Fontaine vs. Trail King: A Comparison of Heavy Equipment Trailers

[MikePhua]

When it comes to transporting heavy equipment, the choice of trailer plays a critical role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability. Two of the most well-known brands in the trailer industry are Fontaine and Trail King, both of which have built reputations for producing high-quality, durable, and reliable heavy-duty trailers. However, when selecting between these two brands, it’s important to consider various factors such as design, load capacity, cost, and the specific needs of the equipment being hauled.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of Fontaine and Trail King trailers, examining their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision based on your specific hauling needs.
Overview of Fontaine and Trail King Trailers
Fontaine Trailers
Fontaine Trailers is a leading manufacturer of flatbed trailers, lowboys, and specialized equipment trailers. Established in 1945, Fontaine has earned a reputation for producing trailers that prioritize strength, durability, and innovative design. Fontaine trailers are designed to handle the most demanding loads, from construction machinery to oversized industrial equipment. The brand offers a wide variety of trailer types, including steel, aluminum, and composite materials, allowing for a more customized approach to hauling needs.

• Key Features:
  • Heavy-duty construction for long-lasting durability
    
  • Customizable options for different types of hauling
    
  • Advanced braking and suspension systems for stability and safety
    
  • Available in both aluminum and steel configurations, offering lighter or more robust alternatives
    
  • Air ride suspension for smoother transport of delicate machinery
    

Trail King Trailers
Trail King Industries, founded in 1974, has also earned a significant presence in the trailer manufacturing world, particularly in the lowboy and drop-deck trailer markets. With a focus on heavy-duty trailers designed to handle extreme weight and size, Trail King has established itself as a leader in specialized trailers. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation ensures that its trailers are equipped with the latest technology to meet the demanding needs of the transport industry.

• Key Features:
  • Focus on lowboys, hydraulic detachables, and double drop trailers
    
  • Known for advanced hydraulic systems for easy loading and unloading of equipment
    
  • Built-in adjustable suspension systems for customizable load management
    
  • Scissor neck designs for better handling of heavy equipment
    

Comparing the Key Features of Fontaine and Trail King Trailers
1. Load Capacity
One of the most important aspects when choosing a trailer is its load capacity. Both Fontaine and Trail King offer trailers with substantial load-bearing capabilities, but they each cater to different segments of the industry.

• Fontaine Trailers: Known for offering lightweight options, Fontaine trailers, especially those made of aluminum, allow for higher payloads while still maintaining a robust structure. For instance, Fontaine Aluminum Lowboy trailers are designed to carry heavy loads without sacrificing weight. The maximum load capacity for some of Fontaine’s lowboy models is approximately 80,000 pounds.
  
• Trail King Trailers: Trail King’s trailers generally have higher load capacities and are designed to handle larger, heavier equipment. Their lowboy trailers can carry up to 110,000 pounds, with some models capable of handling even more weight. The hydraulic detachable models from Trail King are often preferred for handling extremely heavy loads with ease.
  

2. Durability and Construction
Both Fontaine and Trail King trailers are built for longevity and durability, but the material choice plays a significant role in the overall longevity of the trailer.

• Fontaine: Fontaine trailers often use aluminum for some of their lighter models, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and a reduced overall weight. Steel models, however, are used for more heavy-duty applications. These trailers are known for their rigid construction, especially their lowboy trailers, which are designed to withstand extreme pressure during transportation.
  
• Trail King: Trail King trailers are often made of high-strength steel and feature enhanced structural integrity, making them ideal for extremely heavy-duty applications. Their double-drop and scissor neck designs provide a lower center of gravity, which enhances stability when hauling oversized or heavy equipment.
  

3. Suspension and Ride Quality
The suspension system of a trailer is critical for ensuring a smooth ride, especially when transporting expensive or delicate machinery.

• Fontaine: Many Fontaine models come with air ride suspension systems, which provide a smoother, more controlled ride by reducing the impact of bumps and road irregularities. This is particularly beneficial when transporting delicate machinery or cargo that requires extra care during transit.
  
• Trail King: Trail King offers air ride suspension in most of their lowboy and drop-deck trailers as well, ensuring a smooth ride. The key difference is their hydraulic suspension systems, which are especially beneficial for adjustable height trailers. This allows for more customization based on the load, offering superior weight distribution.
  

4. Customization and Flexibility
Customization is an essential factor for many businesses when selecting a trailer, as different types of loads may require specific configurations.

• Fontaine: Fontaine trailers are highly customizable, with options for hydraulic ramps, extendable decks, and adjustable axle configurations. Fontaine's extensive catalog allows businesses to tailor their trailers to their specific needs, including lowboys, drop-deck models, and specialized options for oversized equipment.
  
• Trail King: Trail King excels in offering highly specialized trailers that cater to very specific needs. Their hydraulic detachables and scissor neck trailers allow for easy loading and unloading of heavy and awkward loads. Their trailers can be customized with a variety of hydraulic systems and adjustable height configurations, making them ideal for businesses with highly variable cargo requirements.
  

5. Price Point
Cost is always an important consideration, especially when purchasing equipment for large-scale operations.

• Fontaine: Fontaine trailers are typically priced at a mid-to-high range, with their aluminum models often coming at a premium due to their lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. However, their steel options are priced more competitively, offering a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness.
  
• Trail King: Trail King trailers, with their specialized hydraulic systems and heavy-duty construction, generally come at a higher price point. However, their ability to handle extremely heavy loads and unique features often justify the higher cost for businesses needing maximum payloads and advanced functionality.
  

Conclusion
Choosing between Fontaine and Trail King trailers ultimately comes down to the specific needs of the business and the type of equipment being hauled. Fontaine trailers offer a great balance of durability, customization, and cost-effectiveness, especially for those looking for lightweight options for transporting heavy machinery. On the other hand, Trail King trailers shine when it comes to handling extreme loads, especially with their specialized hydraulic systems and scissor neck designs, making them an ideal choice for businesses with more complex hauling needs.
Both brands are reputable and well-established in the industry, and either would serve businesses involved in construction, mining, or heavy equipment transport well. Deciding between them depends on your priorities: whether it’s payload capacity, customization, or cost efficiency.