What Size Trailer for Scissor Lift?

Injuries during equipment loading aren’t just rare incidents-they’re a leading cause of downtime and workers’ comp claims. One customer recently told us his crew member tore his Achilles trying to push a lift up a ramp. Another broke his arm when the lift rolled back while unloading. These situations aren't just painful-they’re expensive. And in almost every case, the issue boils down to the wrong trailer setup.

If you're trying to figure out what size trailer for scissor lift is right for your operation, you're in the right place. At Drop Deck Direct, we specialize in scissor lift trailers designed for the unique challenges of electric lift transport. Our ground-level loading design eliminates inclines entirely—making it safer, faster, and far more reliable than traditional ramp or tilt options. Whether you're hauling a 19' Genie or a 32' JLG, getting the sizing right makes all the difference in safety, compliance, and efficiency.

Let’s break it down.

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Why Trailer Sizing for Scissor Lifts Matters

Electric scissor lifts are compact and useful, but they’re notoriously difficult to load. They ride low to the ground and struggle with inclines. Even a small tilt can be a problem-especially if the battery is running low. That’s why using the right trailer size-and the right style of trailer-is so critical.

Too small and you're restricted on capacity. Too long and you're wasting space, sacrificing maneuverability in urban areas. And if you get the wrong kind of trailer (like a steel ramp or tilt-bed), you’re likely putting your team and your equipment at risk.

That’s where we come in.

Key Factors That Affect Trailer Size Selection

1. Lift Dimensions and Weight

Most standard 19' scissor lifts, such as the Genie GS-1930 or JLG 1930ES, weigh between 2,700 and 3,000 lbs and measure about 30–32 inches wide. The lift size and weight directly affect what trailer capacity for JLG / Genie lifts you’ll need.

Larger lifts, like the Genie 3232 or JLG 3246, may tip the scales at 3,500–4,500 lbs and stretch longer and taller. These require more deck space and higher payload capacities.

2. Loading Conditions

Here’s the truth: most lift accidents don’t happen because of trailer failure. They happen because of loading issues. Weather, low batteries, and worn tires make ramps and tilt trailers a dangerous gamble.

Our trailers load flat to the ground—no incline, no slipping, no pushing. That’s why operators from commerical service techs to construction crews choose our hydraulic drop deck trailers.

3. Urban vs. Rural Operations

In urban environments, space is tight. Our customers prefer narrower trailers like the HGL3510S or HGL5510S—they stay tucked behind the truck and are easy to maneuver into alleys and jobsite corners.

In rural areas, longer trailers like the HGL10614 or HGL10616 give customers more room to haul multiple lifts or extra equipment.

Recommended Sizes for Common Scissor Lifts

Standard 19’ Models

Most customers are moving 19' lifts day in and day out. For these, we recommend the following:

• HGL3510S: 10', 5’ wide, 3,500 lb capacity – best for ultra-compact applications

• HGL5510S: 10', 5’ wide, 5,000 lb capacity – narrow yet more robust

• HGL5610S: 10', 6’ wide, 5,000 lb capacity – our go-to for single lifts

  
  

The HGL5510S is our most popular single-axle option because it strikes the right balance between width, safety, and payload.

Mid-Size Lifts (e.g., Genie 3232, JLG 2630ES)

These lifts require more room and stability. That’s where our tandem axle trailers come in for heavy hauling:

• HGL10612 or HGL10614: Both are 6’ wide, rated for 10,000 lbs payload capacity

• For extra room, the HGL10616 gives you 16’ of deck space

  
  

Our top pick here is the HGL10612—enough capacity and width for two compact lifts or a mid-size lift with accessories.

Avoiding Common Trailer Mistakes

Here are a few pitfalls we see all the time:

• Choosing a tilt trailer just because it’s cheaper. Scissor lifts often can’t climb the incline, especially when it’s wet or the battery is low.

• Using steel mesh ramps designed for skid steers. These can shred your scissor lift’s rubber wheels and damage the unit.

• Going too narrow or too short to save on space—this often leads to out-of-compliance loads and awkward chain downs.

  You need a trailer designed for scissor lifts—not one improvised from what’s available.

Scissor Lift Trailer Sizing Chart

To help visualize the options, here’s a scissor lift trailer sizing chart that includes some of our most popular models:

Model	Length	Width	Payload Capacity
HGL3510S	10'	5'	3,500 lbs
HGL5510S	10'	5'	5,000 lbs
HGL5610S	10'	6'	5,000 lbs
HGL7610	10'	6'	7,000 lbs
HGL7612	12'	6'	7,000 lbs
HGL10610	10'	6'	10,000 lbs
HGL10612	12'	6'	10,000 lbs
HGL10614	14'	6'	10,000 lbs
HGL10616	16'	6'	10,000 lbs

This table is your quick reference when choosing the trailer length for scissor lift transport. Always check your specific lift’s dimensions before finalizing your choice.

Bonus Safety Features You Didn’t Know You Needed

Our trailers are designed with safety from the ground up—literally.

• Ground-Level Loading: No ramps. No tilting. No risk.

• Center Chain Slot: Transporting two lifts? Use the center tie-down to get four points of contact per unit for DOT compliance.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

These features are more than just conveniences—they’re risk reducers and compliance enablers.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Trailer the First Time

Choosing the right trailer for a scissor lift isn’t just about what fits—it’s about what’s safe, efficient, and built for the job. At Drop Deck Direct, our drop deck trailers were specifically designed with hard to load equipment in mind. We’ve eliminated the guesswork so you can focus on the worksite, not the equipment.

Want to make the right call?

Explore all ground-level scissor lift trailer options and choose the perfect fit for your operation.