6 hours ago
A lowboy trailer is one of the most essential tools in heavy‑equipment transportation, designed to haul machines that exceed the height limits of standard trailers. These trailers have been a backbone of the construction and transportation industries since the mid‑20th century, when manufacturers began producing detachable‑gooseneck and hydraulic‑assisted models to accommodate increasingly large machinery. Today, tens of thousands of lowboys operate across North America, many of them undergoing periodic refurbishment to extend their service life.
A five‑year‑old 55‑ton lowboy trailer recently underwent a complete refurbishment, illustrating the level of care and technical attention required to keep such equipment in top condition. The project involved structural restoration, corrosion removal, repainting, and mechanical adjustments, ultimately returning the trailer to near‑new condition.
Initial Condition and Need for Refurbishment
The trailer had been purchased with the understanding that it required a full repaint. Although only five years old, the frame and structural members showed significant corrosion, especially from winter road salt exposure.
Terminology note: Structural members refer to the main load‑bearing steel beams that support the trailer deck and distribute weight across the axles.
Corrosion on a lowboy trailer is more than cosmetic—it can weaken welds, reduce load capacity, and accelerate fatigue cracking. In regions where salt is heavily used on winter roads, trailers often require major refurbishment every 5–10 years to maintain structural integrity.
Disassembly and Surface Preparation
The refurbishment began by removing:
Once stripped, the frame was blasted clean and prepared for painting.
Professional Painting and Coating
The trailer was transported to a facility equipped with a 60‑foot spray booth, allowing full‑length priming and painting in a controlled environment. A controlled booth ensures:
Trailer Dimensions and Corrosion Findings
The trailer measures 9.5 feet in width, wider than the standard 8‑foot legal width for many trailers. Despite appearing acceptable from the outside, the interior and underside showed extensive corrosion, likely due to heavy year‑round use by the previous owner.
This is a common issue in high‑utilization fleets. When equipment runs continuously, there is rarely time for deep maintenance, and corrosion can progress unnoticed.
Gooseneck Shim Plate Adjustments
A notable part of the refurbishment involved adjusting the gooseneck height using shim plates. The owner created a custom sketch for new shim plates and had additional plates cut to allow fine‑tuning of the trailer’s front height.
Terminology note: Shim plates are thin metal spacers used to adjust alignment or height between connected components.
These plates fit into small tabs on the gooseneck, allowing operators to stack plates as needed. This simple mechanical solution provides precise height control without modifying the trailer structure.
Fender Considerations and Maintenance Philosophy
The owner chose not to install fenders over the trailer’s rear wheels. The reasoning was practical:
Other operators noted that fenders help protect hauled equipment from debris, illustrating the trade‑off between cleanliness and protection.
Industry Perspective on Preventive Maintenance
One experienced operator commented that it was refreshing to see someone invest in preventive maintenance rather than running equipment “into the ground”. This reflects a broader industry trend: companies that maintain equipment proactively often achieve:
A Story From the Field
A contractor in Alberta once shared that his lowboy trailer deteriorated rapidly because he relied on quick repaints instead of full refurbishments. After only three winters, the frame began to delaminate from hidden rust pockets. When he finally committed to a full strip‑down and blast, the repair shop discovered several structural members that needed reinforcement.
This story mirrors the experience of many operators: superficial repairs may look good temporarily, but only a full refurbishment can address hidden corrosion.
Long‑Term Benefits of a Full Refurbishment
A complete refurbishment offers several advantages:
Conclusion
The lowboy refurbishment project demonstrates the value of thorough maintenance and attention to detail. By stripping the trailer, blasting the frame, repainting in a professional booth, adjusting the gooseneck with custom shim plates, and addressing corrosion proactively, the owner restored the trailer to a condition that will serve reliably for many years.
In an industry where equipment is often pushed to its limits, such dedication to maintenance is both admirable and economically wise.
A five‑year‑old 55‑ton lowboy trailer recently underwent a complete refurbishment, illustrating the level of care and technical attention required to keep such equipment in top condition. The project involved structural restoration, corrosion removal, repainting, and mechanical adjustments, ultimately returning the trailer to near‑new condition.
Initial Condition and Need for Refurbishment
The trailer had been purchased with the understanding that it required a full repaint. Although only five years old, the frame and structural members showed significant corrosion, especially from winter road salt exposure.
Terminology note: Structural members refer to the main load‑bearing steel beams that support the trailer deck and distribute weight across the axles.
Corrosion on a lowboy trailer is more than cosmetic—it can weaken welds, reduce load capacity, and accelerate fatigue cracking. In regions where salt is heavily used on winter roads, trailers often require major refurbishment every 5–10 years to maintain structural integrity.
Disassembly and Surface Preparation
The refurbishment began by removing:
- Wooden deck planks
- Air reservoirs
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Air valves and air lines
- Various fittings and hardware
Once stripped, the frame was blasted clean and prepared for painting.
Professional Painting and Coating
The trailer was transported to a facility equipped with a 60‑foot spray booth, allowing full‑length priming and painting in a controlled environment. A controlled booth ensures:
- Even coating thickness
- Reduced contamination
- Proper curing temperature
- Long‑lasting corrosion resistance
Trailer Dimensions and Corrosion Findings
The trailer measures 9.5 feet in width, wider than the standard 8‑foot legal width for many trailers. Despite appearing acceptable from the outside, the interior and underside showed extensive corrosion, likely due to heavy year‑round use by the previous owner.
This is a common issue in high‑utilization fleets. When equipment runs continuously, there is rarely time for deep maintenance, and corrosion can progress unnoticed.
Gooseneck Shim Plate Adjustments
A notable part of the refurbishment involved adjusting the gooseneck height using shim plates. The owner created a custom sketch for new shim plates and had additional plates cut to allow fine‑tuning of the trailer’s front height.
Terminology note: Shim plates are thin metal spacers used to adjust alignment or height between connected components.
These plates fit into small tabs on the gooseneck, allowing operators to stack plates as needed. This simple mechanical solution provides precise height control without modifying the trailer structure.
Fender Considerations and Maintenance Philosophy
The owner chose not to install fenders over the trailer’s rear wheels. The reasoning was practical:
- Fenders trap dirt and salt
- Cleaning becomes more difficult
- Rust accelerates under enclosed spaces
- Painting and blasting are harder with fenders installed
Other operators noted that fenders help protect hauled equipment from debris, illustrating the trade‑off between cleanliness and protection.
Industry Perspective on Preventive Maintenance
One experienced operator commented that it was refreshing to see someone invest in preventive maintenance rather than running equipment “into the ground”. This reflects a broader industry trend: companies that maintain equipment proactively often achieve:
- Longer service life
- Higher resale value
- Lower long‑term repair costs
- Better safety performance
A Story From the Field
A contractor in Alberta once shared that his lowboy trailer deteriorated rapidly because he relied on quick repaints instead of full refurbishments. After only three winters, the frame began to delaminate from hidden rust pockets. When he finally committed to a full strip‑down and blast, the repair shop discovered several structural members that needed reinforcement.
This story mirrors the experience of many operators: superficial repairs may look good temporarily, but only a full refurbishment can address hidden corrosion.
Long‑Term Benefits of a Full Refurbishment
A complete refurbishment offers several advantages:
- Restores structural integrity
- Extends trailer lifespan by 5–10 years
- Improves appearance and resale value
- Reduces risk of roadside failures
- Ensures compliance with safety regulations
Conclusion
The lowboy refurbishment project demonstrates the value of thorough maintenance and attention to detail. By stripping the trailer, blasting the frame, repainting in a professional booth, adjusting the gooseneck with custom shim plates, and addressing corrosion proactively, the owner restored the trailer to a condition that will serve reliably for many years.
In an industry where equipment is often pushed to its limits, such dedication to maintenance is both admirable and economically wise.
