Building the Murray M2000 Nine-Axle Booster Trailer

[MikePhua]

Murray Trailers and Their Engineering Legacy
Murray Trailers, based in Stockton, California, has been a respected name in the heavy haul industry for decades. Known for their custom-built lowboys, boosters, and beam decks, Murray has carved a niche in designing trailers that meet the demands of specialized transport—whether it’s moving transformers, turbines, or oversized construction equipment. Their M2000 series represents a pinnacle of modular trailer engineering, combining flexibility, strength, and precision.
The M2000 nine-axle booster trailer is a purpose-built unit designed for extreme loads that require distributed weight across multiple axles. It features a beam deck configuration, a detachable gooseneck, and a rear booster with hydraulic articulation. The trailer is engineered to comply with bridge laws and axle weight restrictions across multiple states, making it ideal for interstate heavy haul operations.
Terminology Annotation
- Booster Axle: A trailing axle group that increases load distribution and improves turning radius.
- Jeep Dolly: A short trailer between the tractor and main deck that adds axle count and redistributes weight.
- Gooseneck: The front portion of the trailer that connects to the fifth wheel of the tractor.
- Pivot Plate: A mechanical interface that allows limited articulation between trailer components.
- Airgo Inflation System: An onboard air system that maintains tire pressure automatically across all axles.
Design Features and Structural Enhancements
The M2000 was fabricated with both deck and beam configurations in mind. The beam deck allows for lower load height and is ideal for transporting tall machinery. During fabrication, the trailer was approximately 70–80% complete before being moved back into the shop for final assembly. The gooseneck was fitted with a pivot plate that blocks lateral tilt but allows fore-aft articulation. This design improves stability during tight turns and off-camber maneuvers, preventing the deck from leaning excessively.
The trailer was equipped with disc brakes on all axles—a notable upgrade from traditional drum systems. Disc brakes offer better heat dissipation, shorter stopping distances, and easier maintenance. Additionally, the Airgo tire inflation system was installed, ensuring consistent tire pressure and reducing the risk of blowouts during long hauls.
Paint and Finishing Process
Before painting, the entire trailer was sandblasted to remove mill scale and fabrication residue. This step is critical for paint adhesion and corrosion resistance. The chosen color was a medium rich blue metallic, matching the fleet’s existing trailers. The paint was applied in multiple coats, including primer, base, and clear finish, to withstand road debris and weather exposure.
Operators often personalize their trailers with backlit logos or custom tail designs. One suggestion was to laser-cut the “Renn” script into the rear and illuminate it with red LEDs—a nod to branding and visibility.
Hydraulic Systems and Rear Articulation
The rear booster was fitted with hydraulic controls, allowing for lift and steer functions. While not standard on all Murray trailers, this option provides enhanced maneuverability, especially when navigating urban intersections or tight job sites. The hydraulic system includes:

• Lift cylinders for axle height adjustment
  
• Steering cylinders for controlled articulation
  
• Manual override valves for emergency operation
  
• Pressure sensors to monitor system health
  

These features are particularly useful when hauling loads that exceed 100,000 lbs, where precise axle control can prevent tire scrub and frame stress.
Operational Considerations and Load Dynamics
Blocking the fifth wheel pivot point on the jeep dolly was a deliberate choice. By transferring the pivot to the gooseneck, the trailer maintains better lateral stability during turns. This configuration prevents the deck from leaning left or right, which can be dangerous when hauling tall or top-heavy loads.
Operators should be trained to understand the dynamics of multi-axle trailers. Key recommendations include:

• Conducting pre-trip inspections of all hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  
• Monitoring tire pressure and brake wear regularly
  
• Using wireless onboard scales to track axle loads in real time
  
• Adjusting booster articulation based on terrain and turning radius
  
• Logging maintenance intervals for each axle group
  

Field Anecdotes and Practical Lessons
One driver recalled hauling a 120-ton transformer across three states using a similar nine-axle configuration. The Airgo system saved hours of manual tire checks, and the disc brakes performed flawlessly during mountain descents. Another operator emphasized the importance of blocking the fifth wheel pivot, noting that unblocked trailers tend to sway dangerously on uneven roads.
In a separate case, a trailer without hydraulic rear articulation struggled to navigate a refinery site with tight access. After upgrading to a steerable booster, the crew completed the job without incident.
Conclusion
The Murray M2000 nine-axle booster trailer exemplifies the fusion of engineering precision and field-tested practicality. With advanced braking, intelligent inflation, and modular articulation, it’s built to handle the most demanding hauls with confidence. Whether crossing bridges, climbing grades, or threading through city streets, the M2000 proves that in heavy transport, every axle counts—and every detail matters.