Trailer Glossary
Trailer Glossary:
Here are some commonly used trailer terms with definitions.
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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