Here are some commonly used trailer terms with definitions. If you need more assistance, contact your Featherlite Dealer,
email us or call us at 800-800-1230.
Trailer designed for hauling all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Slight incline at rear of trailer.
The trailer body.
Trailer that connects to a ball hitch that's attached to the tow vehicle's frame or bumper. Also called "'tag along' or 'drag' trailer.
Trailer designed for transporting automobiles, including antique cars, classic cars and racecars.
A trailer designed for hauling cargo. The category includes small trailers for occasional use through large, heavy-duty trailers for commercial applications.
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)
The side of the trailer equivalent to the passenger side of a vehicle in the United States.
Separate room, usually in the front area of a horse trailer, used for changing clothes and storage.
Trailer that attaches to a ball in bed of a pickup or semi truck.
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.
The GVWR is the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle (trailer) and its intended cargo.
Trailer that has an area with living accommodations, including bed, dinette, kitchenette and bathroom.
The longer sidewall of the dressing room on the curbside, created by the slanted horse area stalls.
Tack room located between dressing room and horse area.
Specialty motorcycle trailers designed solely for hauling motorcycles, or cargo trailers specially equipped to transport motorcycles.
Single sheet of aluminum used for roof to help prevent leaks and provide years of trouble-free service.
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)
Trailer designed to haul automobiles, parts and accessories for motorsports competitions (see "Stacker").
Room in rear of horse area used for storing saddles, harnesses and other gear used for riding and working with horses.
The shorter sidewall of the dressing room on the streetside of a horse trailer, created by the slanted horse area stalls.
Trailer designed to transport antique cars, classic cars and other types of show cars.
Mid tack room located on one side of a horse trailer. Also known as a closet tack.
Horses loaded diagonally in trailer.
Mid tack that occupies a diagonal space, similar to a horse stall, between the horse area and the dressing room of a horse trailer.
Trailer designed for hauling snowmobiles.
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.
A horse trailer that orients the horses to face to the front when loaded.
The side of the trailer equivalent to the driver's side of a vehicle in the United States.
The amount of the trailer's weight that is transferred to the tow vehicle through the trailer tongue or gooseneck.
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.