By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Wilson Trailer Co. manufactures and sells a complete line of livestock, grain, flatbed, self-unloading and gooseneck livestock trailers. The company is probably most widely known for having developed and popularized its aluminum drop-center livestock trailer.

“Our livestock trailers are all riveted construction trailers,” said Rick Davis, Wilson’s Indiana branch manager. “Although this is now a popular style, ours is a leader in punch pan construction, and for a long time we were the only ones that did this construction.”

Often referred to as the “flagships” of the Wilson lines, the SilverStar and StockMaster trailers are made of lightweight aluminum. They offer smooth interior walls, superior ventilation and rigid gate construction with full-width hinges. These features help ensure safe and easy transport of livestock.

Wilson also offers a complete line of gooseneck livestock and stock trailers. Four models include the completely custom Foreman, the limited option Ranch Hand, the Roper stock combo and the frameless design Stampede. These trailers feature lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum, plus riveted construction.

Other popular products include the company’s grain trailers and drop-deck trailers. The grain and self-unloading trailers are innovative in design and offer top-quality, durability and performance. In the early 1980s, Wilson began producing straight-deck and drop-deck trailers.

Wilson offers a combination steel and aluminum trailer or an all-aluminum flatbed trailer. Roadbrute and Premier platform trailers are produced with top-quality materials and state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing.

“I think right now we have a superior hopper door. It is the best hopper door on the market – it is the only one of its kind out there,” Davis said. “The mechanisms that drive it and the ease of operation set it apart from others. There is very little maintenance on it – it has been outstanding.”

Visitors to the 45th National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 10-13 can see a selection of Wilson Trailers at its booth in the South Wing, including a hopper bottom grain trailer, a belt trailer and a gooseneck livestock trailer.

Headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa, Wilson Trailer Co. was founded by Frank Wilson in 1890 as a small wagon and carriage shop in the Huron Territory of South Dakota. Today, the business is operated under the direction of the fourth generation of the same family.
It still abides by its original guiding principle: “Customer Satisfaction Through Quality Products & Service.”

In addition to its headquarters, Wilson operates five modern production plants in Yankton, S.D., Moberly, Mo., Lennox, S.D., and two in Sioux City. The company markets its trailers through several factory-direct sales locations as well as a dealer network across North America.