etrailer.com

Introduction

etrailer.com is an online retail company focused on towing, trailer, RV and vehicle-accessories. It positions itself not just as a parts retailer, but as a go-to resource for people doing installs, DIY projects, or outfitting their vehicle/trailer for towing and outdoor recreation.

Here’s a detailed look: history, what they sell, what sets them apart, some strengths and weaknesses, and whether they might be a good fit for you.

Company Background

  • The firm traces its roots to the late 1800s, when Theodore Bross opened a blacksmith shop in Flint Hill, Missouri. (etrailer.com)

  • Around 1920 his son Henry Bross took over and opened a garage and service station. (etrailer.com)

  • By 1946 the business expanded into a full-service station and RV park, moving toward trailer and RV parts. (etrailer.com)

  • In the 1990s, the business launched online as etrailer.com so it could reach beyond its local region. (etrailer.com)

  • According to LinkedIn the company describes itself as “the world’s leading online retailer of custom-fit towing accessories” and is still headquartered in the U.S. (LinkedIn)

So you have a legacy operations background, transitioning into e-commerce. That often matters for how serious they are about technical help vs just selling parts.

What They Sell (Product & Services)

etrailer.com offers a broad array of categories. From their homepage: (etrailer.com)

  • Towing: hitches (receiver hitch, gooseneck, 5th wheel), balls & mounts, weight distribution systems, trailer wiring.

  • Trailer parts: tires & wheels, suspension, brakes, hubs & drums, lights & wiring, couplers, cargo management.

  • Vehicle accessories: bike racks, roof racks, cargo carriers, running boards, tonneau covers, etc.

  • RV & Camper: replacement parts (plumbing, water heaters, air-conditioners), camping gear, solar panels, generators.

  • Sports & Rec/Off-Road: Winches, recovery straps, UTV-ATV accessories, overlanding gear, racks for skis/snowboards.

  • Marine: Boat trailer parts, docking equipment, boat accessories.
    In short: if you tow something (trailer, boat, RV) or equip a vehicle for hauling or outdoor rec, they cover a lot.

What Sets Them Apart

  • Fit guides & installation resources: They emphasise testing the gear they sell, doing installations, and producing videos and how-to articles. From their about-page:

    “we test what we sell — so you get honest answers, proven solutions.” (etrailer.com)

  • Vehicle-specific fitment: Their website allows “Select Vehicle” so you can filter products for your Make/Model/Year. This matters for hitches, wiring harnesses, etc. (etrailer.com)

  • Service mindset / “neighborly” tone: They describe themselves as a local-shop-turned-online business that still treats each customer like a neighbor. (Harvest Hosts)

  • Large content library: The “About Us” page lists numbers (e.g., “193,357 pages of expert information”, “35,570 installations completed”). (etrailer.com)

  • Broad inventory: Rather than a narrow niche, they cover towing + recreation + vehicle-accessories + RV parts — so for customers who haul AND play outdoors it’s a one-stop shop.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • The technical support & installation education are a big plus. For someone who is installing a hitch, wiring, or brake controller, having videos & guides helps.

  • The fitment tool and vehicle-specific filtering reduce the risk of buying something that doesn’t fit your car/trailer.

  • The broad product range means you might find everything for your vehicle/trailer scenario in one place.

  • They have a legacy company behind them (not suddenly a fly-by-night site). That tends to build trust.

Weaknesses / Things to Watch

  • Because they cover so many categories, there may be parts where other specialist retailers beat them in price or niche availability.

  • If you are outside the U.S. (their primary market is U.S./Canada) shipping, returns, or compatibility might be more complicated. (Note: Always check shipping terms for your country.)

  • Online reviews (e.g., for employer ratings) show mixed employee sentiment; this can hint at internal challenges (which might ultimately affect customer service). For example, on Glassdoor the company has ~3.0 stars. (Glassdoor)

  • Even with installation videos, some installations (especially with towing & hitching) can be complex or require professional help. The product may fit, but installation still demands mechanical skill.

Use-Case Scenarios: When It’s a Good Fit / When Maybe Not

Good Fit

  • You tow a trailer/boat or have an RV and you’re looking for a hitch, wiring harness, etc and you want to do the install yourself.

  • You are outfitting a vehicle for outdoor recreation (rack, bike carrier, overlanding accessories) and want one retailer that covers vehicle + trailer + gear.

  • You value detailed vehicle-fit guides and installation help more than simply “lowest price”.

  • You’re located in the U.S. or shipping from U.S. is practical.

Maybe Not Ideal

  • You live far outside the U.S. and shipping/import/customs make purchasing difficult or expensive.

  • You need extremely rare or ultra-specialised parts that may only be available via niche specialty wholesalers.

  • You want lowest possible price and are comparison-shopping deeply (though you can still use them as a reference).

  • You want full installation service in your location (they are primarily e-commerce; for physical install you may need a local shop).

Key Takeaways

  • etrailer.com is a mature online retailer built around towing, trailers, RVs, vehicle accessories.

  • Their roots are a local business from the 1940s, which gives them some heritage in the space.

  • What stands out: vehicle-fit tools, installation help, broad inventory.

  • Strengths: good for DIY, broad coverage, reliable brand. Weaknesses: shipping/intl issues, niche specialists may beat them, installation still can be demanding.

  • Assess whether your particular need (vehicle model, country, installation complexity) aligns with what they offer.

FAQ

Q: Does etrailer.com ship internationally?
A: Their main focus is North America. While they may ship to some international locations, shipping cost, duties/imports and compatibility (e.g., wiring & vehicle specs) should be confirmed before purchase.

Q: Can I install the parts myself?
A: Many of the products are DIY-friendly and the company provides videos and guides. But “DIY” here still means you’ll need tools, mechanical ability, maybe a lift or jack depending on the install.

Q: How reliable are the vehicle-fit tools?
A: They use a “Select Vehicle” filter which helps you identify parts made for your make/model/year. It’s a strong feature, but it’s wise to verify the part’s specs, and optionally consult local installer, because variations (trim, region) may matter.

Q: How are returns handled?
A: Returns are possible (as with most ecommerce) but you’ll need to review etrailer’s return policy (shipping cost back, condition of the item, restocking fees) especially if you’re outside the U.S.

Q: Are they better than local shops?
A: They provide great online resources and breadth. Local shops may offer faster in-person service, installation help, and local parts/fitment. So if you prefer face-to-face or live in a region where local install is key, you might combine purchase from etrailer + local install.

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