11-16-2025, 02:42 PM
Understanding the Role of Tag Trailers
A 20-ton tag trailer is a vital asset for contractors and equipment operators who need to transport mid-sized machinery such as excavators, track loaders, and skid steers. These trailers are typically non-detachable, pulled by dump trucks or tractors, and designed for versatility and ease of loading. The market offers a wide range of configurations, including beavertail ramps, hydraulic or spring-assisted ramps, tilt decks, and tandem or dual jacks. Selecting the right trailer involves balancing durability, functionality, and long-term value.
Comparing Leading Brands and Build Quality
Several manufacturers dominate the 20-ton tag trailer market, including Eager Beaver, Towmaster, Felling, Rogers, Talbert, and BetterBuilt. Each brand has its strengths:
Hydraulic Ramps and Tandem Jacks
Hydraulic ramps are increasingly considered essential for 20-ton trailers. They eliminate the need for manual lifting, reducing the risk of injury and speeding up loading times. Tandem jacks offer better stability, especially when unhooking a loaded trailer. This is particularly useful when the trailer is parked on uneven ground or when clearance between the jack handle and the truck’s rear is limited.
Tilt Decks vs Ramps
While tilt decks offer a ramp-free solution, they may not be ideal for operators who frequently double-load machines like a skid steer and a mini excavator. Air tilt trailers provide a smoother loading experience but can be cumbersome when loading multiple pieces of equipment. Ramps, especially hydraulic or spring-assisted, remain the preferred choice for flexibility and ease of use.
Decking and Traction Considerations
Wooden decks are standard, but they can become slippery when wet, especially for steel-tracked machines. To mitigate this, some operators add cleats or self-cleaning angle iron to the beavertail and ramps. Others place used tires on the ramps during loading to protect the surface and improve traction.
Customization and Long-Term Planning
A trailer often becomes one of the most customized tools in a contractor’s fleet. Features like winch tracks, additional D-rings, and heavy C-channel side rails can be added to improve load security and versatility. For those anticipating business growth, stepping up to a 25-ton tri-axle trailer may be a smarter long-term investment, allowing for the transport of larger machines like 160–200 class excavators.
Conclusion
Choosing a 20-ton tag trailer is about more than just capacity—it’s about matching the trailer’s features to your workflow, equipment, and hauling conditions. Prioritize build quality, ramp configuration, and safety features. Whether you’re hauling a 315 excavator, a CTL, or a mini with attachments, the right trailer will save time, reduce wear, and improve jobsite efficiency. Investing in a well-built trailer today can prevent costly repairs and limitations tomorrow.
A 20-ton tag trailer is a vital asset for contractors and equipment operators who need to transport mid-sized machinery such as excavators, track loaders, and skid steers. These trailers are typically non-detachable, pulled by dump trucks or tractors, and designed for versatility and ease of loading. The market offers a wide range of configurations, including beavertail ramps, hydraulic or spring-assisted ramps, tilt decks, and tandem or dual jacks. Selecting the right trailer involves balancing durability, functionality, and long-term value.
Comparing Leading Brands and Build Quality
Several manufacturers dominate the 20-ton tag trailer market, including Eager Beaver, Towmaster, Felling, Rogers, Talbert, and BetterBuilt. Each brand has its strengths:
- Towmaster is known for robust construction and long-term reliability. Owners report minimal issues even after a decade of use, with only routine maintenance like brakes and bearings.
- Eager Beaver trailers are praised for their structural integrity and features like Roto-Rings, though some users find these rings problematic when securing chains at sharp angles.
- Felling trailers often come equipped with tandem jacks and hydraulic ramps, making them convenient for solo operators who need to unhook while loaded.
- BetterBuilt offers hydraulic ramps and double jacks, which reduce physical strain and improve safety during loading.
- Talbert and Rogers are also respected for their heavy-duty frames and clean wiring layouts.
Hydraulic Ramps and Tandem Jacks
Hydraulic ramps are increasingly considered essential for 20-ton trailers. They eliminate the need for manual lifting, reducing the risk of injury and speeding up loading times. Tandem jacks offer better stability, especially when unhooking a loaded trailer. This is particularly useful when the trailer is parked on uneven ground or when clearance between the jack handle and the truck’s rear is limited.
Tilt Decks vs Ramps
While tilt decks offer a ramp-free solution, they may not be ideal for operators who frequently double-load machines like a skid steer and a mini excavator. Air tilt trailers provide a smoother loading experience but can be cumbersome when loading multiple pieces of equipment. Ramps, especially hydraulic or spring-assisted, remain the preferred choice for flexibility and ease of use.
Decking and Traction Considerations
Wooden decks are standard, but they can become slippery when wet, especially for steel-tracked machines. To mitigate this, some operators add cleats or self-cleaning angle iron to the beavertail and ramps. Others place used tires on the ramps during loading to protect the surface and improve traction.
Customization and Long-Term Planning
A trailer often becomes one of the most customized tools in a contractor’s fleet. Features like winch tracks, additional D-rings, and heavy C-channel side rails can be added to improve load security and versatility. For those anticipating business growth, stepping up to a 25-ton tri-axle trailer may be a smarter long-term investment, allowing for the transport of larger machines like 160–200 class excavators.
Conclusion
Choosing a 20-ton tag trailer is about more than just capacity—it’s about matching the trailer’s features to your workflow, equipment, and hauling conditions. Prioritize build quality, ramp configuration, and safety features. Whether you’re hauling a 315 excavator, a CTL, or a mini with attachments, the right trailer will save time, reduce wear, and improve jobsite efficiency. Investing in a well-built trailer today can prevent costly repairs and limitations tomorrow.
