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A guide to the most common trailer terms

Buying a trailer for the first time can be a challenging experience, mainly due to not knowing the specific terminology. This is a guide with the most common terms.

Total trailer mass (ATM) refers to the total weight of the trailer, made up of the weight of the trailer that is not coupled to a towing vehicle and the total weight of the load. Otherwise, Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the total weight of a fully loaded trailer, which is coupled to a towing vehicle. This means that GTM will always be less than ATM because some of the weight of the towed vehicle is transferred to the towing vehicle.

coupling It is the connection between the trailer and the towing vehicle. There are many types of hitches, depending on the loaded weight to be towed and the condition of the trailer.

Gross Combined Mass (GCM) As the name says it is a maximum combined weight of a vehicle, the passengers, the weight of the trailer and the weight of the cargo. The maximum allowable rate is set by the vehicle manufacturer. Also known by the following terms: Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), Gross Train Weight (GTW), or Gross Combination Weight (GCW).

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the maximum weight of a vehicle, including the vehicle’s chassis, body and engine, all passengers and cargo. It is obvious that the weight of the trailer is not included in the GVM.

single axle trailer is to have an attached axle, with two connected wheels. Specifically for this type is that it can drag a certain weight of a load. On the other hand, Tandem Axle Trailer has two axles. The total number of wheels is 4. More wheels means more stability, so these trailers are great for pulling heavy loads. It is also known as Dual Axle or Double Axle.

security chains they are fixed to the trailer, which allows it to remain connected to the towing vehicle in the event of its disconnection. They should be checked every time a trailer is towed.

tare mass refers to the empty weight of a trailer. Usually this weight is stamped on the trailer itself by the manufacturer.

HAS Useful load It is the maximum allowable weight of cargo that a trailer is designed to carry. It is the difference between your Tare Mass and your ATM.

WINE is a vehicle information number containing 17 characters. A trailer is identified by that unique number. Some states in Australia require the VIN to be stamped on the trailer.

Weight distribution system is a system that increases the towing capacity of a trailer, improving handling and braking. The system is located around the couplings, including additional equipment.