Top 7 Live Bottom Trailer Manufacturers

One of our trailers once jammed in the middle of an asphalt job. It takes us hours.

That’s when I learned: the wrong live bottom trailer can wreck your schedule—and your budget.

Since then, I’ve worked closely with buyers in hauling, paving, and agriculture. I’ve seen which trailer brands hold up—and which ones fall short.

This guide covers 7 manufacturers. You’ll get their company info, where they’re based, how big they are, and what they do well (or don’t).

By the end, you’ll know how to choose a manufacturer that fits your hauling needs—whether it’s for compost, grain, gravel, or asphalt.

So let’s get started!

Quick Comparison Chart

Before we break down each company in full detail, take a moment to scan this quick side-by-side comparison.

Now, let’s walk through each manufacturer one by one and see what makes them stand out.

1. Trinity Trailer Manufacturing, Inc.

The first time I saw a Trinity trailer was on a muddy farm road in southern Idaho. It was pouring rain, and every other trailer was stuck or struggling to unload wet silage. But the Trinity belt trailer? It unloaded smoothly, no tipping, no hassle. That moment stayed with me.

Trinity Trailer was founded in 1975 in Boise, Idaho, USA. Since then, they’ve focused on building belt trailers, also called live bottom trailers. These are used in agriculture, construction, and bulk transport across the U.S. and Canada.

Product Range

• EagleBridge® Belt Trailers (multiple lengths and axle options)
• Agricultural trailers for hauling silage, feed, and manure
• Roadwork trailers for gravel, asphalt, and other bulk materials
• Replacement parts and trailer upgrades

Certifications & Compliance

Trinity builds trailers to meet DOT safety standards in the U.S. Their trailers go through structural and fatigue testing, but they don’t publicly list international certifications like ISO. Still, they’re well known in the hauling and agricultural world for reliable builds.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Phone and email support
• Online contact form
• Website-based parts store
• Dealer support in multiple U.S. states

Final Verdict

Trinity makes solid, lightweight belt trailers that hold up under pressure. If you’re hauling feed, compost, or gravel and need dependable unloading, they’re a reliable pick. However, if you’re looking for more product variety, they may feel limited.

2. Trout River Industries

During a highway project in Nova Scotia, I watched a Trout River trailer unload hot mix on a narrow stretch of road. No tipping. No clogs. Just a smooth belt unload, even with limited space. That kind of control impressed everyone on site.

Trout River Industries started in 1999 in Prince Edward Island, Canada. They’ve built a strong name in bulk hauling and roadwork, with trailers used across Canada, the U.S., and international markets. Their focus is safety, clean unloading, and keeping your job site moving.

Product Range

• Live Bottom Trailers for gravel, compost, asphalt, and grain
• Truck-Mounted Live Bottoms for lighter-duty jobs
• Hycube® Trailers, which offer higher capacity and low weight
• Custom trailer builds for agriculture, paving, and more

Certifications & Compliance

Trout River builds its trailers to meet North American road safety standards, including Transport Canada rules. Their use of Hardox® steel adds durability. While they don’t list ISO or international certifications, their trailers are widely trusted by municipal and highway contractors who require high safety and performance.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Support through phone, email, and online forms
• Dealer network across Canada and other regions
• Parts and repair help from factory-trained staff
• Fast, knowledgeable replies based on personal experience

Final Verdict

Trout River trailers are smooth, efficient, and built for real job site demands. If you haul hot mix, compost, or feed, they’re a solid option. However, availability outside North America may be limited.

3. ABS Trailers

I recall a chilly morning in Quebec, watching an ABS live bottom trailer effortlessly unload a full load of gravel. The smooth operation and sturdy build stood out against the backdrop of other trailers struggling with the same task. That image of efficiency and reliability has stayed with me.

Founded in 1987 and based in Asbestos, Quebec, Canada, ABS Trailers has carved a niche in designing and manufacturing specialized live-bottom semi-trailers for transporting aggregate materials. Over the years, they’ve grown into a trusted name in the industry, known for their commitment to quality and innovation.

Product Range

• RC Model
• WC Model
• LRC448

Certifications & Compliance

ABS Trailers is accredited by Transport Canada, ensuring their trailers meet stringent national safety and quality standards. Their commitment to rigorous quality control at every manufacturing stage underscores their dedication to delivering reliable and safe products.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Phone: 819-879-6216
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 445, Boulevard Industriel, Asbestos, Quebec J1T 4V4

Final Verdict

ABS Trailers stands out for its durable and innovative live bottom trailers, designed with user safety and efficiency in mind. Their strong presence in Canada, backed by a network of service points, ensures reliable support. However, potential buyers outside Canada should verify local dealer availability.

4. Trail King Industries

On a steep gravel slope in the middle of a job, one trailer stood out. It didn’t rock. It didn’t slide. The Trail King live bottom stayed grounded, unloaded smooth, and cleared out fast. You could feel how balanced it was—even under stress.

Trail King Industries was founded in 1974 in Mitchell, South Dakota, USA. They’ve grown into one of the largest trailer makers in North America, serving roadwork, mining, and agriculture. If you’re moving heavy loads on tough ground, Trail King is a name worth knowing.

Product Range

• Live Bottom Trailers
• Side Dumps and End Dumps
• Detachable Lowboys
• Agricultural Trailers
• Heavy Haul and Specialized Trailers

Certifications & Compliance

Trail King builds to U.S. DOT standards and tests their trailers for high-stress work. They don’t list ISO or international credentials, but they’re trusted across state fleets and public works crews. That kind of track record doesn’t happen without strict safety and quality checks.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Phone and email support ([email protected])
• Dealer and repair locations across the U.S.
• Online parts access and service help
• Clear troubleshooting support for operator

Final Verdict

Trail King builds reliable trailers that perform well in rough conditions. If you need strength, balance, and nationwide support, they’re a dependable pick. However, their live bottom line is smaller than some, so they may suit you best if you’re running mixed trailer types.

5. Cross Country Manufacturing

I was working alongside a crew hauling asphalt when someone pulled in with a Cross Country live bottom trailer. The first thing I noticed was how fast it cleared out—no mess, no time wasted. You could tell it was built for tough jobs like that. If you haul every day, that kind of design makes your life easier.

Cross Country Manufacturing started in 1999 and is based in Morden, Manitoba, Canada. They focus on building strong, reliable trailers for hauling in construction, agriculture, and roadwork. If you need equipment that works hard and keeps up with heavy loads, they’re worth a look.

Product Range

• Live Bottom Trailers
• Side Dump Trailers
• Belly Dump Trailers
• Detachable Gooseneck Trailers

Certifications & Compliance

Cross Country uses premium materials like Hardox® 450 steel, which is known for strength and wear resistance. Their trailers are designed to meet North American safety and hauling standards. While ISO or international certifications aren’t listed, their quality has earned trust across Canada and the U.S.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Phone support: 1-888-895-0833
• Email: [email protected]
• Dealer and service locations across North America
• Help with parts, troubleshooting, and warranty issues

Final Verdict

Cross Country trailers are a smart pick if you want strong builds and simple, efficient performance. You’ll get tough equipment backed by responsive support. However, if you’re looking for extra customization or trailer tech features, they may feel more basic than other brands.

6. E.D. Etnyre & Co.

If you’ve ever worked a paving job where timing mattered, you know how much a reliable trailer can help. I watched an Etnyre Falcon trailer unload hot mix without pause, right when the crew needed it. No cleanup. No delay. Just steady output, even on a tight schedule.

E.D. Etnyre & Co. was founded in 1898 in Oregon, Illinois, USA. With over 120 years in the business, they’ve become a trusted name in road-building equipment. Their trailers are built for performance and simplicity—especially when time and material control are critical to your job.

Product Range

• Live Bottom Trailers
• Asphalt Distributors
• Chip Spreaders
• Lowboy Trailers
• Equipment Parts and Accessories

Certifications & Compliance

Etnyre equipment is built to meet U.S. safety and transport standards. While they don’t list international certifications like ISO, their long history in government and public works fleets shows their trailers meet strict performance expectations.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Phone support: Sales: 815-732-2116 | Parts/Service: 888-586-1899
• Email support: [email protected] | [email protected]
• Training programs available throughout the year
• Service networks supported directly by factory techs

Final Verdict

Etnyre builds trailers you can rely on, especially for roadwork and paving. Their live bottom design helps you unload fast and stay on schedule. However, if you’re looking for a wide range of trailer types beyond road-building use, you might feel limited by their product focus.

7. Wilkens Manufacturing Inc.

Founded in 1973 by Art and Mae Wilkens in Stockton, Kansas, USA, Wilkens Manufacturing has been “Taking Big Steps for Our Customers’ Success” for over 5 decades. They’ve continually adapted to industry changes, integrating state-of-the-art technologies into their self-unloading trailers, earning numerous U.S. patents in the process.

During a particularly demanding haul, you might face challenges with unloading efficiency. Imagine discovering a trailer that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Product Range

• X-treme Wide Belt® Trailers
• LiteWalker™ Trailers
• LTE Fleet Trailers
• Skinned Lite-Walker Trailers

Certifications & Compliance

While specific certifications aren’t detailed, Wilkens Manufacturing’s longstanding presence and patented innovations indicate adherence to industry standards and a commitment to quality.

Customer Support & After-Sales Service

• Phone Support: (800) 858-5656
• Email Support: Contact via their website contact form.
• Service Centers: Located in Stockton, KS, and Bethel, PA, offering repair and maintenance services.

Final Verdict

Wilkens Manufacturing Inc. offers innovative self-unloading trailers backed by decades of experience. Their commitment to integrating advanced technologies ensures efficient hauling solutions. However, if you’re seeking trailers with a broader range of customizable features, you might find their options somewhat limited.

Can’t Find the Right Trailer Truck for Your Needs?

You’ve checked the manufacturers above. But maybe none of them offer what you need. Maybe you’re looking to upgrade or add a new trailer that fits your business more closely.

If you can’t find the right manufacturer above, why not consider importing from China?

Rhinotrail is a trusted manufacturer of semi-trailers, serving businesses across construction, logistics, mining, agriculture, and more. We offer custom-built trailers and strong export support to meet your business needs.

Here’s what we can do:

• Custom-built trailers for your load type, industry, and road conditions
• Wide product range including flatbeds, dump trailers, low beds, skeletal, and fence models
• Export-ready builds with full technical documentation
• Clear communication during production and delivery
• After-sales support and parts guidance
• Flexible solutions for different budgets and project sizes

If you’re looking for a dependable trailer partner—contact us to learn more. We’re ready to help you find the right fit for your next job.

Conclusion

You’ve seen what the top live bottom trailer manufacturers offer—and what makes each one different. Each brand brings something valuable to the table.

But sometimes, finding the right match means looking beyond the obvious. That’s exactly what I did. I asked more questions. I explored more sources. And it paid off.

Maybe you’re planning to upgrade or add to your current trailer fleet.

Now it’s your turn. Which trailer fits your road, your budget, your load?

Contact us today and let’s figure it out together.