Trailer Glossary

Trailer Glossary:

Here are some commonly used trailer terms with definitions.

Glossary of Trailer Terms
ATV Trailer Trailer designed for hauling all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Beavertail Slight incline at rear of trailer.
Belly The trailer body.
Bumper Pull Trailer that connects to a ball hitch attached to the tow vehicle's frame or bumper. Also called "'tag along' or 'drag' trailer.
Car Hauler Trailer designed for transporting automobiles, including antique cars, classic cars and race cars.
Cargo Trailer A trailer designed for hauling cargo, includes small trailers for occasional use through large, heavy-duty trailers for commercial application.
Cargo Weight The allowable weight of cargo, as determined by subtracting the empty/unladen or “curb” weight of the trailer from the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), as identified on the trailer’s certification/V.I.N. label (same as payload).
Curbside The side of the trailer equivalent to the passenger side of a vehicle in the United States.
Dressing Room Separate room, usually in the front area of a horse trailer, used for changing clothes and storage.
Gooseneck Trailer that attaches to a ball in bed of a pickup or semi truck.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) The value specified by the vehicle manufacturer as the maximum load carrying capacity of the total axle system as measured at the tire/ground interface, using the lowest rating of the three individual components of the axle system, the axle, wheel and tire.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) The GVWR is the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle (trailer) and its intended cargo.
Living Quarters Trailer that has an area with living accommodations, including bed, dinette, kitchenette and bathroom.
Long Wall The longer sidewall of the dressing room on the curbside, created by the slanted horse area stalls.
Mid Tack Tack room located between dressing room, living quarters, and horse area.
Motorcycle Trailer Specialty motorcycle trailers designed solely for hauling motorcycles, or cargo trailers specially equipped to transport motorcycles.
One-Piece Aluminum Roof Single sheet of aluminum used for roof to help prevent leaks and provide years of trouble-free service.
Payload The allowable weight of cargo, as determined by subtracting the empty/unladen or “curb” weight of the trailer from the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), as identified on the trailer’s certification/V.I.N. label (same as cargo weight).
Race Car Transporter Trailer designed to haul automobiles, parts and accessories for motorsports competitions. Also known as stacker or hauler.
Rear Tack Room in rear of horse area used for storing saddles, harnesses and other gear used for riding and working with horses.
Short Wall The shorter sidewall of the dressing room on the streetside of a horse trailer, created by the slanted horse area stalls.
Show Car Trailer Trailer designed to transport antique cars, classic cars and other types of show cars.
Side Tack Mid tack room located on one side of a horse trailer. Also known as a closet tack.
Slant Load A horse trailer that orients the horses to face to the front when loaded.
Slant Tack Mid tack that occupies a diagonal space, similar to a horse stall, between the horse area and the dressing room of a horse trailer.
Straight Load A horse trailer that orients the horses to face to the front when loaded.
Streetside The side of the trailer equivalent to the driver's side of a vehicle in the United States.
Tongue Weight The amount of the trailer's weight that is transferred to the tow vehicle through the trailer tongue or gooseneck.
Toy Hauler A trailer that has a ramp door on the back and cargo space to load and haul motorcycles, ATVs or other ‘toys’. In the front is living space with bed, kitchenette and bathroom.


If you would like to submit a glossary term and definition, please email it to glenn@stxsc.com.


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as well as a full description of our pricing and warranty,
contact SportChassisFeatherlite Trailers of Texas today.
glenn@stxsc.com
866-683-3876
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