Oilfield float trailers are specialized heavy-haul trailers designed to operate in the demanding conditions of the oil and gas industry. They are built to transport heavy equipment, machinery, and materials across challenging terrains often found on oilfields.
These trailers are similar to flatbed trailers, and consists of a trailer chassis with a flat deck without permanent sides or a roof. The main difference between an oilfield float and a flatbed trailer is that oilfield floats always have a pick-up throat, a tail roller, and either a folding landing gear or no landing gear.
A prominent feature is the heavy-duty tail roller assembly at the rear of the trailer. This roller facilitates the smooth loading and unloading of heavy equipment, especially when it’s being winched onto the trailer. Some also include “kicker” or “center” rollers to further assist with loading.
The “pickup throat” at the front of an oilfield float trailer is a recessed area designed to receive the gooseneck of the tractor, helping to lower the front of the trailer deck and provide a more stable connection.
The “folding landing gear” in an oilfield float is a specialized feature that distinguishes it from other trailers. An oilfield float with this feature has legs that can be folded or retracted into a horizontal position. This is operated by a winch, and it serves a specific purpose for loading and unloading heavy, oversized equipment. The folding landing gear works in conjunction with the winch and a “pick-up eye” at the front of the trailer. When a truck approaches the trailer, the folding landing gear is retracted, and the truck’s winch pulls the trailer onto its fifth wheel. This action essentially “folds” the landing gear out of the way, allowing for a smooth and efficient loading process.
