Glossary of Trailer Terms

Before you go searching for a trailer you should learn the lingo.  This will help you when speaking to trailer dealers.  Every industry has their lingo and the trailer industry is no different.  Here are some commonly used terms.  Enjoy!

Adventure Trailers

Trailer designed for hauling "adventure" vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles.

ATV Trailer

Trailer designed for hauling all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Also called an "adventure" trailer.

Automobile Trailer

Trailer designed for transporting automobiles, including antique cars, classic cars and race cars. See "Show car trailer," "Race car trailer" and "Stacker."

Base Curb Weight

The weight of the vehicle, including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment.

Belly

The trailer body.

Box

The trailer body.

Bumper Pull

Trailer that connects to a ball hitch that's attached to the tow vehicle's frame or bumper. Also called "tag hitch" trailer.

Car Hauler

Trailer designed for transporting automobiles, including antique cars, classic cars and racecars. See "Show car trailer," "Race car trailer" and "Stacker."

Cargo Trailer

Same as "General cargo trailer."

Cargo Weight

The weight of the vehicle, including all passengers and cargo, minus the base curb weight.

Curbside

The side of the trailer equivalent to the passenger side of a vehicle in the United States.

General Cargo Trailer

A trailer designed for hauling cargo. The category includes small trailers for occasional use through large, heavy-duty trailers for commercial applications.

Gooseneck

Trailer that attaches to a ball in the bed of a pickup or semitrailer.

Gross Axel Weight (GAW) and Gross Axel Weight Rating (GAWR)

The GAW is the total weight placed on an axle on the vehicle or trailer. The GAWR is the maximum allowable weight to be carried by a single axle. The total load on each axle must never exceed its GAWR.

Gross Combined Weight (GCW) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The GCW is the actual weight of the loaded tow vehicle plus the actual weight of the loaded trailer. The GCWR is the maximum allowable total weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer. The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The GVW is the base curb weight plus the cargo weight. The GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, including passengers and cargo. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.

Hat Posts

Type of wall studs.

Integrated Systems Approach

Trailer design and construction used by Haulmark in which the right engineering principles, components and construction techniques are integrated to build superior-performing trailers.

Living Quarters

Trailer that has an area appointed with living accommodations, including bed, dinette, kitchenette and bathroom.

Metal Framing

Door and window openings in Haulmark trailers are framed with metal instead of wood for improved strength. Some manufacturers use wood, which is not as sturdy and can rot.

Metal Recessed Steps

Used in Haulmark trailers, metal recessed steps provide maximum durability and won't rot like wooden steps.

Motorcycle Trailer

Specialty motorcycle trailers designed solely for hauling motorcycles, or cargo trailers specially equipped to transport motorcycles.

Motor Sports Trailers

Trailer designed to haul automobiles, parts and accessories for motor sports competitions (see "Stacker").

Payload

The maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to carry.

Racecar Transporter

Trailer designed to haul automobiles, parts and accessories for motorsports competitions (see "Stacker").

Rust-Inhibiting Coating

A coating applied to Haulmark steel trailers to help prevent corrosion, especially in salty environments.

Seamless Aluminum Roof

Single sheet of aluminum used in some Haulmark trailers to help prevent leaks and provide years of trouble-free service.

Show Car Trailer

Trailer designed to transport antique cars, classic cars and other types of show cars.

Snowmobile Trailer

Trailer designed for hauling snowmobiles. Also called an Adventure trailer.

Specialty Use Trailer

Trailer specially designed for uses such as vending, concessions, job-site office and storage, landscaping and tailgating.

Stacker

Race car trailer in which cars are loaded, "stacked," on two levels, usually via ramps. Some stackers transport up to three cars and have room for work area, parts and living quarters.

Street Side

The side of the trailer equivalent to the driver's side of a vehicle in the United States.

Tag Hitch

Trailer that connects to a ball that's attached to the tow vehicle's frame or bumper. Also called "bumper hitch" trailer.

Tamper-Resistant Fastners

Used in trucks and automobiles and also in all the door and window hinges in Haulmark trailers, tamper-resistant fasteners make it difficult for intruders to break into Haulmark trailers.

Tongue Weight

The amount of the trailer's weight that is transferred to the tow vehicle through the trailer tongue or gooseneck.

Triple Coated Screws

Screws in Haulmark trailers are triple coated so they won't rust, will lasting longer and will retain their good looks for years to come. Manufacturers establish the ratings for their products based on component strength. Exceeding the manufacturer's limits is a potential safety risk.