In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Trail King Industries revealed a prototype all-aluminum center frame step deck model at the 2014 Mid-America Trucking Show.
Officially dubbed the TK80AACS, Trail King said its new step deck features improved corrosion resistance, all-aluminum framing, armor-coated landing gear, and zinc-plated steel components as standard offerings.
Rick Farris, Trail King’s VP-sales and marketing, noted that this prototype’s low deck height is specifically designed to accommodate taller payloads with multiple cargo load configurations and should go into full production later this year.
“This is a forward-thinking design that sets a new standard for long-lasting dependable flatbeds,” Farris explained. “It’s engineered to enhance performance and operating efficiencies, and is well suited for a very wide range of cargo applications.”
Trail King displayed several current models at Mid America along with its new prototype, including:
- The hydraulic sliding axle TK80SA model that features a new design, including a completely retractable cylinder for when in transport mode. The TK80SA is built for loading buses, road graders and rollers, and offers simple one-man operation.
- The commercial hydraulic detachable gooseneck TK110HDG lowboy model.
- The “Advantage Series” live bottom OLB840NG-H trailer.
- The super hi-lite “Continuous Belt” live bottom ASHR2-4284-48C model for hauling feed, seed, fertilizer and other high volume products.
- And the aluminum pneumatic bulk APB1350 pneumatic dry bulk trailer for hauling dry cement, fly ash, sand and other aggregates.
South Dakota-based Trail King is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2014, with the company tracing its beginnings back to its first incarnation as Western Ag Sales.
Founders Gordon and Shirley Thomsen changed the name “Western Ag Sales” to “Trail King Industries” to reflect the company’s shift from selling only agriculture-related equipment to lowboys and other trailer models. Today Trail King said its dealer network numbers more than 400 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with two manufacturing facilities in Mitchell, SD, and West Fargo, ND, that together employ over 700 workers.
