The 1996 Fontaine Trailer Co. Fontaine Trailer represents a robust era for commercial hauling equipment. Known primarily for its durable flatbed, drop-deck, and specialized lowboy trailers, Fontaine has a long-standing reputation for quality in the commercial trucking industry. While "trims" are less about aesthetics and more about structural options (e.g., steel vs. aluminum construction, suspension types), these trailers were popular for their strength, versatility, and ability to withstand rigorous use. New pricing varied significantly based on configuration, but they stood out for their reliability as workhorses.
The Good
The 1996 Fontaine Trailer Co. trailers offer exceptional practical advantages: robust reliability, high payload capacity, and durable design built for demanding commercial operations. Their sturdy construction translates to long-term value and lower downtime, appealing to business owners seeking operational efficiency. Emotionally, owning a Fontaine means trust in a proven brand, ensuring cargo is hauled safely and economically, job after job.
The Bad
For a 1996 Fontaine Trailer, typical weaknesses include age-related wear on suspension components (bushings, airbags), brake system degradation (linings, air chambers), and electrical issues with lighting. Rust is a significant concern, especially on steel components and in corrosive environments. Frame fatigue can also occur over decades of heavy service, requiring thorough inspection.
1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co: Quick Overview
The 1996 Fontaine Trailer Co. trailer, being a towed commercial unit, does not possess its own engine, horsepower, fuel economy, or 0-60 times. These metrics are entirely dependent on the tractor pulling it. However, key trailer-specific specifications are crucial:
- Body Styles: Common configurations included flatbed, drop-deck (or "stepdeck"), and various specialized lowboy or extendable trailers.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Typically ranged from 65,000 lbs to over 100,000 lbs, depending on axle configuration and intended application, allowing for significant payload.
- Tare Weight: Varied greatly with construction (steel vs. aluminum) and length, impacting the truck's overall fuel efficiency.
- Axle Configuration: Primarily tandem axle (two axles), but tri-axle or spread-axle configurations were available for heavier or specialized loads.
- Suspension Type: Common options included mechanical spring suspension (leaf springs) for durability and lower initial cost, or air ride suspension for a smoother ride, protecting sensitive cargo and reducing wear on the trailer itself.
- Brake System: Standard was air brakes, often equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) as a safety feature, which was becoming more common in the mid-90s for commercial trailers.
- Tire Configuration: Dual tires on each wheel position, typically commercial-grade 22.5-inch or 24.5-inch radial tires.
- Deck Lengths: Standard lengths of 48 or 53 feet were prevalent for flatbeds and drop-decks, with custom lengths available for specialized applications. Widths were typically 102 inches.
- Construction Materials: Main beams were commonly high-strength steel for durability, with decks often made of wood (apton & oak) for flatbeds, or a combination of steel and aluminum for lighter weight designs.
- Key Features/Options: These often included steel or aluminum wheels, sliding winches and tie-downs for cargo securement, dunnage racks, toolboxes, conspicuity tape for visibility, and various lighting packages (incandescent standard, with some early LED options emerging for durability). Trim levels essentially corresponded to material choices, suspension type, and specific hauling accessories.
1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1996 |
| Make | FONTAINE TRAILER Co |
| Model | Fontaine Trailer Co |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Recreational Vehicle |
| Category | Special Purpose Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | SPRINGVILLE |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | - |
| Engine Size | - |
| Engine Cylinders | - |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | Not Applicable |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Not Applicable |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | Not Applicable |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
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Analysis
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What Problems Does the 1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co Have?
For a 1996 Fontaine Trailer, as with any commercial trailer of its age, long-term reliability concerns primarily revolve around wear and tear, and the cumulative effects of decades of heavy use. Frequently reported problems include:
- Suspension Wear: Spring bushings, air springs (airbags), shock absorbers, and equalizers on mechanical suspensions are common failure points. Air leaks in air ride systems are also frequent.
- Brake System Issues: Components like brake shoes, drums, slack adjusters, air chambers, and brake lines are subject to constant wear and corrosion. ABS sensor failures, while not common, can occur. Regular inspection and maintenance are critical.
- Electrical Malfunctions: Wiring harnesses are exposed to the elements, leading to corrosion, shorts, and light failures (marker lights, tail lights, turn signals). Junction boxes often accumulate moisture and debris.
- Tire and Wheel Problems: Beyond regular wear, issues can include bent or cracked rims, worn wheel bearings, and leaking valve stems.
- Structural Integrity: Over time, especially with overloading or rough roads, the main frame rails, crossmembers, and deck planks can develop cracks or fatigue. Rust and corrosion, particularly in areas where moisture and road salt collect, can severely compromise structural strength. Wooden deck planks eventually rot or break.
- Landing Gear Issues: The landing gear mechanisms can seize or become difficult to operate due to lack of lubrication or damage.
How long will the 1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co last?
Commercial trailers like the 1996 Fontaine Trailer Co. unit don't accumulate "mileage" in the traditional sense, but rather years of service and hours of operation. With proper, diligent maintenance, these trailers are known to easily exceed 20-30 years in service, potentially lasting much longer. Many 1996 models are still in active use today, a testament to their robust build. Long-term durability is a hallmark of Fontaine, especially their steel frame designs. However, over time, key weaknesses emerge: rust and corrosion are relentless, especially on brake components and structural welds. Suspension parts, kingpins, and landing gear demand regular attention due to wear and tear. Frame fatigue, though rare for well-maintained units, can occur after millions of miles and decades of heavy loads, necessitating thorough periodic inspections.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
For a 1996 Fontaine Trailer Co. commercial trailer, the concept of "built-in tech," "entertainment," or "driver-assistance" as understood in passenger vehicles is largely non-existent. These units are purely functional pieces of heavy equipment.
- Built-in Tech: The most advanced "tech" would be the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming standard or a common option on commercial trailers by 1996. This system helps prevent wheel lock-up during braking, especially on slippery surfaces, significantly improving control. Beyond ABS, any other tech would be limited to basic electrical systems for lighting.
- Entertainment: None. Trailers are cargo carriers, not living spaces or passenger vehicles.
- Driver-Assistance: None. Driver-assistance features like lane keeping or adaptive cruise control are functions of the tractor, not the trailer.
- Safety Features:
- Air Brakes: Essential for heavy commercial vehicles, providing reliable stopping power.
- ABS: As mentioned, a crucial safety feature for maintaining control during hard braking.
- Conspicuity Tape: Required reflective tape along the sides and rear for enhanced visibility to other motorists, especially at night.
- Lighting System: Standard incandescent marker lights, tail lights, and turn signals. While less common in 1996, some units might have been optionally upgraded with early LED lighting for increased durability and visibility.
- Underride Protection: Rear impact guards (bumpers) designed to prevent passenger vehicles from underriding the trailer in a rear-end collision. Side underride guards were less common in 1996 but sometimes present on specialized units.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Extremely rare, if not non-existent, as a factory option on 1996 commercial trailers. This technology became more prevalent much later.
- Crash-Test Ratings: Commercial trailers are not subjected to "crash tests" in the same way passenger cars are (e.g., NHTSA or IIHS ratings). Their safety is assessed through adherence to federal regulations regarding brake performance, lighting, underride protection, and structural integrity standards, designed to protect other road users and ensure safe cargo transport.
What Colors Options are Available?
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1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co Prices and Market Value
When new in 1996, a standard Fontaine flatbed trailer could range from approximately $20,000 to $35,000, depending on specifications like suspension type, materials (steel vs. aluminum), and optional features. Specialized trailers like lowboys or extendables would have been significantly higher, potentially exceeding $50,000. Current used market prices for a 1996 Fontaine Trailer vary widely, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Depreciation is steep in the initial years but then plateaus; a well-maintained, structurally sound older trailer holds a steady residual value due to its utility. Factors affecting resale value include overall condition, absence of significant rust or frame damage, functional brakes and lights, tire condition, and whether it has air ride or spring suspension. Brand reputation like Fontaine also helps maintain value.
1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co Cost of Ownership
Owning a 1996 Fontaine Trailer involves specific costs. Insurance is typically part of a comprehensive commercial policy, varying based on cargo and operation. The trailer itself doesn't consume fuel, but its weight and aerodynamics directly impact the pulling tractor's fuel efficiency. Maintenance is ongoing: tires, brakes, suspension components, and lights require regular inspection and replacement. Repairs can range from minor electrical fixes to major frame or axle work, potentially being costly. While the initial purchase price of an older unit is economical, long-term ownership is a necessary and often significant operating expense for a trucking business. Regular preventative maintenance is key to keeping it economical, preventing more costly failures.
1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
NOT Applicable
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co Insurance
Insurance for a 1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Recreational Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co Compare to Other Recreational Vehicle?
When comparing a 1996 Fontaine Trailer Co. unit against key rivals from the same era, such as Great Dane, Utility, Wabash, and possibly Trail King (for specialized applications), several aspects stand out.
Similar Alternatives:
If seeking alternatives, look for 1990s models from:
- Performance (Payload & Durability): Fontaine trailers are renowned for their robust construction, particularly their main beams and crossmembers, which translates to excellent payload capacity and resistance to twisting. They often perform on par with, or even slightly exceed, the durability expectations of their direct steel-framed competitors like older Great Dane or Wabash flatbeds. Utility trailers were typically lighter due to higher aluminum content, offering better fuel efficiency but potentially less outright structural rigidity for extreme loads over decades.
- Features: "Features" for a 1996 trailer are basic. Most manufacturers offered similar options: spring or air ride suspension, ABS brakes (as options or becoming standard), and various cargo securement devices. Fontaine's strength often lay in the quality of its fundamental components and welding, ensuring these features remained reliable. Rivals offered comparable amenities, with differences often coming down to proprietary suspension designs or slight variations in deck material options.
- Reliability: Fontaine has a reputation for building very reliable, long-lasting trailers. This reliability is comparable to, and often a key reason for, their popularity alongside brands like Great Dane and Utility. Consistent maintenance is paramount for any brand of this age, but Fontaine's underlying build quality means fewer catastrophic failures if maintained. Wabash and Trail King also offered high reliability in their respective segments.
- Price: When new in 1996, pricing across major manufacturers would have been competitive, with slight variations based on specific configurations and dealer networks. In the current used market, a 1996 Fontaine commands similar prices to comparable Great Dane, Utility, or Wabash units in similar condition. The primary driver of used price is condition, not initial brand name beyond a certain baseline of quality.
Similar Alternatives:
If seeking alternatives, look for 1990s models from:
- Great Dane: Often comparable in build quality and durability.
- Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co.: Known for their lighter-weight designs, often with more aluminum.
- Wabash National: Another strong competitor, offering robust flatbeds and vans.
- East Manufacturing: Known for high-quality aluminum trailers, which would have been a more premium option.
Final Verdict: Is the 1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co a Good Recreational Vehicle?
The 1996 Fontaine Trailer Co. trailer is ideal for owner-operators or small to medium-sized trucking companies needing a reliable, no-frills workhorse for general freight, construction materials, or other flatbed-suitable cargo. It's a solid choice for those prioritizing durability and payload capacity over the amenities of newer, more expensive equipment. Given its age, buying this trailer new is impossible; it's exclusively a used market acquisition. It is absolutely worth buying if it has been thoroughly inspected for structural integrity, rust, and mechanical wear. Look for units with well-maintained brakes, solid suspensions (air ride can be a plus for versatility), and minimal frame damage. It represents excellent value as a long-term asset, provided you factor in ongoing maintenance for an almost 30-year-old piece of equipment. Avoid units with significant frame corrosion or neglected repairs.
1996 FONTAINE TRAILER Co Fontaine Trailer Co Owner Reviews
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Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.