Trailer Glossary
Here are some commonly used trailer terms with definitions. If you need more assistance, contact your Featherlite dealer, email Featherlite or call us at 800-800-1230.
| 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 that’s 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 racecars. |
| Cargo Trailer | A trailer designed for hauling cargo. The category 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 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 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. |