A trailer is a vehicle used to haul cargo and supplies. Originally, it was a horse-drawn or carriage-like vehicle. In modern times, it is a wheeled vehicle that is pulled behind another motorized vehicle such as a car or truck.
Generally, trailers are made of metal and have a large opening at the top where goods can be loaded into it. Usually, they are attached to a vehicle such as a truck or van by a hitch.
The word trailer is derived from trail + -er, which means “trailing something,” as in the case of a boat or bicycle that is hitched to a car and then trails behind the vehicle. In the early 20th century, movie trailers were sometimes shown before the main feature, which led to the name being shortened to trailer; today, it is often referred to as a preview or coming attraction (an alternative term to trailer).
Most film trailers have special effects and music designed specifically for their purposes. They also usually include a cast run, which is a list of the actors and crew who appear in the film. Occasionally, trailers feature studio production logos or other information that is not seen on posters or print publicity materials.
Trailers are usually 30 seconds long, but longer trailers may be produced for use on TV. Some trailers are even shorter than this, in the 30-60 second range.
They are often used in promotional campaigns for television shows, movies, video games and books. They are also often used as advertising for theatrical events and concerts.
In the United States, it is common for a trailer to be shown before or during the main feature of a film, in theaters or cinemas. In Australia and the United Kingdom, it is usually shown after the main feature, although it can also be filmed as a separate piece of film.
This is a way to reduce the cost of a film’s marketing, as fewer trailers are needed to advertise it. However, it has been found that trailers are less effective at attracting audiences than main features and can be a waste of time.
A trailer can be an expensive vehicle to operate. It must be well-built and have adequate safety features. In addition, the driver should be trained on the proper operation of the trailer and the vehicle towing it.
It should also have a properly installed hitch, which is a device that connects to the trailer and attaches it to a tow vehicle. The hitch should be rated for the trailer’s weight and the load it will carry. It should also have an unobstructed exit door that can be opened from both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
You should check the gross vehicle weight rating and payload capacity of your trailer before you purchase it. You can find these figures on the VIN label of your trailer or at a certified scale.
Your trailer should be weighed when it is fully assembled to determine its empty weight and maximum payload capacity. It is advisable to take your trailer to a certified scale before you leave the dealer to ensure that it meets all specifications.