Glossary

  • GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
  • Gooseneck: A trailer that attaches to a hitch ball in the bed of a truck over the rear drive axle.
  • Utility Trailer: Also referred to as an Open Trailer, a trailer whose cargo area is not protected from the elements and cargo area is accessible from all sides.
  • Tire Size: The outside diameter of the rims dimensions. The overall diameter of the tire can change depending on the manufacture of the tires wall height and thickness.
  • Axle: A bar connecting two opposite spindles holding hubs and wheels.
  • EZ Lube: Axles that have a grease fitting installed inside the spindle that allows an easily accessible grease point for wheel bearing lubrication.
  • Coupler: A locking mechanism used to connect the trailer tongue tube to the ball of the towing vehicle. Couplers may come in many different shapes and sizes but the most common sizes are 1-7/8″, 2″ and 2-5/16″. The coupler and hitch ball must match exactly.
  • Safety Chains: Chains connected from the trailer tongue to the towing vehicle used to guide the trailer safely in case of ball or coupler failure. Two safety chains are required and must be attached to separate chain retainers.
  • Leaf Spring: A spring consisting of several layers of flexible metallic strips joined together to act as a single unit.
  • Spring Hanger: A U-shaped piece of metal used to attach leaf springs to the frame.
  • Spindle: A rod that serves as an axis point for the revolving hubs connected to the axle bar.
  • Hub: The center connecting part between the wheel and the wheel bearings acting as a focal point.
  • Wheel Bearing: A structural part that supports the connection of the spindle and the hub together reducing friction and wear.
  • Bearing Protectors: Commonly referred to as bearing buddies, the purpose is to replace the dust cap so that wheel bearings can be easily grease.
  • Dust Cap: Used to cover the hub center to prevent dust and dirt from entering the grease inside the wheel bearings.
  • Lug Nuts: A heavy, rounded nut that fits over a lug stud to attach a wheel to the hub.
  • Lug Studs: A bolt installed from the back side of the hub to secure a wheel to the hub by using lug nuts.
  • Single Rear Door: A door that is hinged from one side.
  • Double Rear Door: A door that is hinged on both sides and closes in the middle with a cam bar similar to French doors.
  • Rear Ramp Door: A door that is hinged on the bottom and lowers with spring and cable assist for easy loading and unloading of material.
  • Rear or Side Ramp Gate: A gate that is hinged on the bottom that allows for easy loading and unloading of material generally covered with an expanded metal surface.
  • DOT/NHTSA: Refers to the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who regulate all Federal motor vehicle laws and regulations.
  • VIN: Vehicle Identification Number is generated by the motor vehicle manufacturer to track the date and place of manufacture of the trailer. The VIN is located on the MCO and the VIN label attached to the trailer. The VIN label also contains other information as required by DOT/NHTSA.