Looking for the right trailer for forklift transport?
A standard warehouse forklift may look compact, but the dense iron counterweight hung over the rear axle gives even small units an extreme weight-to-size ratio. Because these machines are engineered exclusively for smooth, flat warehouse floors, their low ground clearance makes steep loading ramps a severe hazard.
Why fight physics on a high incline? Drop-deck trailers deliver gentle, near-ground-level drive-on capability. This eliminates the tipping risks, bottoming-out frame damage, and loading dock dependencies that plague equipment haulers.
Table of Contents
- Standard Trailer: Forklift Transport Headaches
- Good Trailers: Easy Forklift Hauling
- Forklift FAQ
- Key Takeaways
- Load Low, Haul Good
Standard Trailer: Forklift Transport Headaches
Equipment rental managers, fleet managers, construction superintendents, and many other professionals already know that regularly hauling forklifts can create expensive risks.
- Zero Ramp Traction. Small, solid cushion tires slip easily on wet or smooth steel ramp tracks.
- High-Centering at the Apex. With only 2-to-3 inches of clearance, a forklift’s frame will scrape or high-center at the sharp breakover angle where the ramp meets a standard high deck.
- Tip-Over Hazards. Narrow ramps offer zero room for steering errors, risking a devastating side rollover or backward flip due to the heavy rear counterweight.
Good Trailers: Easy Forklift Hauling
With a GoodMFG® drop-deck trailer, loading a forklift is as simple as driving onto a flat driveway. Using the wireless remote, the articulating suspension lowers the entire chassis flat to the pavement.
The GT19FL Ground-Level Advantage
- Shallow 11° incline. A short 22-inch long, 74.4″-inch-wide ramp spans the entire full rear width of the trailer, eliminating narrow ramp balancing acts.
- Zero breakover peak. Drive straight onto the 5.4″-inch deck without scraping undercarriages or jarring the operator.
- Safe ground-level tie-downs. Operators can easily access frame tie-down points while standing safely on the ground, no reaching or climbing required. Even better, if you invest in the D-ring stake pocket add-on, they’ll have an even easier time!
Once loaded, push a button to raise the deck to standard 18-inch highway travel height, latch the safety locks, and hit the road.
FAQ
What types of forklifts can you haul on GoodMFG® trailers?
With the GT19FL, you can haul most Class 1 (electric counterbalanced riders) and Class 2 (electric narrow-aisle) warehouse forklifts. Its 8,000 lb. carrying capacity provides substantial payload headroom for standard indoor material handling units.
Note: extremely heavy Class 4 or Class 5 internal combustion pneumatic forklifts exceeding 8,000 lbs., higher-capacity specialized transport is required.
Which GoodMFG® model is the best for hauling forklifts?
The GT19FL (11,800 lbs. GVWR/8,000 lbs. Payload Capacity) is a perfect fit for forklift transport.
Can you haul forklifts in an enclosed trailer?
Yes, but it’s typically only a practical choice for Class 1 riders. Always check forklift specs, including width and height, before attempting to haul a forklift in an enclosed trailer.
Key Takeaways
Here’s your TL;DR if you’re thinking hard about uploading to drop deck trailers for forklift transport this year.
- Protect low-clearance frames. An 11° approach flap prevents low-slung indoor forklifts from bottoming out or scraping their undercarriages.
- Eliminate ramp-slip hazards. Full-width 74.4″ ramps eliminate narrow track balancing acts for slick cushion tires.
- Targeted weight capacity. The GT19FL safely carries Class 1 and Class 2 warehouse forklifts up to an 8,000 lb. payload limit.
- Streamline rental fleet operations. Ground-level loading turns a hazardous multi-person loading drill into a quick, safe, 5-minute solo task.
Load Low, Haul Good
If you’re hauling forklifts on the regular then you don’t want to risk damage or injuries. This is especially true for equipment rental companies, who must haul forklifts weekly, or even daily. If you’re ready to upgrade, we’re here to help. Find your nearest dealer now, or contact us for options.
See also:
How Drop Deck Trailers Help Companies Lower Labor Costs
Are Good Trailers Difficult to Service & Repair?
Reduce Undercarriage Repair Bills
This resource was compiled by the GoodMFG® Product Team, drawing on a combined 75 years of experience in hydraulic systems, heavy-duty transport, trailers, and modular structures.
P.S. – We build trailers every day, but we don’t run your crews. If there’s a specific logistical headache or a “field reality” we’ve missed, we want to hear about it. Help us refine the equipment that makes your day easier! Email our Marketing Lead at devan-h @ goodrv.com and let us know what we should solve next.
