They Just Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To - Trends in trailer manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and upgrades

Last year (2011) over 650,000 people purchased open utility trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, livestock, horse, and marine trailers. Combined with other applications and those already on and off the road, and there are several million trailers being towed behind cars, pickups, and rigs today.

Tough and hard-working trailers are to be found in today’s market. However, at one time trailers that were fabricated to exacting standards were extremely easy to find. It was very common for manufactures to use high-grade steel chassis and running gear from leading suppliers, implement the best construction and welding techniques, and outfit trailers with high quality parts and accessories. Many even applied paint jobs that featured layers of clear coat over hand-painted pinstripes. Pride was taken, and as a result, trailers where largely hassle free, they looked good and withstood the rigors of the road and the jobs that were thrown at them.

Due to economics and the increasing demands of a highly competitive marketplace, many trailer manufactures have been forced to find ways to systematically take the cost out of their product. Great advances and innovations have been introduced over recent years to help manufacturers meet strict DOT regulations for safety. However, the overall quality and lifespan of today’s “average” trailer has been greatly diminished right down to the pinstripe. What used to be something grandpa grumbled from the corner, can now be seen in the rearview mirror attached to a trailer ball mount for many – it’s true with trailers…“they just don’t make ‘em like the used to."

Regardless of application and age, mileage and extended use can be unkind to any trailer. Normal wear-and-tear should be expected for parts like trailer tires, trailer bearings, trailer brakes, trailer couplers, and trailer jacks. However, today’s trailer owners are required to know more about their equipment than they once did. They need to become familiar with proper use and perform regular inspections, maintenance and care to make sure trailers are in good working order. Owners of new trailers also need to pay closer attention to the stated capacities and limitations of their equipment because it is not uncommon for the margin of error have been taken out. Push one of today’s average trailer further than what it was designed and components that didn’t fail 30 years ago - fail today. Trailer wheels , trailer suspension components and even trailer axles used to be virtually bulletproof; today they have become common trailer repair items.

In addition to the normal wear-and-tear, even the best made, best equipped, and best maintained trailers need a repair from time to time. Exposed parts like trailer fenders, trailer couplers and trailer lights & reflectors are easily dented/scratched and broken, even torn completely off of trailers. Additionally, when complex assemblies like jacks and brakes fail the tendency was once to replace. However, with repair becoming more popular, internal and external repair parts are readily available at a nominal cost. Based on the component, some trailer repair parts are manufacturer-specific , while others accept generic parts.

The changes in trailer manufacturing have not only diminished quality of the average trailer, they’ve impacted functionality and even trailer safety in some cases. Trailers are typically less equipped than they once were. So, it’s not uncommon for today’s new trailer owner to find themselves wanting or in need of upgrades and modifications shortly after their purchase. There is a wide-variety of trailer aftermarket products available to ensure trailers fit the needs of their owners. Going from incandescent trailer lights to brighter, longer-lasting, more efficient, LED trailer lights is a recent trend. New products are coming to market all the time to improve efficiency and provide greater convenience such as clever trailer cargo control storage solutions that free up trailer beds to provide for larger load capacities. A wise choice is to check and upgrade DOT-regulated safety products and systems such as trailer breakaway kits to leading brands and designs that last longer or perform more reliably than typical OEM components.

The conscientious buyer, that isn’t looking for a disposable trailer, will shop around before making a purchase. However, finding quality trailer parts for nationally recognized models right down to the trusted custom, from small box utility all the way up to heavy equipment hauler does not require shopping around. Over the last 30 years Nuera has amassed an extensive range of quality parts and knowledge, they’ve built a first class reputation among competitors, peers, and customers.Nuera Trailer Parts staff works tireless behind the scenes and on the front lines to provide unmatched products and service. Today, thousands of trailer manufacturers, trailer repair shops, trailer dealers, and trailer users rely on this trailer parts supplier because of their commitment to excellence. Whether for maintenance, repair, or upgrade - there is a part for virtually every towing and trailer requirement out there. And with over 10,000 parts in inventory and people that know how to use them - Nuera has the towing and trailer parts customers are looking for.