Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend first reviewing Assembly, Maintenance & Troubleshooting to look for a solution to your problem. If you still can’t find what you need, please contact our technical support team at info@stirlingtrailers.com

The location of the VIN label depends on the trailer type:

• Solid Side & Rail Side Utility Trailers: The VIN label is located on the front driver’s side of the frame.
• Trailer Kits: The VIN label is included inside a brown envelope attached to the tire box at delivery.
• Boat Trailers: The VIN label is located on the driver’s side of the frame near the tongue.

Stirling trailers, parts, and accessories are manufactured in Beamsville, Ontario, Canada and supplied to markets across Canada and the United States.

All Stirling trailers include a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, starting from the date of purchase. Register your warranty here

Stirling Trailers manufactures lightweight, single-axle trailers designed for homeowner use, including utility trailers, boat trailers, and unassembled trailer kits. All trailers are constructed from durable Galvalume Plus™ steel for long-lasting performance.

All Stirling trailers come equipped with a 4-way flat electrical connector which is used to power the trailer’s exterior lighting and signaling functions. This connector supports the running lights, brake lights, and turn signals required for safe road use.

The standard wire color coding is as follows:

• White – Ground
• Brown – Running lights (split to both driver and passenger sides)
• Yellow – Left turn signal and brake light
• Green – Right turn signal and brake light

This standardized wiring configuration ensures compatibility with most passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks.

The required hitch ball size depends on the trailer type and model year. Please refer to the details below to ensure proper fit and safe towing.

When the trailer is level on flat ground, the approximate hitch height (measured from the ground to the coupler) is:

• Solid Side & Rail Side Utility Trailers: 15″
• Boat Trailers: 14″
• Trailer Kits with 8″ wheels: 13″
• Trailer Kits with 12″ wheels: 15″

Galvalume Plus™ is a premium protective finish designed to extend the life of your trailer. It combines aluminum, which shields against moisture and weather, with zinc, which protects the steel if the surface ever gets scratched. A small amount of silicon helps the coating bond tightly to the steel, and a clear protective top layer adds an extra barrier against the elements, giving your trailer a consistent, even finish that maintains its appearance over time.

Most provinces and states require trailers to be registered before they can be towed on public roads. Registration requirements vary by location, so you should always confirm the specific process with your local transportation authority.

Canada

Before registering your trailer, the New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) must be completed by the dealer and signed by you. To register your trailer, take the following documents to your provincial Ministry of Transportation:

• Bill of Sale
• Completed NVIS

After paying the applicable provincial fees, your trailer will be registered, and a trailer license plate will be issued.

United States

Before registering your trailer, the Certificate of Origin must be endorsed by the dealer. To register or title your trailer, bring the following documents to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

• Bill of Sale
• Completed Certificate of Origin

Once state fees are paid, the trailer will be registered and/or titled. The DMV will then issue a Certificate of Title or other official ownership document.

For more details, see Registering Your Trailer. If you experience any issues registering your trailer, please contact info@stirlingtrailers.com and include proof of purchase and the trailer VIN. Our team will be happy to assist.

• Superior rust and corrosion protection: Galvalume Plus™ outlasts standard galvanized steel, keeping your trailer flawless even in moisture, road salt, and everyday use.
• Built for real driving conditions: Designed to withstand rain, snow, sun, and years of regular use, delivering exceptional longevity.
• Looks that last: The uniform, smooth, matte silver finish weathers evenly and keeps your trailer looking sharp.
• Less work, more freedom: Fewer repairs and minimal upkeep mean more time enjoying your trailer and less time maintaining it.
• Self-healing magic: Scratches or cut edges? No problem, Galvalume Plus™ reacts to protect your trailer before rust can spread.

Galvalume Plus™ combines multiple layers of protection with a long-lasting, reliable finish, so your trailer stays durable, dependable, and looking great for many years.

For most trailers, yes. Galvalume Plus™ combines aluminum’s natural barrier with zinc’s ability to protect steel if the surface gets scratched, giving longer-lasting corrosion protection than aluminum alone. Plus, because it’s applied to steel, it’s stronger and more durable, making it ideal for rain, snow, sun, and years of regular use.

The gate is designed to safely support up to 50% of the trailer’s payload capacity.

To inquire about becoming a Stirling Trailers dealer, please complete our Dealer Inquiry Form online or contact us directly at info@stirlingtrailers.com

To determine whether your vehicle can safely haul a trailer, you’ll need to understand the trailer’s weight ratings and compare them to your vehicle’s towing and payload limits.

You can calculate key trailer weight values using the following formulas:

• Maximum Payload = GVWR − Trailer Weight
• GVWR = Maximum Payload + Trailer Weight
• Trailer Weight = GVWR − Maximum Payload

Once you know the trailer’s GVWR and loaded weight, consult your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual or manufacturer specifications to confirm its towing capacity, payload rating, and GVWR. Your vehicle must be rated to handle the fully loaded weight of the trailer to ensure safe, legal operation.

If you’re unsure, our team or your dealer can help you select a trailer that matches your vehicle’s capabilities.

Side availability varies by trailer type:

Trailer Kits: Some kits come with rail sides included, while others are sold as open frame only. If you purchased a frame-only kit, you could always buy the rail sides separately later, giving you the flexibility to build and customize your trailer your way.

Solid Side Utility Trailers: Our solid side utility trailers come standard with 15″ sides. We do not currently offer taller side options.

Rail Side Utility Trailers: We do not manufacture side panel options for rail side utility trailers.

Yes. All Westbrook trailers are manufactured to meet or exceed Transport Canada and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations for highway use.

No. A trailer’s maximum load capacity is determined by its engineered components, including the frame, axle(s), and tires. Each trailer is designed and certified to safely handle the capacity listed on its VIN label, and this rating cannot be increased.

Only boat trailers are equipped with lights designed for submersion. Lights on other trailer types are not intended to be submerged.

Please also note that exposure to different water types such as freshwater or saltwater can affect the trailer’s Galvalume Plus™ finish over time. Rinsing the trailer after water exposure is recommended, especially after contact with saltwater.

Yes. The landscape gate is designed for drive-on use and is engineered to support up to 50% of the trailer’s payload capacity. For added versatility, the gate can also fold inside the trailer bed, allowing you to accommodate longer or oversized loads when needed.

No. Stirling Trailers operates as a wholesale manufacturer and sells exclusively through authorized dealers and major retailers. While we do not sell directly to consumers, kit trailers purchased through our retail and dealer partners are shipped directly from our manufacturing facility for efficient delivery.

Yes. Trailer kits include eight stake pockets, each with four pre-drilled mounting holes for easy installation. You will need to drill one additional hole to secure plywood side panels.

Yes. Most trailers are equipped with a ramp-style gate featuring a fully adjustable ramp. On select models, additional or longer ramps are also available for purchase at westbrooktrailerparts.com