Back

Trailer Glossary

Welcome to the Webbres glossary page, your go-to resource for all things related to trailers, powersports, dealer management, marine dealership etc.
A

Adventure Trailer

A type of trailer designed for off-road adventure or outdoor recreation activities, equipped with features such as off-road suspension, larger tires, and storage compartments for outdoor equipment. 

ATV Trailer

A type of trailer specifically designed to transport all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). It typically has a ramp or loading gate to allow easy loading and unloading of ATVs.

Automobile Trailer

A type of trailer specifically designed to transport automobiles, usually cars or light trucks. It typically has a flatbed or a low platform, ramps or tilt beds for loading, and adjustable tie-downs to secure the vehicle. 

Availability Calendar

A calendar that shows the available dates for booking a particular trailer, typically used in rental businesses to manage reservations. 

Axel

A structural component of a trailer that connects the wheels to the frame and carries the weight of the trailer and its cargo. Trailers can have one or multiple axles depending on their size and weight capacity.

B

Ball Mount

A device that attaches to the trailer hitch and provides a mounting point for the hitch ball, allowing the trailer to be towed. It can come in different sizes and drop lengths to match the towing vehicle’s height. 

Belly

The underside of a trailer, including the frame, axles, and cross-members. 

Billing Estimate

A preliminary quote or calculation of the cost of services or products, typically provided by a dealership or repair shop to the customer.

Booking Management 

The process of managing reservations, scheduling, and availability of trailers in a rental or service business.

Bull-nose

A rounded front-end design of a trailer that reduces wind drag and improves aerodynamics.

Bumper Pull 

A type of trailer hitch that attaches to the rear bumper of a towing vehicle. It is used for smaller and lighter trailers and provides a basic connection without additional sway control.

C

Car Hauler

A type of trailer specifically designed to transport multiple cars, typically with a flatbed or tilt-bed design, loading ramps, and tie-down points.

Cargo

The goods or materials being transported by a trailer. 

Cargo Trailer

A type of trailer designed for transporting goods or materials, typically enclosed and equipped with tie-down points, shelving, and storage compartments. 

Cargo Weight

The weight of the goods or materials being transported by a trailer.

Contact

A person or business that has interacted with a dealership or repair shop, typically through inquiries, purchases, or repairs.  

Contract Term

The duration of a contract between a dealership or rental company and a customer, specifying the length of the rental or lease agreement, payment terms, and other conditions. 

Coupler

A device that connects the trailer hitch ball to the trailer’s tongue, allowing the trailer to be towed. 

Cross Members

Structural components of a trailer that connect the frame rails, providing support and stability to the trailer’s body.

Curbside

The side of a trailer or vehicle facing the road or street. 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

A strategy and software application used to manage and analyze interactions with customers and potential customers, typically used to improve customer service, increase sales, and enhance customer retention.

D

Deal Structuring 

The process of negotiating the terms of a sale or lease agreement, typically used in dealership and financing businesses. 

Dealership

A business that sells, leases, and services trailers and other vehicles. 

Digital Signature

An electronic signature that is used to sign documents, typically replacing the need for a handwritten signature. It provides authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation to electronic documents. 

Distributor

A company that buys trailers from manufacturers and sells them to dealerships or rental companies. 

Drawbar

A component that connects the trailer hitch to the trailer’s frame or tongue.

E

Equipment

Any tools or machinery used to manufacture, repair, or service trailers, such as jacks or wrenches. 

Extendable Double Drop Trailer 

A type of trailer with a lower deck that drops down to create additional space and allow for taller loads. It also has the capability to be extended to increase the length of the trailer. 

Extendable Flatbed Trailer

A type of flatbed trailer that can be extended to provide additional space and length to accommodate larger loads. 

F

Federal Exercise Tax (FET)

A tax on the sale of heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and other vehicles, collected by the federal government. 

Flatbed trailer

A type of trailer with a flat, open bed that is used to transport various types of cargo. 

For-Hire Carrier Float

A type of insurance that covers transportation companies for loss or damage to cargo being transported for hire. 

G

Gooseneck

A type of hitch that is mounted on the bed of a pickup truck and allows for the attachment of a trailer with a forward extension that fits over the bed of the towing vehicle.

Gross Axel Weight

The weight of the vehicle and cargo that is carried by each axle of the trailer.

Gross Axel Weight Rating (GAWR)

The maximum weight that a single axle can support safely. 

Gross Combined Weight (GCW)

The total weight of the trailer, cargo, and towing vehicle.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The maximum weight that the towing vehicle and the trailer can safely handle when combined.

H

Hat Posts

A type of support post on the trailer used to provide added strength to the frame.  

Haul

The act of transporting goods or materials from one location to another. 

Hitch

A device used to connect a trailer to a tow vehicle.

Hitch Ball

The ball-shaped attachment on a hitch that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle. 

Hitch Bar

A metal bar that connects the hitch ball to the trailer’s coupler. 

Hitch System Rating

A measurement of the maximum weight that the hitch system can handle. 

I

Initial Setup Fee

A one-time fee charged to set up a new account or service.

Intermodal

A type of transportation that involves the use of multiple modes of transportation, such as trains, trucks, and ships, to transport goods.

Inventory

A record of all the items and supplies owned by a business.

J

Jackknifing

The action of a trailer swinging out of control and folding back on itself, forming an acute angle with the towing vehicle. 

Jake Brake

A type of engine braking system used in diesel engines to reduce the wear on the brakes by slowing the vehicle through the engine’s compression. 

K

King Pin

A component that connects the trailer to the tractor or truck, allowing for the articulation between the two.

L

Lead Management Quoting

A process used by sales teams to manage and track potential customers and leads. 

Logbook

A record of a driver’s working hours, which is required by law for certain types of commercial drivers.

Long Combination Vehicle (LCV)

A type of commercial vehicle that combines multiple trailers to increase the amount of cargo that can be transported at once.

M

Mileage

The distance traveled by a vehicle.

Motor Carrier Number

A unique identifier assigned by the Department of Transportation to companies that operate commercial motor vehicles.

Motorcycle Trailer

A type of trailer designed specifically to transport motorcycles. 

Multi-location

A business that operates from multiple locations or stores. 

N

Net Weight

The weight of the cargo carried by the trailer.

No Touch

A type of freight handling that does not require any physical handling of the cargo by the driver.

North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) 

An organization that represents trailer and towable RV dealers in North America.

O

One-Piece Aluminum Roof 

A type of trailer roof made from a single piece of aluminum sheet metal, which provides strength and durability while minimizing the risk of leaks.

Order

An instruction or request for goods or services to be delivered to a customer. In the context of trailer sales, rentals, and servicing, an order may refer to a request for a specific trailer model, rental period, or repair service.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) A company that produces components or systems that are used in other companies’ products. In the context of trailer sales, an OEM may refer to a manufacturer that produces components or systems used in the construction of trailers. 

Over Dimensional

A term used to describe a load that exceeds the standard size or weight restrictions for transportation. In the context of trailers, over-dimensional loads may require special permits, equipment, or routes to transport.

P

Payload

The weight of the goods or materials that a trailer can carry, not including the weight of the trailer itself.

Pintle Hitch

A type of trailer hitch that uses a pintle hook and lunette ring to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. Pintle hitches are commonly used on heavy-duty trailers and are known for their strength and durability.

Pintle Hook

A coupling device used with a pintle hitch that attaches to the trailer’s lunette ring.

Pintle Mount

A bracket or receiver that is attached to a tow vehicle and used to secure a pintle hitch. 

Plate Kit

A kit used to mount a trailer’s license plate. 

Point of Sales (POS)

A system used to process sales transactions, typically used in retail settings. In the context of trailer sales, a POS system may be used to process payments, track inventory, and generate sales reports.

Product Identification

The process of identifying and labeling products to enable tracking, inventory management, and sales. In the context of trailer sales, product identification may include serial numbers, model numbers, and other identifying information that can be used to track a trailer’s history and specifications. 

Productivity Tracker

A tool used to measure and track the productivity of employees or business processes. In the context of trailer sales, rentals, and servicing, a productivity tracker may be used to measure the efficiency of repair operations, sales processes, or other business functions. 

Q

Quote

An estimate of the cost of a product or service, provided by a seller to a potential buyer.

QuickBooks

A popular accounting software developed and marketed by Intuit, used by small and medium-sized businesses to manage their finances.

R

Receiver Style Hitch

A type of trailer hitch that consists of a removable ball mount and a receiver installed on the tow vehicle.

Recreational Vehicle (RV)

A vehicle designed for recreational use, such as camping or road trips, that can include features such as living quarters, kitchen facilities, and bathroom amenities.

Reefer

A refrigerated trailer used for transporting perishable goods. 

Rental

The act of renting out a product or service, such as a trailer or vehicle, for a specified period of time.

Repair Order

A document used in a repair shop to detail the services performed on a vehicle, including the cost of parts and labor.

Repair Shop

A facility that specializes in repairing vehicles and equipment.

Retail Management

The process of managing a retail business, including activities such as inventory management, marketing, and customer service.

Round Tube Hitch

A type of trailer hitch that consists of a round tube attached to the tow vehicle and a ball mount that slides into the tube.

S

Sales Management

The process of managing a sales team, including activities such as setting sales goals, training, and evaluating performance.

Service Management

The process of managing a service team, including activities such as scheduling, dispatching, and tracking service orders.

Service Operation

The activities involved in providing a service to a customer, including diagnosing problems, performing repairs, and performing maintenance.

Service Order

A document used to request a service from a repair shop, detailing the customer’s concerns and the requested services.

Service Scheduling

The process of scheduling service appointments for customers, taking into account factors such as availability of technicians and parts. 

Single Axle Trailer

A trailer with one axle, typically used for lighter loads. 

Snowmobile Trailer

A trailer designed to transport snowmobiles.

Specialty Use Trailer

A trailer designed for a specific use, such as hauling livestock or race cars.

Stacker Trailer

A trailer with multiple levels for transporting multiple vehicles.

Storage Management

The process of managing a storage facility, including activities such as inventory management and customer service.

T

Tag Hitch

A type of trailer hitch that attaches to the rear of the tow vehicle. 

Tractor Trailer

vehicle used for hauling freight, consisting of a tractor unit and a trailer.

Trailer Grain Bed

A type of trailer used for transporting grain, with a bed that can be tilted for unloading. 

Tongue

The front part of a trailer or towed vehicle that attaches to the tow vehicle.

Tongue Weight

The amount of weight that is pressing down on the hitch ball by the tongue of the trailer. 

Tow Vehicle

A vehicle used to tow a trailer or other vehicle.

Trailer

A vehicle designed to be towed by another vehicle, used for transporting goods or equipment. 

Tri-Axle

A trailer with three axles, typically used for heavier loads.

U

Utility Bed

A type of trailer bed with sides and a gate, used for transporting equipment or materials. 

Utility Trailer

A trailer used for transporting equipment, materials, or other cargo. 

V

V-nose

A type of trailer design where the front of the trailer slopes down into a point, forming a V-shape. This design provides extra storage space and improved aerodynamics, which can reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency. The V-nose design is commonly used in enclosed cargo trailers, but can also be found in other types of trailers, such as horse trailers and travel trailers. 

Vehicle

A machine used for transportation, such as a car, truck, or trailer. 

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A unique code assigned to a vehicle that identifies the make, model, and year of production, as well as other specific information such as the engine type and country of manufacture.

Visibility Window

A window in the back of a trailer that allows the driver of the tow vehicle to see behind them while driving.

W

Weight Carrying Hitch

A type of trailer hitch that supports the full weight of the trailer on the tow vehicle’s hitch ball. 

Weight Distribution System

A system used with a weight distributing hitch to evenly distribute the weight of the trailer between the tow vehicle’s front and rear axles. 

Winch

A mechanical device used for pulling or lifting heavy objects, such as a trailer or vehicle.  

Wind Deflector

A device attached to the front of a trailer or tow vehicle that helps to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency.

Workflow Management

The process of managing and optimizing the flow of work within a business, including tasks such as assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring deadlines are met. In the context of trailer sales, rentals, and servicing, workflow management refers to the process of optimizing and streamlining business processes related to sales, rentals, repairs, and other services. 

Schedule your live demonstration today.

Request a Demo
Annual Discounts
Flexible Pricing Plans
Personalized Implementations