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The Aluminum Trailer Company and Motiv Trailers

Archive for February, 2009

Begin to Know the Difference

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

Some manufacturers claim that they build custom trailers, but once you work with ATC you will begin to know the difference.  Whether your project is a simple cargo trailer or a fully customized emergency response trailer, we understand that every trailer that we build is different.  At ATC & Motiv Trailers, every trailer that build it a custom creation tailored to fit the needs of the individual that is buying it.  Our custom built trailers begin with a concept and list of functions that need to be fulfilled.  From there, we devote our engineering team to design a custom trailer to fulfill those needs and in doing so we produce a full and complete print pack for every trailer that we build.  Our mentality is simple; every trailer that we work on is a custom built trailer and we treat every project in that matter.  The small details and nuances that are important to you are things that become important to us to ensure that we integrate those details into the design for your trailer.  Our ultimate goal is to produce a custom built trailer that will fulfill your complete list of needs and wants.  With our emphasis on custom design and quality craftsmanship, we know that you will be pleased with your purchase for years to come.  Contact us today and let us know what needs we can help fulfill for you in a truly custom built trailer.

Custom Trailer

True Custom Built Trailers

Friday, February 27th, 2009

ATC and Motiv trailers are known as the trailer manufacture to come to if you are looking for a custom built trailer.  Some companies say custom built, but they really mean that you can choose from a list of options that build upon a base trailer, but that is not the case for ATC and Motiv.  When ATC and Motiv says custom built that is exactly what we mean.  You can have an idea for a mobile hotel, an air traffic control tower trailer, or something to take your pet monkeys with you on the road (these are real examples of some of ATC and Motiv custom built trailers).  You can feel comfortable coming to ATC and Motiv with your craziest ideas and know that our team of engineers will figure out a way to make your BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) a reality that will make others wonder where you got such a unique custom built trailer.  Here a few more examples of ATC and Motiv custom built trailers:  a trailer that takes Salmon roe and tags them before they go into a river, or a trailer that has NASCAR simulator units inside of them, and emergency response units that have a mobile cell phone tower on the back.  So, as you can see the sky is the limit and as an example of our limit we were asked if we could build a space ship.  We had to veto that one.

All aluminum cargo trailers save money in the long run

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

The Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC) has been building all aluminum cargo trailers is its inception in 1999.  The number of cargo trailers and cargo trailer manufacturers is numerous.  But there is only one ATC cargo trailer.  ATC cargo trailers are truly all aluminum.  ATC cargo trailers are built with an all tube frame.  No C channel framing on the roof.  No hat posts on the walls.  No light weight I Beam on the sub frame.  All tube construction means all tube construction on our cargo trailer.

An all aluminum cargo trailer may be more expense than a steel frame cargo trailer at time of purchase, but in the long run an aluminum cargo trailer is your best investment. Long term, you will spend less money maintaining an aluminum cargo trailer than you would a steel framed cargo trailer.  Steel framed cargo trailer have the sub frame painted at the time of manufacturing.  The paint will chip, flake, or scratch in time allowing a steel cargo trailer to rust. Paint can be replaced but it takes time and money.  Paint problems are both costly and inconvenient.

ATC’s aluminum cargo trailer is lighter than steel cargo trailers.  Our aluminum cargo trailer is as much as 18% lighter than a steel cargo trailer.  Less weight means makes for an easier pulling cargo trailer.  Easier puling means better fuel economy.  Better fuel economy means less money is spent on gas and more money stays in your pocket.

ATC’s aluminum cargo trailer is a long term investment.  An ATC cargo trailer is built to last 10 years or longer.  In 10 years most customers will go through as many as 3 steel cargo trailers.  In the long run paying a little more up front for an ATC all aluminum cargo trailer makes the most sense.

Specialty Trailers

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Specialty TrailersIf you have found this blog, most likely you typed in the key word: specialty trailer or specialty trailers.  There are many different manufacturers that claim that they do custom trailers, but sometimes there are projects that we come across that are more than just a custom trailer, they are truly unique builds; they are specialty trailers.  When it comes to building a specialty trailer you have to change the rules completely.  The project can be loosely defined as a trailer because it is mobile, but it may not serve the function of being a car hauler, a motorcycle trailer, a cargo trailer or any other normal cargo moving needs.  These trailers can serve so many different functions that it can become hard to even define what a specialty trailer is.  To see how much variety this cateSpecialty Trailersgory can encompass check out the “Custom Trailers” section on the menu to the left.

ATC and Motiv trailers does build standard trailers as well as some very custom trailers but where we truly excel is building a true specialty trailer.  We have a specialty sales team that focuses on working on corporate trailer projects that can fulfill any task.  Once the function of the mobile unit is understood, sales works with our staff of highly trained engineers to design a complete unit from the base frame to completion that will fulfill your complete list of needs.  When the trailer is built, it is specifically designed for the end use it will have which allows you to get a trailer that is built stronger, will last longer, and is easier to use.  This is what makes a true specialty trailer and no one builds them better than ATC and Motiv.

Visit ATC & Motiv Trailers for your Cargo Trailer needs

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

When you are shopping for a cargo trailer, ATC & Motiv Trailers may not be your first thought.  In fact, you may not even know that ATC & Motiv Trailers builds cargo trailers, or that year after year, our cargo trailers have the highest referral rate of any cargo trailer manufactured today.  We offer the full line of enclosed cargo trailers, both in steel in our Motiv product line of trailers, or in all aluminum with our ATC cargo trailer product line.  Whether you are looking for that price competitive cargo trailer or the durability and lightweight cargo trailer we have what you need.  Stripped down or loaded with options, it’s no problem for us.  We don’t build stock trailers, all of our trailers are specifically built to your order.  As a small manufacturing operation that builds all of our sub assemblies, we can build a trailer to your exacting standards, and because we build all of our own sub assemblies from the frame, sidewalls, ramp doors, barn and baggage doors, roof structures, and cabinetry, we have complete control of the production process and insure the quality you need to have years of trouble free service with your ATC & Motiv cargo trailer.  Our competitors’ trailers may look the same, but look closely and you can see the difference.  Our frame structure, the foundation of your cargo trailer is built using full 4 wall tube, not C-channel or hat posts.  We use the finest construction materials from 25 year warranted floor decking to our seamless aluminum roof.  Look at our complete cargo trailer lineup at www.aluminumtrailer.com/cargo trailers.

What kind of cargo trailer can we help build for you?

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

There are a myriad of uses for an ATC or Motiv cargo trailer.  Some of the most popular uses for a cargo trailer are for landscaping, construction, and general homeowner use.  At ATC and Motiv we also have the capability to custom build your cargo trailer.  Due to our skilled craftsman and our strong engineering department, we have expanded what most people thing a cargo trailer would be used for.

A recent cargo trailer project we completed was for a mobile sound recording studio.  The two most important characteristics of this cargo trailer were that is must be 100% water tight and it must be virtually sound proof.  Not only did this customer need to transport his expensive audio recording equipment in this cargo trailer, he also created live recording from inside this trailer.  In order to meet these requirements we added a special sound deadening insulation that eliminated 99% of all outside the trailer noises.  We also had to install a special vibration isolation kit under the generator so that the simple vibrations from the generator would not be detected on the audio recordings.

As mentioned, ATC and Motiv have broadened the cargo trailer market though our innovative problem-solving and sales approach to the trailer business.  What kind of cargo trailer can we help build for you?

ATC builds the only all aluminum frame car trailer in the country

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

The Aluminum Trailer Company(ATC) and Motiv Trailers has been building car trailers since 1999. ATC is located in Nappanee , Indiana, the heart of Amish country.  The company founders recognized the quality work force that was available in this area of northern Indiana and knew this was the place to build a car trailers with unsurpassed quality.

ATC builds the only all aluminum frame car trailer in the country.  Other manufactures add steel reinforcements on their race trailers.  Not ATC.  We build our car trailer with a perimeter tube frame, tube side walls on 16″ centers, and a sturdy 1″x 3″ tube roof structure also on 16″ centers.  This type of construction is what allows ATC to build one of the strongest and lightest car trailers in the industry.

ATC offers a vast array of options on car trailers.  One of the most popular options on a car trailer is our Fast lane package.  The Fastlane package includes an aluminum screw less interior, aluminum wheels, aluminum cabinets, and a complete electrical package.  The Fastlane is a great way to purchase a car trailer that is ready to roll to any occasion.

The Fastlane is a complete package for a ready to go car trailer but it is not the only way to purchase your ATC car trailer.  ATC offers an amazing list of options for you to add to your car trailer to customize your car trailer.  Options like interior floor coverings, over 13 different exterior colors, aluminum wheel upgrades, and car trailer lengths from 18′ to 53′.

Check out an ATC car trailer today.  You will be glad you did!

Motorcycle trailers are part of the motorcycle experience

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

ATC and Motiv Trailers have been much more successful penetrating the motorcycle trailer market than the utility trailer market.  Many times we have asked ourselves why this is, because we build a really great line of cargo/utility trailers.  We realized it all comes down to one word “passion”.  Motorcycling is more than a hobby or an extra curricular activity; it is a lifestyle that people are passionate about.  When people are passionate about things, they are willing to spend a little more to get a product that has more flash and will outperform another product.

I’m not saying that landscapers and contractors are not passionate about their business, but when is the last time you heard a landscaper or contractor talk about the really cool utility trailer they were getting ready to buy to carry their tools around in?  A cargo trailer is simply a necessity for carrying tools from point A to point B.  Motorcycle trailers on the other hand are quite different.

Motorcycle trailers are part of the motorcycle experience.  At the rallies and events we travel to we have noticed that good motorcycle trailers will become the hub or the area where people hang out.  For that very reason many of our motorcycle trailers are equipped with surround sound TV systems, bathrooms, lounge facilities, and yes even keggerators with beer taps!  With a high end ATC or Motiv trailer, get ready to call your trailer “mission central” at the next big rally.

Mobile Marketing

Friday, February 20th, 2009

Mobile Marketing

With the economy being what it is, companies are working harder then ever before to market their products.  At the same time budgets are tight but you still want people to see what separates you from the competition.  Why not begin a mobile marketing campaign?  ATC has developed a mobile marketing trailer that is easy to use, only requires a ½ ton truck and one person to setup.  The ATC mobile stage trailer can be set up at the next event ready to go in about 1 hour.

Another advantage of the ATC mobile marketing trailer is the driver doesn’t need to have a CDL.  Think about the savings, the flexibility and possibilities!  With a smaller more mobile stage trailer you will be able set up and show off your company’s abilities in more places with less overhead.  The ATC mobile stage trailer is inexpensive.  Your company could have two to three mobile marketing teams for the cost of one large crew.  As people begin to travel shorter distances and take advantage of more regional trade shows and entertainment, you will not need to decide which one to go and which one to leave out.  You can go to both of them and maximize your exposure.  We have also seen companies use two smaller locations at the “big show” instead of the one overpriced display area.

Take a look at http://www.aluminumtrailer.com/custom%20trailers/marketing & display and you will see just a few of the mobile marketing trailers that ATC has built.  One is sure to be the style you need for your next mobile marketing tour.  If it isn’t we will build you one to your design!

Screwless Exterior Trailers

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

Why do we take such pleasure in producing trailers with aluminum screwless exteriors?  Aesthetic pride!  To illustrate, close your eyes and imagine a black trailer with screws placed 16″ apart in row after row, stacked in columns running from the rub rail to the roof line, almost like an old aluminum shed that was pelted with a load of buckshot.  Now lets take that same trailer and place it outside your local race track on a sweltering July afternoon (or if you dream big on the inside of The Brickyard or Daytona), and let the warming rays of the Sun bake it for a few hours.  Do you know what happens to metal?  It expands, but it really doesn’t have much room to move because of all the screws, so it bubbles and pops like a junior high science experiment gone wrong.  For those consumers who are looking for usability in a product, as well as one that looks good doing its job, ATC & Motiv trailers offers  screwless exterior trailers, and believe me they look good!  We make trailers that are 53′ long and are 13′ 5″ tall and believe it or not we cover that monster with .050 exterior aluminum fastened without any screws!  How do we do it?  Thanks for asking!  We use two products from world renowned companies, 3M and BASF.  We apply BASF’s Dega-Bond to the posts and 3M VHB tape to the seams.  These products, when used in combination provide superior adhesion, while at the same time allowing the metal to “float” on those crazy days of summer and viola, what you get is a trailer that performs and the screwless exterior looks great while at the track, the lake or your driveway. Screwless Exterior
Screwless Exterior
Riveted Exterior
Riveted Exterior

Fiber Optic Splicing trailers

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

The Aluminum Trailer Company now makes Fiber Optic Splicing Trailers.  For years ATC has building custom trailers for commercial applications.  Now ATC(aluminum) and Motiv(steel) have built several Fiber Optic Splicing trailers.   With our steel and aluminum frame capabililties we are able to produce Splicing trailers for almost any budget.  ATC’s commercial custom team will work with the customer to design the trailer to the spec that works for their company.

No matter how big or small your company is ATC would love the opportunity to work you on the next mobile splicing trailer you need.   We will build and design the trailer from the ground up.  In the picture you see a small sample of our capabilities.  For more ideas see our Field Service page.

Fiber Trailer 1

Fiber Trailer 2

Fiber Trailer 3

The finest motorcycle trailers available anywhere!

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

When you are looking for a motorcycle trailer, think first of ATC & Motiv Trailers, makers of the finest motorcycle trailers available anywhere!  If you need an all aluminum trailer, ATC has a full line of motorcycle trailers available in all sizes and configurations.  If steel is your choice, Motiv Trailers has built a reputation as the motorcycle trailer of choice.  We offer not only the standard sizes and options like all the other motorcycle trailer manufacturers, but we are also equipped to handle all of your customization needs.  Our specialties include lower deck heights for storing your new motorcycle trailer in your garage; LED lighting packages to trick out the exterior, interior lighting packages to maximize exposure inside the motorcycle trailer.  Have full dresser bikes…no problem, we offer extra wide configurations, special tie down apparatus to handle your motorcycles.  Need cabinet space to store all your gear? Once again our cabinet designers can custom design your closets to maximize floor space and give you the room you need to stash all your motorcycle essentials.  Wedge noses for easy exit can be configured with ramp doors on both sides to minimize the effort to get you on your motorcycle and on the trail or on the road quickly.  2 foot wedges, 4 foot wedges, even 6 foot wedges are no problem for us.  Many motorcycle trailers can not handle windshields or you can’t stand up without knocking your head.  We can add extra height, or beavertails of any length.  Different axle configurations, wheel box locations and heights are all variable with us.  So when you’re in the market for a steel or all aluminum motorcycle trailer, look no further than ATC &Motiv Trailers.  Look at our Motorcycle page for ideas and general specs.

We’ve taken enclosed car haulers to a whole new level!

Monday, February 16th, 2009

Think all trailers were created equally?  Think again!  Here at ATC and Motiv, we’ve taken enclosed car haulers to a whole new level.  We are driven by quality and craftsmanship…not by quantity.  Our ATC all-aluminum enclosed car haulers are the strongest, lightest, and best looking trailers around.  Features like polished cast aluminum corners, stainless steel verticals, screwless exterior, and LED lights are just a few of the things that make our trailers stand out from the rest – and that’s just on the outside.  Take a look inside and you’ll see our custom cabinets, recessed fluorescent lights, maybe some screwless interior aluminum walls and ceiling…everything you could want to make your trailer the best looking one around.  If you love ATC’s world class quality but are on a budget, check out our Motiv Trailers line of steel enclosed car haulers.  Built by the same Amish craftsmen, they offer a more economical alternative to aluminum.

Want your enclosed car hauler designed exactly how you want it?  That’s no problem either.  Our engineers are happy to work with your custom needs.  While other manufacturers turn out enclosed car haulers that are a dime a dozen, we take pride in the fact that we rarely build identical trailers.  We’ll do whatever it takes to accommodate your car, team, and tools – and we’ll do it with style!  Steel or all-aluminum, tag or gooseneck, we offer a trailer that’s perfect for you.

Will you get what you pay for?

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

Not all car haulers are created equal.  And do you remember that old phrase your dad taught you long ago about, you get what you pay for? All of this and more is true about ATC and Motiv car haulers.  ATC and Motiv car haulers are some of the best built trailers on the road.  We proudly offer a full tube constructed frame as well real world Amish craftsmanship.  Because our trailers offer industry-leading quality and fit-and-finish, our trailers have garnered a name of respect among the racing community.  We also recognize that most racers still have specific needs from their car hauling trailer.  Twenty years ago a car hauler was just a box on wheels, but now that just doesn’t cut it.  ATC and Motiv offer a vast options list to help customize your trailer into exactly what suits your needs.  We even offer a free download to our quoting software (ATC & Motiv Express) on our website that helps customers better understand our available options and the associated costs.  In order to make sure you custom car hauler is built to your specification ATC and Motiv also provides 3-D CAD prints.  Before any custom car hauler gets welded in our shop, we will be sure that the custom CAD prints meet your full expectation.  Save yourself a headache and invest your hard earned dollars in a trailer that will perform well for you over the long haul.  Not only will your ATC or Motiv car hauler be with you for a long time, we can also assure you that it will be a trailer you will be proud to tow!

Commercial Trailers for Corporate Demands

Friday, February 13th, 2009

At ATC and Motiv Trailers we realize that commercial trailers can be some of the most challenging projects.  A commercial trailer will need to have several things; a unique layout with sometimes very tight tolerances, a high level of quality, and multiple units need to be produced as identically as possible.  With this in mind ATC and Motiv Trailers has devoted a team that works solely with our corporate trailers to ensure they are built to the highest standards with the level of detail that you require.

Our procedures are smooth, simple, and easy to duplicate.  We start by getting a clear direction for the project by getting a list of the specifications or requirements for the project.  Our corporate trailer team then works to help design a base layout that will meet all of the functional requirements of the project.  Our dedicated staff of engineers will take the design and do a full set of 3D prints.  After prints are complete our application engineers will review the design to ensure that it is up to the task and demands that commercial trailers meet on a day to day basis.  Prints can be reviewed and re-reviewed for any changes by our commercial customers to make sure that the trailer will fully meet their needs.  Once the layout is approved then it goes through our production line with highly skilled craftsman that are accustomed to working on large custom projects through to completion.

Take a look at the great variety of commercial trailer projects that we have worked on in the past.  Contact us at 574-773-9031 to discuss your project today.

Who is ATC & Motiv Trailers?

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

ATC & Motiv Trailers…ever heard of ‘em?  Maybe, maybe not!  ATC & Motiv has never been a big company, or fit the typical picture of a huge trailer manufacturer.  In fact, ATC & Motiv Trailers is a family-owned company, located in the small town of Nappanee, Indiana.  ATC, which stands for The Aluminum Trailer Company, was started in 2000 by Steve Brennemen and a business partner when they sensed a need in the trailer market for high quality aluminum trailers.  Nappanee is known for its Amish community, and it was easy for Steve to hire a small but talented crew of Amish craftsmen to design and build only the best all-aluminum trailers.  It didn’t take long for the industry to sit up and take notice of ATC’s world-class, precision built trailers.  By 2004, the company had grown by leaps and bounds, and the owners purchased TN Trailers, a steel trailer manufacturer in Shipshewana, Indiana.  This enabled ATC to take TN’s expertise in building a great steel trailer and apply their own quality, design, and flair.  In 2006, the two companies combined to become ATC & Motiv Trailers, and offer a product lineup that is absolutely second to none!  ATC & Motiv Trailers specialize in custom steel and all-aluminum trailers: car, motorcycle, snowmobile, and toy haulers, as well as any type of commercial application you can think of.  We may be a smaller company from a smaller town, but we’re proud of our family heritage, values, and work ethic.  We pride ourselves in being not the biggest, but simply the best.

What is Quality?

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

Wikipedia defines quality as a high degree of excellence.  Type quality in your favorite search engine and you will get over 1 billion references ranging from quality assurance programs in manufacturing to calculating quality scores on your keywords…and yes even where to go to find quality search engines!  Search for quality trailers, and you get over 47 million hits!  In today’s market, everyone stresses quality, it seems every manufacturer builds a trailer of high quality, a high degree of excellence.  How does the consumer distinguish amongst all these quality trailer brands?

At ATC & Motiv Trailers, we stress quality built enclosed trailers designed and engineered for your specific needs.  What does that really mean?  Why are we different?  We start with quality people.  Everyone from the design engineering team, sales assistants, production team leaders, customer service personnel, to our administrative staff are the best in the business, the leading professionals in their field.  We use the quality materials.  Everything from our flooring to our structural aluminum and steel is the finest quality materials offered in any enclosed trailer.  We use the best manufacturing processes.  We follow ISO9000 processes and procedures.  We do not use quality control inspectors.  Our production team is our quality control assurance.  Our service and support after the sale is also the highest degree of excellence.  We offer the best warranty in the industry and the highest referral rate in the industry.  We surpass the expectations of our customers!

The next time you are looking for a quality trailer, start your search at www.aluminumtrailer.com.

ATC & Motiv Bunk Trailers

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009

ATC Bunk TrailersATC & Motiv Trailers has built bunk trailers for the past several years. In the attached picture you will see 10 of these trailers deployed in the recent Ice storms in Arkansas and Missouri. These bunk trailers have been deployed for hurricanes, events, and just about anywhere you need a mobile hotel. Each bunk trailer is equipped with 20 beds, privacy curtains, generators two full bathrooms dividing the trailer into two groups. By dividing the sleeping arrangements into two separate areas one crew can be sleeping while one is section is accessible to the crew that is currently up and working. Each bunk trailer is completely self sufficient and ready roll to the next event. For more in depth pictures of these bunk trailers visit our Custom & Corporate Sales page. In the bunks and bath section you will see two different styles of bunk trailers ATC has custom built for our customers. Please feel free to give us a call (574.773.9031) we will help you design your custom Bunk Trailer.

All Aluminum Gooseneck Trailers

Monday, February 9th, 2009

The Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC) has been building an all aluminum gooseneck trailers since early 2001. ATC is the only company that builds an all aluminum frame on a gooseneck trailers. Most manufactures add steel reinforcements to the axle area or the gooseneck area. These areas tend to take the bulk of the stress on gooseneck trailers.

Because ATC has designed its gooseneck trailer with a full perimeter frame our gooseneck trailer is strong enough to handle your biggest load without the need for steel reinforcements. This unique design allows ATC to build one of the lightest gooseneck trailers in the industry. ATC’s perimeter frame gooseneck design differs from our competitors design in that our sub frames strength comes from our tube frame that runs all the way to the outside of our sub frame. Not like most gooseneck trailers that rely on a frame the includes outriggers to support their side walls.

ATC builds gooseneck trailers in lengths from 32’ up to 53’. ATC’s gooseneck trailers inside heights come with a standard height of 7’ but can be built with an interior height of up to 11’. The standard width on an ATC gooseneck trailer is 97 ¾”. The overall width of our standard gooseneck trailer is 102” from fender to fender.

ATC builds gooseneck trailers for a wide variety of uses. We can custom design a trailer to fit almost any need. Our gooseneck trailers have been used as mobile salmon tagging labs, race car hauling trailers, living quarters, bunk houses, vending trailers to name only a few.

Buy an ATC gooseneck trailer today! You will be glad you did.

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