Can a Hydraulic Winch Be Used on an RGN Trailer

[MikePhua]

Understanding the RGN Trailer Configuration
Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers are a staple in heavy haul transport, designed to carry oversized or immobile equipment such as excavators, dozers, and industrial machinery. Their defining feature is the detachable front gooseneck, which allows the trailer to drop to ground level for easier loading. Most RGNs are either ground-bearing or non-ground-bearing, with triaxle configurations offering better weight distribution and maneuverability.
Terminology annotation:

• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): A trailer type with a detachable front section, allowing equipment to be driven or winched onto the deck.
  
• Ground-Bearing vs. Non-Ground-Bearing: Ground-bearing RGNs rely on the trailer’s front resting on the ground during loading, while non-ground-bearing types use mechanical supports.
  
• Hydraulic Winch: A pulling device powered by hydraulic pressure, capable of exerting high force to move heavy loads.
  

The Case for Hydraulic Winches on RGNs
Mounting a hydraulic winch on an RGN trailer can be a practical solution for loading dead equipment—machines that cannot move under their own power due to mechanical failure or damage. A 50,000 lb-rated winch, for example, is capable of pulling most mid-sized excavators or dozers onto a trailer deck, provided the load is properly prepared.
However, placement and integration are critical. Two common mounting options include:

• Gooseneck Mounting: Installing the winch on the detachable gooseneck allows direct pulling from the front. This setup requires hydraulic lines to be rerouted or quick-connected during operation.
  
• Rear Axle Mounting: Placing the winch above the rear axles enables rearward pulling, but demands careful alignment and hydraulic rerouting.
  

Each configuration presents challenges. For instance, mounting on the gooseneck may interfere with brake lines, electrical harnesses, and hydraulic couplers. Rear mounting risks misalignment between the winch, trailer, and load, especially on uneven terrain.
Preventing Trailer Movement During Winching
One overlooked issue is the trailer itself being pulled toward the load rather than vice versa. This occurs when the trailer lacks sufficient anchoring or friction against the ground. Solutions include:

• Deadman Anchors: Heavy stationary objects or ground stakes used to anchor the trailer.
  
• Wheel Chocks: High-friction blocks placed behind tires to prevent rolling.
  
• Truck Tie-Offs: Securing the trailer to the towing truck or another fixed object.
  

In one salvage operation, a burnt excavator was winched onto a trailer using a rear-mounted hydraulic winch. The operator removed the machine’s axles to reduce resistance and backed the truck to the trailer’s rear to power the winch. Whether the trailer was chained to the truck remains unclear, but the success hinged on minimizing rolling resistance and maintaining alignment.
Hydraulic Integration and Operational Complexity
Hydraulic winches require a reliable source of pressurized fluid. On RGNs, this typically comes from the towing truck’s hydraulic system. However, switching hydraulic lines between the gooseneck and winch can be cumbersome. Operators must:

• Disconnect hydraulic lines from the gooseneck
  
• Connect them to the winch
  
• Ensure proper pressure and flow rate
  
• Avoid contamination or leaks during transitions
  

This process becomes more complex in uncontrolled environments such as job sites or salvage yards. Mud, uneven ground, and limited space can make trailer detachment and reconnection difficult. Some operators report needing support equipment just to remount the gooseneck after winching.
Alternative Approaches and Practical Considerations
Mounting the winch directly on the truck offers another solution. Many heavy-duty trucks feature front or rear winches powered by onboard hydraulics. This setup simplifies the process but introduces limitations:

• Weight Disparity: A relatively light truck may struggle to pull a heavier dead machine.
  
• Space Constraints: Hydraulic tanks and other components may compete for mounting space.
  
• Operational Sequence: Requires dropping the trailer, winching the load, then remounting—potentially unsafe or impractical in tight areas.
  

Despite these drawbacks, truck-mounted winches are common in recovery operations and can be effective with proper anchoring and planning.
RGN Trailer Evolution and Manufacturer Background
RGN trailers emerged in the mid-20th century as a solution for transporting tall and heavy equipment without violating height restrictions. Early models were manually operated, requiring cranes or jacks to detach the gooseneck. Modern RGNs feature hydraulic detachment, rolling tailboards, and integrated ramps.
Leading manufacturers include Trail King, Fontaine, and Talbert, each with decades of experience in specialized transport. Trail King, for example, began in the 1970s and has sold over 100,000 trailers globally. Their innovations include modular deck systems and enhanced load distribution technologies.
Sales data from 2022 shows that over 15,000 RGNs were sold in North America alone, with increasing demand from construction, mining, and energy sectors.
Recommendations for Winch Integration
Operators considering hydraulic winch installation on RGNs should follow these guidelines:

• Assess Load Requirements: Match winch capacity to the heaviest expected load, factoring in rolling resistance and incline.
  
• Choose Mounting Location Wisely: Evaluate space, hydraulic access, and alignment feasibility.
  
• Install Quick-Connect Hydraulic Couplers: Simplify switching between gooseneck and winch.
  
• Use Wireless Remote Controls: Enhance safety by allowing distance operation.
  
• Conduct Load Path Simulations: Use scaled models or CAD to visualize winching geometry and stress points.
  

In one innovative setup, a contractor used a rolling tailboard with integrated winch mounts and a wireless control system. This allowed seamless loading of broken equipment without detaching the gooseneck, reducing setup time by 40%.
Conclusion
Hydraulic winches can be effectively used on RGN trailers, but success depends on thoughtful integration, anchoring strategy, and operational planning. Whether mounted on the gooseneck, rear axles, or truck frame, the winch must work in harmony with the trailer’s geometry and hydraulic system. As equipment transport grows more complex, adaptable solutions like these will continue to shape the future of heavy haul logistics.