Commonly Used Trailer Terms
So that you can better understand some of the technical and brand-specific terms used throughout the site, we have provided a list of commonly used terms for your reference:
Air Gaps
Gaps located beneath the top rail on the side(s) of a trailer that run the length of the trailer’s belly. Air gaps are most frequently found on livestock trailers and on horse trailers in hot climates.
Black Water Holding
Tank in a living quarters model that is used for storing waste water and biohazard waste. Usually contains waste that comes directly from the toilet.
Breast Bar / Butt Bar
Padded steel bar that is located at either the head or the tail of the horse to keep it safely in the stall.
Bridle Hooks
Small hooks attached to wall in dressing room or tack area that are designed to hold bridles.
Bumper Pull
Trailer that connects to a ball hitch that's attached to the tow vehicle’s frame or bumper.
Butt Side
Also called curbside or tail side. The side of the trailer equivalent to the passenger side of a vehicle in North America. So called because each horse’s rear end is located on this side when loaded in a standard slant load trailer.
Curbside
Also called butt side or tail side. The side of the trailer equivalent to the passenger side of a vehicle in the United States.
Fresh Water Tank
Tank in living quarters model that is used for holding fresh water to be used in shower, sink, toilet, etc.
Gravel Guard
Aluminum, diamond treadplate attached to the lower nose area of a bumper pull. Protects trailer from road debris.
Grey Water Holding
Tank in a living quarters model that is used for holding waste water and non-biohazard waste. Usually contains waste that comes from showers and/or sinks.
Gusset
A structure designed to reinforce a joint where two or more disconnected parts meet. It is a plate that is welded to the exterior of the separate parts, such that an equal amount of area on the plate covers each part.
Hay Rack
Rack that is attached to a trailer’s roof to hold hay or other supplies. Available in various sizes and can either be wrapped in aluminum skin or be attached as a frame only.
Head Side
Also called streetside. The side of the trailer equivalent to the driver's side of a vehicle in the United States. So called because each horse’s head is located on this side when loaded in a standard slant load trailer.
I-beams
Aluminum, “I” shaped beams that run horizontally from one side of the trailer to the other. Serve as a platform for the extruded aluminum flooring that runs vertically.
Living Quarters
Trailer that has an area appointed with living accommodations, which may include bed, dinette, kitchenette and bathroom.
Load Lights
Exterior flood lights used to help load and unload livestock or horses. Located on or above the top rail of the trailer, usually above the rear door(s) or escape door.
Long Wall
The longer sidewall of the dressing room on the curbside of a standard slant load trailer, created by the slanted horse area stalls.
Lower Divider Panel
Extra panel beneath stall divider that is used to keep horses more confined and secure. Also called Stud Panel.
Manger
A trough located on the interior headside of the horse area that is used to hold food or water for horses.
Monitor Panel
Panel that shows the levels of the fresh water tank, grey water tank, black water tank and battery.
Pie Tack
Mid tack that is wedge shaped (like a pie slice) and is wide on the curbside and narrow on the streetside.
Rear Tack
Area in rear of horse area used for storing saddles, harnesses and other gear used for riding and working with horses. In most models the rear tack wall is collapsible.
Shoreline
Cord which connects the electrical parts of the trailer, usually a living quarters, to a power supply.
Short Wall
The shorter sidewall of the dressing room on the streetside, created by the slanted horse area stalls.
Side Unload Door
Side door located at front of horse area that is used to access horse area and sometimes used as an exit point for handlers while loading/unloading. Usually located at the first stall on the streetside in a slant load, and on either side of the front of the horse area on a straight load.
Slant Tack
Mid tack that occupies a diagonal space, similar to a horse stall, between the horse area and the dressing room.
Slider
Located in the rear gate or center gate, a slider provides an opening in the gate, usually for one animal or person to go through.
Straight Load
Horses face front when loaded (or head-to-head in four and six horse models). Generally for larger and more active horses.
Streetside
Also called head side. The side of the trailer equivalent to the driver's side of a vehicle in the United States.
Swing Gate
Rear or center gate that is a one piece design, usually found on a livestock type trailer.
T-Lock Side Sheets
Aluminum sheets on the side of Sooner gooseneck equine models that are bent at 90 degrees and joined together by a crimping tool. T-Lock side sheets are recognizable by the lack of rivets holding the trailer’s skin to its frame.
Tail Side
Also called curbside or butt side. The side of the trailer equivalent to the passenger side of a vehicle in the United States.
Triple Hollow Core Slat
Patented aluminum extrusion running length-wise down the side of Sooner equine and livestock trailers. Features a unique, solid back for extra strength and support.
