Equipment Trailers

Equipment trailers are designed to haul heavy machinery—skid steers, compact tractors, mini excavators, forklifts, ATVs, riding mowers, and similar loads. They feature low deck heights for easy loading, heavy-duty frames rated for high GVWRs, and ramp or tilt systems to get equipment on and off safely. They're used by contractors, farmers, ranchers, and rental operations throughout Texas.

A bumper pull trailer connects to a standard receiver hitch at the rear of your truck. A gooseneck trailer connects over the truck bed via a ball hitch in the bed, placing more of the trailer's weight over the truck's rear axle—this allows for higher weight ratings and longer deck lengths with better stability. Gooseneck trailers are the preferred choice for heavier equipment and longer hauls. Bumper pull trailers work well for lighter loads and are easier to back up.

Start with the operating weight of your heaviest piece of equipment—not the shipping weight, but the actual weight with fluids, attachments, and a full fuel load. Add 10–20% as a safety buffer. The trailer's GVWR must exceed that total. For example, a skid steer that weighs 8,500 lbs operating should go on a trailer with at least a 10,000 lb GVWR. Your truck's tow rating must also exceed the combined weight of the loaded trailer.

A tilt trailer has a deck that tilts at a low angle to the ground, making it easy to drive or ride equipment onto the bed—no ramp setup required. Ramp trailers use fold-down ramps at the rear and are typically less expensive. Tilt trailers are faster to load and work well for equipment with low ground clearance. Ramp trailers offer a flat deck once loaded, which can be useful for securing certain types of cargo. Both configurations are available in our inventory.

Match the trailer length to the footprint of your equipment plus enough room for loading and securing. A single compact tractor or skid steer typically fits on an 18'–20' trailer. If you're hauling multiple pieces or larger machines, 24'–33' bumper pull or gooseneck models give you more room. For full-size construction equipment, 35'–40' goosenecks are the standard. Measure your equipment with attachments attached before deciding.

A CDL is required in Texas when the combined weight (truck + trailer + load) exceeds 26,001 lbs, or when the trailer's GVWR alone exceeds 10,000 lbs and the combination exceeds 26,001 lbs. Many equipment trailers used commercially fall into CDL territory once loaded. If you're using equipment trailers for personal agricultural use on your own property, different rules may apply. When in doubt, check with the Texas DPS or consult a transportation attorney.

A deckover trailer has its deck positioned on top of the wheels rather than between them, giving you a full-width deck that's typically 102" wide. Standard trailers have the deck between the fenders, which limits usable width. Deckover trailers are better for wide equipment like large skid steers, bulldozers, or wide farm implements. The tradeoff is a higher deck height, which means you need a longer, shallower ramp angle for loading low-clearance equipment.

Use chains or rated tie-down straps attached to the trailer's D-rings or stake pockets. For tracked equipment, chain across the tracks at four points. For wheeled equipment, chock the tires and chain at four anchor points—two at the front and two at the rear. The working load limit on your tie-downs must exceed the weight of the equipment divided by the number of attachment points. Lower the boom or bucket to the deck before transport and secure any loose attachments.

Grease the wheel bearings every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Inspect the brakes and brake fluid annually. Check and adjust tire pressure before every trip—underinflated tires on a heavy load fail quickly. Inspect all welds, the frame, and the ramps for cracks or damage after heavy use. Test your trailer's lights and wiring connection before each haul and touch up any chips in the paint or undercoating to prevent rust.

Mega ramps are Big Tex's heavy-duty, wide ramp option designed for equipment with rubber tracks or wide tires. They provide a wider loading surface than standard ramps, which helps prevent track edges from hanging off during loading and reduces the risk of damage to the trailer or the equipment. If you're loading a tracked skid steer, compact track loader, or excavator regularly, mega ramps are worth the upgrade.