Heavy haul equipment is big, loud and impossible to miss. But what often goes unnoticed is its role in everyday life.
From the roads people drive on to the systems that power communities, this equipment moves the materials and machinery that keep things running. For more than 50 years, Trail King Industries Inc. — headquartered in Mitchell, South Dakota — has been a trusted name behind that work, manufacturing a full line of hauling trailers used across construction, agriculture, transportation and other demanding industries.
1978 letter to customers from Trail King Industries Inc. president Gordon Thomsen
Five decades of heavy metal
Trail King Industries began in 1974 as a small, family-run operation working out of a home, with just a handful of employees. Over the decades, it has grown into North America’s leading manufacturer of a wide range of trailers, with expertise that includes building machinery vital to industries such as construction and agriculture.
Trail King’s growth has been powered by expertise and innovation. Early breakthroughs like the introduction of hydraulic detachable gooseneck trailers in the 1980s helped the company gain traction in the construction industry. From there, Trail King continued to evolve, producing increasingly complex and heavy-duty equipment.
Trail King’s strength starts with the breadth of its product lineup. The company designs and manufactures trailers for a wide range of hauling needs, including hydraulic detachable lowboys, sliding axle trailers, tag trailers, double drop trailers and specialized transport solutions.
Each trailer is engineered with a focus on durability and long-term performance, using high-quality materials and a detailed manufacturing process designed to hold up under demanding conditions.
Because of the complexity of producing specialized equipment, Trail King relies on skilled workers. It helps them grow their careers through training and has created an environment in which employees take a strong sense of ownership.
Support that keeps you moving
Trail King’s value proposition goes beyond the equipment itself. The company helps customers protect their equipment, their brand and their bottom line by building trailers designed for durability, tailoring solutions to specific applications and backing them with service and support that keep operations moving and downtime to a minimum.
Just as important as the build is what comes after. Trail King backs its trailers with a full suite of customer support services, including warranty programs, technical assistance and access to parts through a network of dealers across North America.
Trail King’s commitment to customer success has earned it industry accolades. Most recently, Trail King earned a 2026 Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association Longevity Award recognizing its decades-long support of the specialized transportation sector.
More than five decades after its founding, Trail King continues to operate with the same philosophy of building dependable equipment and standing behind it. Working across industries, the company’s staff is proud to serve customers across North America.
Click here to learn how Trail King can help meet your heavy-haul equipment needs.
