles with a lowboy or Landoll, route planning becomes a critical part of the operation. Oversized loads must navigate bridges, overpasses, tight turns, and areas with restricted clearances. Even when a vehicle fits safely on a trailer, the combined height, width, and length of the load can limit which routes are usable.
Lowboy trailers are often chosen specifically to reduce overall transport height, helping oversized vehicles pass under bridges and overhead utilities. Landoll trailers, while extremely capable, may result in slightly higher overall height depending on the load and deck position, making clearance checks essential. Route planning may also involve avoiding steep grades, weight-restricted roads, or high-traffic corridors to maintain safety and efficiency.
Advance route analysis helps prevent last-minute detours, delays, or unsafe conditions during transport.
Escort Vehicles and Traffic Management
Some oversized vehicle hauls require escort vehicles, especially when width or length exceeds standard limits. Escorts help manage traffic, warn other drivers, and assist with lane changes or tight turns. Whether escorts are required depends on vehicle dimensions, trailer type, and local regulations.
Traffic management is particularly important in urban environments where congestion, pedestrians, and narrow streets are common. Coordinating hauling schedules during low-traffic periods can reduce risk and improve efficiency. In certain cases, hauling may be restricted to specific times of day to minimize disruption and enhance safety.
Understanding escort and traffic control requirements in advance helps ensure compliance and prevents unexpected interruptions during the haul.
Impact on Scheduling and Project Timelines
Hauling oversized vehicles is rarely a simple, same-day task. Permits, escorts, route approvals, and equipment availability all influence scheduling. Choosing between a lowboy and a Landoll can affect timelines, especially if one option simplifies loading or reduces permit complexity.
Building flexibility into the schedule allows time to address unforeseen issues such as weather changes, access limitations, or permit adjustments. Projects that account for these factors early are less likely to experience costly delays.
Careful coordination between hauling operations and project timelines ensures oversized vehicles arrive ready for use without disrupting overall workflows.
Conclusion
Yes, oversized vehicles can be hauled using lowboy or Landoll trailers—but only when the correct trailer is chosen for the specific vehicle and conditions. Lowboy trailers are ideal for tall oversized vehicles that require reduced transport height, while Landoll trailers excel at hauling extremely heavy vehicles or those requiring ground-level loading.
Understanding the differences between these trailers, assessing vehicle specifications, and planning for safety and compliance are essential steps in oversized vehicle hauling. With the right approach, hauling oversized vehicles with a lowboy or Landoll can be done safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary complications.