History

The automobile and truck are no longer just “passing fads.” Frank Wilson is quick to establish a business, which builds not only truck bodies, but protective cabs, as well. The truck transportation industry begins to boom. And so does Wilson Trailer Company.

Wilson Trailer was among the original group of truck and trailer manufacturers that formed what has come to be known as the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association headquartered in Washington, D.C. The TTMA was founded as the voice for people associated with the business of hauling goods and to promote the interests of the motor transport and truck trailer industry. Later, it was Wilson Trailer Company under the leadership of Clarence Persinger who developed and popularized the “frameless” trailer design concept. This unitized the undercarriage with the side structure to form a single-acting body Also in the 1940’s, construction began on the new plant on Leech Avenue in Sioux City, Iowa.

Wilson Persinger announces a plant expansion program to include construction of a new plant to manufacture livestock and grain trailer component parts. The company is soon able to increase trailer production 20% as a result of continuous flow of materials to the production lines. In 1959, the manufacturing facilities of this plant are doubled in size. In 1964, the entire plant will double in size once more, and a Production and Engineering office will be added.

Wilson develops the G-300 Grain trailer, making it necessary to further expand production facilities. The G-300 features “Strongated” construction. The term, originated by Wilson, refers to the unusual method used to form the stronger sides to these trailers. In 1966, Wilson completed development of, and began production of their first grain hopper trailers. Again in a move to bring more lightweight aluminum models to the market, the AG-300 aluminum version was introduced in 1968, and in 1976 the AGH-500 Aluminum Hopper bottom trailer made its debut.

Also in the 1960’s, Wilson launched the OF-100 steel outside frame flatbed trailers to the ever-growing line of trailers. These trailers later evolved into the Combination Steel and Aluminum CF-900 flatbed and CFD-900 drop-deck trailers. With the lightweight, long-lasting aluminum components, the trailer’s ability to carry larger payloads with much lower maintenance costs made these trailers very popular. The “combo” soon became the standard for the industry. In the mid 90’s, Wilson ushered in the ACF-300 All-Aluminum flatbed and in 2006 they released the ACFD-300 All-Aluminum drop-deck into production.

The eighties and nineties saw an increased use of personal pick-up trucks and the desire to haul it “myself.” In 1989, Wilson began to market the aluminum PSGN models to this demand. The gooseneck models have proven themselves as versatile, long-lasting values.

The grain trailer industry was introduced to the aluminum double wall hopper. Wilson’s Pacesetter model featured full-length one-piece side skins on the outside and the inside. Sidewall drain ports along the lower side rails and between each set of side posts allowed air to circulate in the sidewall cavity.

In 1996, Wilson developed and patented a revolutionary hopper trap opener called the RollerTrap or more commonly known as the “strap trap”. The trap opener, made of corrosion resistant aluminum and stainless steel, eliminates obstructions below the trap frame and the need for heavy gearboxes. The uncomplicated design uses two flexible straps to pull the door open and closed with minimal effort. A standard feature on every grain trailer, the RollerTrap has proven to be one of the industry’s more popular innovations.

Construction began on a new 64,268 sq. ft. plant in Lennox, SD to allow production of gooseneck livestock trailers to be split out from the facility in Yankton. However, those plans abruptly changed with the passage of ethanol subsidies and farmers beginning to haul their own grain. Demand for grain trailers grew substantially, therefore it then became necessary to turn this facility into additional grain trailer production. In 2011, the facility was enlarged an additional 76,884 sq. ft. for a total of 141,252 sq. ft. of efficient production space. Today, Wilson grain trailers are produced in Lennox, SD, Sioux City, IA and Moberly, MO and are some of the most preferred, top-selling grain trailers in North America.

Back in 1890, hammering and shaping metal into components for his own brand of wagons and carts is how the ambitious Frank Wilson set about forming Wilson Trailer Company. 125 years later, Wilson Trailer is competing on a global market with transportation products well known for their design, performance, low maintenance costs and wise use of aluminum. Although proud of their heritage and longevity, Wilson Trailer continually looks for ways to improve so the company’s success continues for generations to come.