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NATM Debuts 2022 Guidelines for Trailer Manufacturing

By Alex Stowe, NATM Interim Executive Director

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), known as the resource for safety and compliance for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, has published the 2022 edition of Guidelines. This massive document takes the guesswork out of meeting federal requirements governing the manufacturing of trailers under 26,000 lbs. GVWR and is a benefit of NATM membership.

Building trailers to meet the federal regulations outlined in the NATM Guidelines is not optional. It is required by law and enforced by law enforcement every day on the nation’s roadways. But it can be very time-intensive for trailer manufacturers to research the numerous federal rules, regulations, standards, and accepted industry practices that govern trailer construction.

NATM addresses this by compiling the Guidelines for Recommended Manufacturing Practices for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers. The document consists of over 400 pages of laws, regulations, rules, standards, and industry best practices. This information is gathered from resources such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, the Traffic Safety Administration, the Maintenance Council, and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, amongst others. Guidelines is updated annually by industry experts that stay abreast of changing regulations and who vet the addition of recommendations and best practices.

Members report substantial time savings by utilizing Guidelines, particularly on the topics of lighting and reflectors, VIN and data plates, gross vehicle weight ratings, and state brake requirements.

While Guidelines' focus is on U.S. regulations, many may have an interest in Canadian compliance. For more information, visit Transport Canada’s website at www.TV.GC.ca/en/transport-canada.html.

In recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has increased its enforcement activity concerning the compliance of motor vehicle manufacturers, including trailer manufacturers. NHTSA has placed particular concern on meeting tire recordkeeping requirements, which includes both manufacturer records as well as the provision of TIN cards to dealers, distributors, and purchasers. This is only one of the many requirements outlined in NATM’s Guidelines.

NATM assists its trailer manufacturing members in avoiding costly fines and decreasing liability related to trailer compliance through the NATM Compliance Verification Program (CVP). The NATM CVP is an unbiased, thirdparty audit of the trailer manufacturing process and uses Guidelines as the backbone for the program. The CVP provides biennial on-site consultations to trailer manufacturers and technical assistance throughout the entire process to ensure companies are manufacturing trailers consistent with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and other industry best practices.

Once a trailer manufacturer has successfully passed the Compliance Verification Program, the company is able to purchase NATM Decals and market their company’s dedication to fulfilling their safety requirements by participating in an unbiased, third-party audit of their trailers.

For more information about how the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers can assist your trailer manufacturing company, visit www.NATM.com, email NATMHQ@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. ■

“SEVERE DUTY” EXPERIENCE THE ELITE COMBAT WINCH.

The T1000 Series Winches were originally designed as highly advanced prototypes for military application, where the ability to perform in severe climates and the harshest environments imaginable are an essential prerequisite. After successful operations in the field and following many plaudits in the Defence and Security Equipment International Expo, the decision was made to allow the T1000 range to become widely available for general use.

T1000-220AE

STALL LOAD 14500 LBS

STALL LOAD 22000 LBS

THE GUTS

Introducing the DK2 WARRIOR T1000 Elite Combat Winch Range, equipped with: • IP68 Rated Military Grade winch and control box • Hardened 3-stage planetary gears • Waterproof remote control with LED indicators • Corrosion and chemical resistant powder coat • High-temperature lithium grease that won’t solidify in extreme conditions

STALL LOAD 10000 LBS

Comes in 10000lb, 14500lb, and 22000lb capacities.

NATM Dealer Affiliate Program

By Scott Simons, NATM Membership Outreach Specialist

It is no secret that trailer dealers serve a very important role in the sales process for many of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) members. As they sit on the front lines of the sales process and serve as the main point of contact for most end-users, they also serve another vital role. Trailer dealers play a key role in the fight to improve trailer safety on the nation’s roadways. It is always in their best interest for their customers to purchase a trailer built by a NATM-compliant manufacturer. In short, a manufacturer that has been verified through the NATM Compliance Verification Program (CVP) has various processes in place to build compliant trailers, therefore, giving the customer confidence in their purchase.

As trailer safety remains our number one priority at NATM, we are looking to grow our footprint with trailer dealers all across the country. As we increase the number of dealers in NATM’s Dealer Affiliate Program, we are simultaneously increasing end-user awareness of the importance of NATM and the CVP, ultimately leading to an increase in compliant trailer sales and a safer roadway for everyone. In order to accomplish our goal, trailer dealers

The NATM Dealer Affiliation is $150 annually. Affiliates experience a host of benefits with an emphasis on education and resource access. The Dealer Affiliate program includes the following benefits:

Samples of NATM publications: • Safely Towing a Trailer Brochures • Lighting & Wheel Torquing Posters • Trailer Safety Week Keychains • Dealer Affiliate Window Clings • The Trailer Handbook

Online advertising opportunities on NATM.com

All issues of Tracks magazine

NATM Insider monthly eNewsletter Compliance Kit

Marketing Kit

NATM Insider monthly eNewsletter

Printed NATM Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide

NATM Dealer Compendium, a compilation of federal and select state CDL laws

NATM Convention & Trade Show

Educational webinars

need access to information and resources to make this process easier. Enter the NATM Dealer Affiliate program.

NATM Dealer Affiliates also can attend NATM’s 2023 Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas, for free through the New Attendee Promotion. This promotion includes two free full convention registrations, two free spouse registrations, and up to two free hotel room nights (supplies limited) to new, qualifying NATM Dealer Affiliate members.

More details about the program can be found at www. natm.com/dealers. For more information regarding affiliation or NATM’s New Attendee Promotion, contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. ■