A system for controlling the humidity, ventilation, and temperature in a vehicle, typically to maintain a cool atmosphere in warm conditions. Code Description N Not Available O Optional S Standard A Automatic Temperature Control

A suspension system riding on air-filled rubber bags.

The driving range of a vehicle using only power from its electric battery pack to traverse a given driving cycle. For an electric vehicle (EV), it means the total range per charge. For a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), it means the range of the vehicle in charge-depleting mode.

This type of floor is typically found in a van or refrigerated type trailer. It is available in smooth or tread plate design and is easier to clean than an extruded design floor.

Popular floor for platform type trailers made of natural hardwood.

Typically found in grain hauling trailers and tanks. To assist in loading and unloading, usually found on the top or bottom of the trailer. It resembles the shape of a screw and as it turns it pushes the material into the unloading area.  

A pump and power take-off drainage system on a tanker powered from the truck.

A type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually.

To assist in loading and unloading, the automatic canvas covers and uncovers the trailer’s load and is operated by controls located in the cab of the towing vehicle. Primarily used for dump trailer applications.  

A device on a vehicle that provides energy for functions other than propulsion. Abbreviated as Aux.

Scales which give a driver the ability to know the amount of weight distributed on the axles.

Interior panels perpendicular to the trailer helping to eliminate liquid sloshing inside a tanker’s compartment.

A boat with a V-shaped hull and low freeboard used for freshwater fishing.

The extreme width of a vessel.

A narrow heavy-duty lowboy type trailer designed to carry large equipment such as a bulldozer or other various large equipment.

A type of trailer design in which the rear of the trailer tapers down to allow equipment to be driven on and off the trailer easier.

A compartment in a grain trailer.

A vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear.

Sometimes called a hopper, this type of dump trailer discharges material from bottom doors rather than from the rear of the trailer.

A device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels. Code Description P Power Assist P’ Power w/Front Disc P” 4 Wheel Power Disc A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) A’ ABS w/Front Disc A” ABS w/4Wheel Disc T’ A’ w/Traction Control T” A” w/Traction Control

A linear distance measured from a truck’s front bumper to the back of its cab. Abbreviated to BBC.

A body style of truck, bus, or van that has a vertical front, “flat face” or a semi-hood with the cab of the truck sitting above (or forward of) the front axle. Abbreviated as COE.

The bow or arch design in a flat bed trailer. A positive camber arches up, while a negative camber bows down and indicates the trailer is not in the best condition.

A lightweight narrow boat with pointed ends.

A brand of refrigeration unit mounted on the nose or under the floor of a reefer trailer. Carrier Trans cold manufactures this unit.

A sailboat with a single mast and a single sail.

A sailboat consisting of two equal sized parallel hulls, a mast and a sail. The twin hulls are connected by a single deck.

A trailer with one or two floor levels designed to transport cattle.

A livestock trailer with three floors designed to transport hogs or cattle.

A boat with the helm on a console in the center.

A door that opens and has a fold down loading ramp. These are typically found on a livestock trailer.

Found on many chemical and solvent tanks. They do not react with chemicals or solvents.

A chassis consists of an internal vehicle frame that supports a man-made object in its construction and use.

MC internal supports with vapor recovery and scully system.

Lightweight permanent mesh sides on a flat type trailer used for transporting produce.

Small openings in a dump trailer’s tailgate operating independently of the tailgate. A coal door allows for a smaller and more controlled discharge of material without opening the entire tailgate.

A radar-based autonomous emergency braking system. Often abbreviated as CMBS.

A term referring to the interior positions on tank trailers that allow for the transport of one or more products.

An automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios. Often abbreviated as CVT.

An automobile body style that can convert between an open-air mode and an enclosed one, varying in degree and means by model. Often abbreviated as Cnvt or Conv.

A car with a body style containing two doors and a fixed roof.

Support braces under a trailer floor. These are often referred to as x-members and are measured from center to center.

A boat with a cabin in the bow for overnight stay.

The volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of a reciprocating engine in a single movement from top dead center (TDC) to bottom dead center (BDC). Abbreviated as Cu. In.

A sloop with a third sail between the mainsail and headsail.

Anchor for securing chains or ropes resembling the shape of the letter D.

A small cruiser with no cabin for overnight stay.

Refers to a vehicle driven by a diesel engine. Abbreviated as D.

A small inflatable boat, usually made of rubber.

Found on a tank trailer, each compartment has a drain line which draws independently of the other lines. The opposite extreme would be manifold lines.

A semi-solid wheel made of steel or aluminum anchored by eight to ten lug nuts at the center of the hub. Often referred to as a “Bud” wheel.

The weight of water displaced by a rigged vessel.

Port holes for loading and ventilation of compartments in tank trailers.

A term referring to the number of compartments on a grain trailer.

A double reduction rear axle has a primary reduction through a hypoid or spiral bevel pinion and ring gear with a secondary reduction through a set of herringbone or helical gears.

The water depth required to float a vessel (Centerboard or Daggerboard down).

A platform type trailer having a high deck at the front and a lower deck for the remaining length. Double drop decks have a higher front and rear with the middle deck being closer to the ground.

Found on a low bed where the floor is lower than the frame rails to accommodate track machines and vehicles with large tires.

A standard pickup truck that has a set of double tires in the rear. The dual rear tires enable the truck to haul more than traditional trucks.

Electric trucks are powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion (IC) engine, using either rechargeable industrial batteries or external ways of conveying power (wire, rail, etc.).

A refrigeration unit usually running on liquid fuel but also can run on electricity when not in transit.

A vehicle that uses a battery pack to store the electrical energy that powers the motor. EVs are sometimes referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs). EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle in to an electric power source.

A van type trailer with an upper and lower deck.  Smaller wheels and tires are used on this type of trailer to allow the lower deck to remain totally flat. Air ride suspension is standard on this type of trailer.

A machine with moving parts that converts power into motion.  Size stated in liters. Further engine characteristics are identified using the following characters. Code Description T Turbo D Diesel R Rotary S Supercharged F Flex Fuel C Compressed Natural Gas H Hybrid Examples Last Number Number of Cylinders 2.0-4 2.0 liter displacement, 4 cylinder engine. […]

The horsepower of an inboard engine. Listed only if the engine is standard equipment and included in the basic MSRP.

Following the average retail value is a letter symbol under the heading “EQP”. These symbols indicate that certain equipment has been included in the valuations, whether or not these items were standard or optional in the base model. Code Description B Includes Air Conditioning, Alum/Alloy Wheels, AM-FM Stereo/ CD Player (Single Disk), Automatic Transmission, Cruise […]

A trailer frame that can be pneumatically or hydraulically lengthened.

Refers to the support posts that maintain the side wall structure of the trailer. They are visible from the outside or an exterior post trailer, often called “x” post.

Often found on tanks to maintain shape with dense liquid loads, i.e. acids and contaminates.

Found in refrigerated trailers, this floor is a series of peaks and valleys that allow cold air to circulate under the product being transported.

A driving support system that uses a range of functions to assist the driver in making decisions in order to provide for more safe and comfortable driving and to reduce driver fatigue. Often abbreviated as ES.

Found on milk tanks. Rear load and unload for ease of operation in a farmyard.

A reinforced plastic material composed of glass fibers embedded in a resin matrix.

A bowrider specialized for fishing and skiing.

Typically found on lowboys and drop decks and cannot be removed or detached.

A two-tandem axle suspension that is permanently secured in one spot.

A platform-like trailer usually without sides. Designed for hauling items too large to be loaded from the rear via a loading dock.

A type of trim specific to General Motors vehicles.

Found at the rear of a reefer trailer’s extruded floor. The drains allow for the interior to be washed and drained easily.

A dump trailer with a complete frame as the main stay for support.

An end-dump that works with a scissors action when dumping. It does not have a full frame underneath the body, and is supported by a sub-frame and drain bar.

Short for Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood sides. These sides give a trailer a very smooth external appearance.

A vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Energy stored as hydrogen is converted to electricity by the fuel cell. They are fueled with pure hydrogen gas stored in a tank on the vehicle.

Rather than a sub-frame, a full frame supports the entire trailer.

Also referred to as V-hull houseboats, these houseboats are built for rougher waters.

Similar to electronic vans, except for standard size wheel and tires which result in an interior wheel well on the floor. Therefore, the lower deck is not entirely flat.

The front end of a trailer frame that houses the upper coupler and overlaps the truck frame.

A trailer used for hauling grain and other edible farm products, usually discharging from the bottom or rear.

A type of trim specific to Chevrolet Corvettes.

A type of drain which bottom unloaders use to unload non-pumping tanker drains.

This rating is a comparison of the tailpipe GHG emissions of the vehicle to those of other vehicles of the same model year.  The greenhouse gas score of the vehicle as set by the Environmental Protection Agency on a scale of 1 – 10.

Usually found on an ID tag. This rating represents the amount of maximum weight that the vehicle or trailer axles are designed to support.

This rating represents the manufacturer’s maximum weight rating for the pulling vehicle, trailer, cargo, fuel, and occupants combined.

This rating represents the manufacturer’s maximum weight rating for the vehicle or trailer. This rating includes the empty weight of the vehicle, or trailer, occupants, fuel, and cargo weight.

A type of car audio system, often abbreviated to H/K.

A car body configuration with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to a cargo area. Often abbreviated to HB.

Commonly referred to as a headache rack or bulkhead, these are typically found on a flatbed type trailer. The headboard is a blockade at the nose of a flatbed; its purpose is to keep a trailer’s cargo from sliding forward and to protect the pulling vehicle from damage from cargo movement.

A system for the dump trailers where the truck’s exhaust is taken in at the front of the trailer and is discharged at the rear. This process helps eliminate product from sticking to the interior of the dump trailer and is used mostly in colder geographical areas.

Found on tank trailers that haul products which require specific temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Refers to a truck with a gross vehicle weight of around 20,000 pounds.

Refers to a piston that lifts a dump trailer.

Openings on the bottom of pneumatic tankers and grain trailers where products are unloaded. The point where the compartments form individual funnels at the bottom.

A unit of power equal in the US to 746 watts and nearly equivalent to the English gravitational unit of the same name that equals 550 foot-pounds of work per second.

The type of material used in the construction process of building the hull of a hull-style boat. Typically composed of: -Aluminum (A) -Steel (S) -Fiberglas (F)

A vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries. The batteries can only be charged by the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking – this vehicle cannot be charged via a plug in.

A type of brake, used in motor vehicles, in which the braking force is transmitted from the brake pedal to the brakes by a liquid under pressure.

A gooseneck that couples and uncouples hydraulically.

The plate or decal mounted on the trailer that lists vital information such as manufacturer’s name, address, date of manufacture, VIN, and GVWR.

A boat with sides that are inflatable tubes.

A tank type trailer that assists in maintaining a constant specific temperature. It typically has heated compartments and is also referred to as an insulated jacket.

A lowboy trailer that has additional axles mounted under the main gooseneck portion. This equipment provides for additional maneuverability and weight carrying capacity.

A type of canoe where passengers sit on the bottom of the boat.

A sailboat with 2 masts and a shorter mizzen mast ahead of the rudder post.

An electronic lock that controls access to a vehicle without using a traditional mechanical key. Abbreviated as KA.

Washable interior lining usually found inside of reefer trailers. It can be made in a rough or smooth surface. This material is also found installed as a scuff liner at the bottom of interior walls on a dry van trailer.

Support legs that support a trailer when not being transported. It can be operated with a two-speed crank, or manually with stiff legs and pins.

A sailboat with a single triangular sail that runs in a fore and aft direction.

A clean-burning fossil fuel that can be used to power internal combustion engines.

A trailer with open ventilation used to transport livestock such as live cattle, hogs, pigs, etc.

Manufacturer’s recommended total weight including boat, persons, and gear.

A cradle and strong uprights used to support a load of logs on a flatbed trailer. Chains connected at the top of the uprights keep them straight when the trailer is transporting a load.

Cargo control tracking on the interior sidewalls of a van trailer for securing less than a full load.

A truck that positions drivers at the extreme front of the vehicle with no engine in front of them. In addition, most LCF trucks have wide-opening doors, making it easy for driver and passenger entry and exit.

A trailer that has a deck height very low to the ground and usually used to haul construction equipment or very large loads usually requiring a permit.

A single drain line on a tanker trailer in which multiple compartments drain into as opposed to a separate drain line for each compartment.

A type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications.

A gooseneck on a lowboy trailer that is removed manually without the use of hydraulics.

A federal regulation code covering trailer construction requirements for specific products. Examples: MC 200 and MC 201: Rubber-lined compartments for hauling liquid Nitroglycerin. MC 331: Stainless or mild steel for hauling compressed gases, ammonia, and chlorine MC 338: Stainless or low carbon steel or aluminum insulated cargo tank MC 406, 407, and 408: Alloy or […]

Racks on the ceiling of a reefer trailer for hauling beef and other meat products.

This is an energy efficiency metric that was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2010 to compare the amount of energy consumed by alternative fuel vehicles to that of traditional gas-powered cars. Since electricity is not measure in gallons, a conversion factor is used to translate the fuel economy when running on electricity […]

A transparent section of the roof of an automobile, typically tinted and able to open. Abbreviated as M/R.

A spring type suspension made up of four main springs containing between seven and nine leaves.

A vehicle powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LPG), an odorless, gaseous or liquid mixture of hydrocarbons—predominantly made up of methane. They are fueled with natural gas stored in a tank on the vehicle.

Part of the automobile controls or a third party add-on used to find direction in an automobile. Abbreviated as NAVI.

The weight of a vehicle or vessel with standard equipment.

A refrigeration unit mounted to the front of a trailer.

A van type trailer that does not have a permanent roof. Used for hauling crane-loaded products and bulk, such as wood chips or scrap.

Found on low beds and drop deck flatbeds and allows the width of the floor to be widened for a larger load capacity.

An automobile that has zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system. Abbreviated as PZEV.

A trailer with one or more parts not insulated. these trailers are used for products that do not require strict temperature control.

Extra heavy duty measures built into trailers for railroad use; i.e. reinforced lower rail, 12″ cross members, etc.

An unloading device, which removes culvert pipe from the rear of a flatbed.

A disk or short cylinder fitting closely within a tube in which it moves up and down against a liquid or gas, used in an internal combustion engine to derive motion, or in a pump to impart motion.

A vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which uses energy stored in batteries. PHEVs generally have larger battery packs than hybrid electric vehicles have. The batteries can be charged by an outside electric power source, by the internal combustion engine, or through regenerative braking.

The interior of a van and some reefers that have a complete covering of plywood on the sides and sometimes on the ceiling.

A large body tank trailer that empties via a pump and forced air. Primarily used for products like cement, flour, plastic pellets, etc.

A boat with 2 aluminum tubes that support a deck.

A houseboat that is supported by 2 aluminum tubes.

The type of material used in the construction process of building a pontoon boat. Typically composed of: -Aluminum (A) -Steel (S) -Fiberglass (F)

A small gas or diesel engine that powers the hydraulic system on low beds and dumps.

Typically refers to storage compartments built under the cross members of a trailer.

Additional items added to a vehicle for luxury. Abbreviated as Prmm.

A short trailer with an extended tongue or gooseneck that couples to a pintle hook.

A trailer that is shorter than average. A pup trailer usually is between 26′ and 32′ long and has a single axle. Also refers to a short trailer called a pull trailer that has an extended tongue or gooseneck that couples to a pintle hook.

Also known as lift axle.  An additional non-driving axle mounted ahead of  the driving axle(s).  Typically used to improve fuel efficiency and traction

A small powerboat used for racing.

Anchor devices for holding a load down on a flatbed trailer.

Often referred to as reefers, these trailers have a refrigerated system to keep perishable loads at a constant cold or freezing temperature. Many reefers also have heating capabilities. Reefer trailers are typically insulated on all sides.

Special upper deck floors found on livestock trailers that can be removed to accommodate larger animals.

A safety device, as an air bag or special seat belt, that is activated automatically to protect an automobile passenger at the moment of impact when a collision occurs. Code Description M Manual Belts M’ Manual Belts w/Driver Air Bag M” Manual Belts w/Dual Air Bags P Passive Belts P’ Passive Belts w/Driver Air Bag […]

A process of manufacturing a trailer using riveting instead of welding.

The minimum legal tire treads depth, brake lining thickness and drum condition.

An open two-seat car with emphasis on sporting appearance or character. Abbreviated as Rdstr.

A canvas cover that rolls from one side of the trailer to the other and is used to keep the load covered up during transport. It is designed to operate from ground level using a long awning crank.

Usually referring to a rear door on a trailer that rolls up and down rather than swinging open and closed.

These are found on the sides of flat bed trailers and used to secure chains. They also protect lower rails from forklift damage.

A small powerboat for multipurpose use, such as fishing, cruising, or watersports.

A type of trim specific to Audi vehicles. Abbreviated to S-Ln.

The standard recommended working sail area. Does not pertain to the variously available oversize or undersize sails.

Specifications that describe tank trailers that transport food or food-grade products. Typically made of stainless steel but at times may be aluminum.

A sailboat with 2 or more masts, where the foremast and mainmast are the same height or the mainmast is taller.

A strip of steel, aluminum, wood, or chem-lite that runs along the inside of a trailer just above the floor. It protects the sides from pallet and forklift damage.

A liquid level gauging device.

Found in applications on dump and tank trailers where both the hydraulics and tank are found on the trailer. Often powered by a trailer-mounted diesel or gas pony motor.

Occurs when the front axle is purposely located farther towards the rear of the vehicle.

Occurs when the front axle is purposely located farther towards the front of the vehicle.

A livestock trailer with three or four floors to accommodate small animals.

Usually a roll-up door located in the middle section of a trailer.

Referring to the location of the doors mounted on the side of a trailer and is in addition to those at the rear. They are also called “curb” side or “road” side door.

A covering with the sole purpose of weatherproofing a flatbed. These consist of support posts, wood sideboards, tarp bows, and a tarp.

A side door located at the back corner of a livestock trailer, usually accompanied by a fold down ramp.

Refers to a trailer that rides on one axle.

The point of discharge on the bottom of a bulk tank or grain trailer. Located at the bottom of the body.

Two large springs on either side of the trailer, resting on a trunnion tube in the center and connected to the axle on both ends.

Refers to a single rear wheel truck.

A boat designed for watersports that produces higher wakes.

A mechanism that allows a tandem axle suspension to be moved back and forth under the trailer, used to maximize weight distribution.

A sailboat with 2 sails and 1 mast.

Five or six heavy steel projections originating from the center hub; resembles a heavy wagon wheel.

A cruiser with a single deck above the hull and cabin below. Also known as an express cruiser, these boats can go at high speeds.

An offshore fishing boat capable of high speeds.

A runabout capable of higher speeds than a traditional runabout.

The axle setting on a tandem suspension that is usually set at 10′ rather than closer together.

Attachments to a lowboy for additional maneuverability and carrying capacity.

A stainless steel exterior on the front and rear of a trailer. Primarily used for physical appearance and is less resistant to weather damage.

A piece of channel connected to the side rail of a flatbed that forms a bracket to secure a post which makes up a side kit.

Usually found on flat bed trailers, the deck is steel in place of wood. This typically reduces the value of a trailer.

A partial support frame at the rear of a tank trailer or frameless dump trailer usually where the suspension attaches.

U.S. classification for passenger vehicle emissions. The classification is based on producing 90% less emissions than an equivalent gasoline-powered vehicle. Abbreviated as SULEV.

Rear doors on a trailer that swings open and closed rather than rolling up or down.

A third axle, usually with four wheels, mounted at the rear of a standard tandem. Typically a tag axle lifts up to be taken out of a load carrying capacity.

An automobile addition or package including upgrades such as navigation, remote start, or customized audio. Abbreviated as Tech.

A brand of refrigeration unit mounted on the nose or under the floor of a reefer trailer. Thermo-King manufactures this unit.

A section of steel on the floor at the rear of the trailer that protects it from dock plate and forklift damage.

The mechanism by which power is transmitted from an engine to the wheels of a motor vehicle. Code Description 4M 4 Speed Manual 5M 5 Speed Manual 6M 6 Speed Manual A Automatic

Refers to a trailer supported by three axles.

A pontoon configured with 3 aluminum tubes.

Refers to a diesel engine equipped with a turbocharger.

A design of turbo diesel engines featuring turbocharging and cylinder-direct fuel injection. Abbreviated as TDI.

A type of forced-aspiration (“turbo”) engine where the fuel is pressure-injected straight into the combustion chamber in such a way as to create a stratified charge. Abbreviated as TSI.

Referring to a dump trailer’s tailgate that operates conventionally as well as a swing type.

A motor vehicle that emits extremely low levels of motor vehicle emissions compared to other vehicles. Abbreviated as ULEV.

A reefer unit secured to the underneath of a trailer.

A boat used for fishing or as a work boat.

An enclosed six-sided rectangular-shaped trailer, usually with doors to the rear. This type of trailer is used for hauling most household and commercial products. It is the most common type of trailer on the road today.

A safety feature used on gasoline and chemical tanks. Required in many states eliminate fumes.

Found in electric and moving van trailers, this allows products to slide along the floor without damage from rough wood.

Openings found usually in the front and rear of reefers, used to circulate fresh air. These are also found in chip trailers, where the product is blown in.

Refers to a hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic device mounted under an end dump trailer that assists in unloading.

An automotive body-style variant of a sedan with its roof extended rearward. Abbreviated as Wgn.

A suspension system without leaf springs. Made up of one primary beam that oscillates in the center and allows for easier vertical movement of the axle over uneven terrain.

Designed to make dump trailers watertight while traveling.

A trailer that has a flat roof and tapered floor with a shorter inside height at the front.

The distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.

A medium to large recreational boat used for cruising or racing.

A sailboat with 2 masts and a shorter mizzen mast aft of the rudder post.

A vehicle that emits no exhaust gas from the onboard source of power. Abbreviated as ZEV.