Category: Trailer Safety

 
Securing a bike in your enclosed motorcycle trailer can be a bit tricky, especially if you're loading it on your own. Here are a few suggestions that might make the job a bit easier. Obviously, nobody wants to open their trailer to discover the bike laying on its side or jammed into the sidewall.
 
Things You Will Need

 ■(4) Ratcheting Straps
 ■(4) Surface Mount D-Rings: Heavy duty for street bikes, standard for dirt bikes
 ■(1) Wheel Chock (Not required, but highly recommended)
 ■(4) Soft Loops (Again, not required, but these loops will prevent the ratchets from damaging the paint/chrome on your bike)
 
Level The Trailer and Load
 
Your trailer should be as level as possible and hitched to the tow vehicle. This will assist you with keeping your bike vertical when securing it to the tie-downs. When driving your bike onto the trailer, make sure the bike goes into the front wheel chock as straight as possible. Otherwise, it's still a good idea to get the bike straight to ensure even distribution of the resistance on the straps. Drop the kickstand, but make sure you put the stand back up before you're on the move.
 
Arrange Your Materials
 
Make sure the bike is into the chock as far as possible. The front tie-downs should be mounted such that the bike is pulled forward into the chock and should be in front of your handlebars, mounted to accommodate the rake of your bike. The rear d-rings should be behind the rear wheel to pull opposite the front straps. Then, make sure the ratchets will be in a position where you can reach them while sitting on the bike.
 
Tie it Down
 
Start with the front strap opposite the kickstand. Ratchet it until there is no slack in it. With the rear straps high on the chassis for maximum leverage, ratchet the rear strap on the diagonal from the first strap. Then ratchet the other front strap and, finally, the remaining rear strap. Continue this process until the straps are ratcheted down as much as possible.
 
Important Things To Remember

 ■Don't be concerned with using as much as 80% of your suspension travel when tightening it down. It's not going to adversely affect your bike. Just make sure you don't keep your bike strapped for and extended period of time.
 ■Make sure the bike is vertical as possible. The sides of your front tire and the brake rotor should not be touching the chock.
 ■For street bikes, make sure you're using heavy duty d-rings. Standard d-rings are fine for dirt bikes.
 ■Check and tighten straps periodically along your trip often. It doesn't matter how tight your straps are, they will loosen as you travel.
 

Due to recent increases in costs, we are changing our common carrier (freight truck) shipment structure. Going forward, there will be two zones for shipping: (1) Western United States and (2) Eastern United States. As you can see on the map below, the Eastern Zone is everything east of Texas. Shipments to the Eastern Zone will be charged an additional $100.00 dollars in freight. This change has NO EFFECT on UPS shipments. We appreciate your business, and thank you for your understanding.

Mirage Trailers
2212 Industrial Road
Nampa, ID 83687
(208)461-7776

In order to provide customers with a truly unique snowmobile trailer, Mirage Enterprises is releasing a bold color scheme package that will be available to customers in time for the new snowmobile season. Thousands of sledders are already familiar with Mirage's successful Xtreme snowmobile and sport trailers. Now, for the 2011 season, Mirage is offering an options package truly unique in the industry: The Blackout Package.

For more information see the Gear Box Section in SnoWest October 2011 issue or visit:
www.miragetrailers.com

Hosted and Managed by: Swikert Systems LLC

MIRAGE TRAILERS RELEASES NEW TOWABLE RV TRAILER TO RAVE REVIEWS

Nampa, Idaho – 4/6/11 – Mirage introduced the Illusion Towable RV to the public last month at the Outdoor Show in Boise, Idaho.  The Illusion Model 240 was extremely well received by a large number of show attendees.  Over the course of the 3 day event, the display model had more than its fair share of traffic. According to Paul Mendoza, a sales rep for Mirage, “At times there were people lined up 8 to 10 deep just to get a look inside.”  The large bathroom, ample storage and U-shaped dining area were especially well received by the public.

According to sources at Mirage, finalization of drawings for 3 more models are currently underway;  a 19′ bunk model, and two high-end, 26′ and 28,’ models with large slide-outs.  “We’re excited about our entry into the towable RV market.” states Rob Swikert, President of Mirage Trailers, “We are seeing a demand for RV’s since the industry lost several players during the economic downturn. We think it’s a great time to put our unique expertise and experience in trailer manufacturing towards building a quality RV trailer and offering it to our customer base.”

Since 2003, Mirage Trailers has manufactured enclosed cargo trailers, snowmobile and ATV trailers, toy haulers and utility trailers. They have a network of 250 dealers across the Western US and Canada. The company has a track record of seizing opportunities, diversifying their product line and adapting to trends in the market. Whether Mirage’s newest addition to their product lines will be successful is yet to be determined. However, Mirage’s history of steady growth is a great indicator that the Illusion Towable RV’s will make a serious impact on the recreational vehicle industry.

Bill Boyles has been involved in the trailer industry for over 40 years.

Among the routine checks all trailer owners should perform on their equipment before, during and after use, is tire status. As with other maintenance, keeping sound tires under your trailer can mean the difference between worry free usage and costly damage to life and property.

Check for Punctures or Cracks

Ensure your tires are free from nails, screws and broken glass. Rotate your tires to ensure tire wear is even, and keep your tires properly inflated.  Keep loads under the trailer’s payload limit. Dry, hot weather can also cause cracking. Make sure and check your trailer tires before you set out, and when you refuel or rest to avoid blowouts.

Under Inflation

Under-inflation can add stress to your tire sidewalls. When coupled with excessive heat build up from travel and weather, the risk of a hazardous blowout increases dramatically. The proper PSI for your trailer tires is printed right on the side of the tire itself. You can get pressure gauges from myriad retail outlets and convenience stores.  Once your tires begin to wear unevenly (due to under or over inflation) this wear pattern will continue regardless if the tires are rotated after the pattern is noticed.  It truly pays to keep the tire pressure at the proper level.

Temperature Extremes

Fluctuation in outdoor temperatures causes shrinking and swelling, leading to cracks in tire walls and tread surfaces. Temperature changes can also deflate your tires. Make sure to closely monitor your tires when subjecting your trailer to extreme weather changes. Closely monitor your tires when your trailer remains inactive for extended time periods/ seasons.

Overloading

Trailer tires usually have the same weight limitations, or slightly higher, than the trailer’s GVWR. That said, overloading your trailer can lead to blowouts, causing damage to trailer, tow vehicle, cargo, and potentially yourself and others. Moreover, overloading causes serious pressure build up in tires, another contributor to  blowouts; as well as, exacerbating many other risks.

Misconceptions

Do not fall into the common misconception that because an old tire has “a lot of tread remaining” it is as good as new.  As the tire ages, the rubber compounds break down which can result in tire failure.  Many manufacturers will not issue a warranty  adjustment on a tire older than three years for this very reason.  Just a “heads up”.

Another common misconception is that wheel lugs nuts will retain their proper torque, when in fact this is not the case at all.  Wheel nuts can loosen from a variety of situations.  It is prudent to check them with a torque wrench at least once a month if the trailer is used daily; and at least once every three months if used occasionally.  If not maintained, the wheel could come loose and quickly become a deadly situation.  An additional cause of wheel and tire separation is not properly greasing the bearings at regular intervals; a dry bearing can fail causing the complete hub/drum, tire and wheel assembly to come loose.

Please keep these simple maintenance rules in mind when preparing to use your trailer.

If you have any questions regarding this or other maintenance issues, be sure and check www.miragetrailers.com or give Mirage Enterprises, Inc. a call at 208-461-7776. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Safe trailering to all!

CANYON COUNTY — Just seven years after its founding, Mirage Trailers has risen as one of the largest trailer manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest.

After weathering a severe economic storm in recent years that shuttered some competitors in the industry, officials at the local firm look to diversify an expanding lineup of trailer products for continued success as sales begin to rebound.

To survive the recession, the firm closed a secondary manufacturing plant in Weiser and substantially downsized its staff. But with an existing network of more than 200 dealers that sell its trailers across the western United States and Canada, the company has kept ahead of industry trends as it seeks to expand its niche in an industry hit hard by the lingering economic downturn.

Mirage President Rob Swikert founded the company in 2003 but is no novice to the business. His father, Dale, was a longtime executive at one of the nation’s largest RV manufacturers and helped Swikert start his first trailer company, Interstate Trailers, in 1995 after Swikert graduated from college. They sold Interstate Trailers in 2000 and, today, Swikert’s father continues to play a role at Mirage, where he maintains an office and is on hand to offer advice.

Specializing in manufacturing a wide variety of trailers, from traditional cargo to recreational trailers designed to haul ATVs and other off-road toys, Mirage can also fill custom orders catering to individual needs.

“We specialize in all trailers,” Swikert explained. “And if somebody wants a different floor plan or whatever, we can generally accommodate them.”

Expanding its lineup of products and constantly updating existing designs, sales have risen about 35 percent this year compared to last year — but that’s still down about 50 percent compared to pre-recession levels.

With a staff of about 100 workers today, Swikert remains optimistic and the firm has even begun rehiring a few former employees as business picks up.

Diversification key to survival

While its best-selling product remains open and enclosed utility trailers, Mirage officials work constantly to find ways to improve existing models to meet various needs in an ever-changing marketplace.

As consumers have become more cost-conscious in the recession, the company unveiled a new “entry-level” enclosed trailer, priced about 20 percent below other models. At the same time, the company has also moved to fill new niches as some of its competitors have shuttered in recent years, and is working to soon expand into the traditional, towable RV industry.

“Our plans are to just keep going, keep coming out with new products.”

Constantly adapting to new trends in the broader market, Mirage regularly modifies trailer designs to better suit clients like power sports dealers. Swikert said its snowmobile- and ATV-hauling trailers are among the best in the industry, in large part because of the company’s active outreach efforts to customers.

“We keep up with changes with (newer model) snowmobiles or ATVs to find out what the end users want,” Swikert said. “We’re always on the cutting edge.”

In an altered industry landscape, Mirage actively explores new places to market its products.

“Marketing is the biggest challenge, as far as finding new customers,” Swikert said. “We’ve had a lot of competitors go away, and so we’re trying to fill that niche of marketing to new dealers.”

Jesse Nance is a Business Reporter for the Idaho Press Tribune

There’s something nice about pulling into a snowmobile parking lot pulling a four-place enclosed trailer full of snowmobiles all ready to ride. You don’t have to worry about road wash or removing covers. The sleds are as clean and dry as when you loaded them. It’s just nice to pull in, park, drop the doors and head out to the mountain.

This past winter we hitched our company truck to a new Mirage Xtreme 26-foot snowmobile trailer and gave our sleds a first-class ride to the mountains.

The Mirage not only looked great towing behind our truck, but it pulled well. This is a very functional trailer with all the features necessary for active snowmobilers.

We really don’t look for a lot of “bells and whistles” in a snowmobile trailer. We just want something that’s easy to load, easy to unload, easy to tow and easy to maintain. And Mirage makes a very solid trailer that fits our requirements.

Past snowmobile trailers tended to show their wear first on the floor— where the carbides bite into the surface.

Mirage uses a three-quarter inch polybead laminate treated plywood for the flooring which protects the wood and maintains the integrity of the floor. White vinyl interior walls provide a nice clean finish to the trailer, making it easy to clean.

Mirage trailers feature DOT and NHTSA approved lighting placements that are visible when doors or ramps are open, improving trailer visibility and safety. We went a little farther, having Mirage install LED lights along the sides of the trailer for noticeable visibility.

Mirage trailers are also constructed with stronger stamped hat bows to reinforce the roof and reduce the box twist under uneven road conditions. Mirage Trailers have been in business since 2003. This Nampa, ID-based company has gained an excellent reputation in quality and company service. The company specializes in custom trailers, tailor-made for specific uses, particularly in the toy hauler market. For more information contact Mirage Trailers (208) 461-7776.

This article was taken from the January issue of SnoWest Magazine from their Product Review section on Page 29. Mirage would like to thank SnoWest for the vote of confidence in the products we are so proud to build for the snowmobiling community.

For Mirage Trailers founder Rob Swikert, the key to building great trailers is building a great team.

“Mirage is all about the right people,” Swikert said. “We all love what we do and like being here. We believe that money isn’t enough…you must have fun.”

This philosophy has served the Nampa-based company well. In just seven years, Mirage has grown from a start-up to an industry leader with a network of 250 dealers stretching across the Western U.S. and Canada. The company’s cargo and equipment trailers – used by snowmobilers, ATVers, contractors, even racecar owners – are widely considered some of the best in the industry.

At its peak, Mirage was building nearly 80 trailers a day. Even now, in the midst of the severe economic downturn, the company’s “people-first” approach continues to fuel Mirage’s success.

Led by the same management team that launched the company in 2003, Mirage continually works to improve every aspect of their business. For example, the company utilizes a unique piece-rate system for production employees that allows them to earn more as efficiency increases and warranty claims are reduced. It’s a common-sense approach that Swikert says keeps employees focused on meeting the market’s increasing demand for lower prices and ever-higher quality.

“It’s really a matter of getting back to basics,” Swikert said. “We’re not focused on just growth. It’s quality of growth that is the most important thing.”

If that perspective sounds like that of a seasoned industry veteran, that’s because it is.

Rob Swikert, Mirage’s president and majority shareholder, has spent most of his life in and around the trailer business. His father, Dale, was a long-time executive with one of the nation’s largest RV manufacturers, giving Rob a unique inside-view of the industry from a very early age.

After graduating from college, Rob, with the participation of Dale, founded his first trailer company with a friend. They grew the company, sold it, and three years later Rob set out on his own, founding Mirage in 2003.

Through the years, the father-son team has worked closely together, with Rob leading the company but frequently calling on Dale’s vast experience. Even today, at age 80, Dale maintains an office at Mirage and comes in almost every day to share his wisdom and play a couple hands of cards in the lunchroom.

“He’s a great sounding board,” Swikert said. “I feel very fortunate to work with my dad every day.”

The challenges of the economy and new financial realities of his business – tighter credit for manufacturers and dealers, high cost of capital and pricing pressures – has led Rob to look to other experts as sounding boards as well.

“That’s why I really enjoy working with Western Capital Bank,” Rob said. “They are very hands on. The bank president comes out to our office and spends time talking about the nuts and bolts of our business and how they can help.”

The future is bright for Mirage Trailers. Swikert expects sales to climb steadily as the economy picks up, the availability of credit for dealers improves, and the company’s internal efforts to increase manufacturing effectiveness pay off.

“Mirage is here for the long run,” Swikert said. “We’re making progress every day so that when things improve we’ll be ready to seize the opportunity.”

Basic properties:

Steel is 66% stronger when compared pound for pound. This means it takes 3 times as much aluminum to equal the same structure as steel. Often times the weight gains claimed by aluminum trailer manufacturers are unsubstantiated when trailers are compared equally.

Steel has a natural memory, aluminum does not. This means when steel is flexed to a point, it returns to it’s original shape. Aluminum does not.

Aluminum has a much higher rate of metal fatigue than steel. This means that steel can resist flexing much better than aluminum. Aluminum tends to crack at flex points. This is why many aluminum trailers are bolted or riveted together. Aluminum welds crack much more easily than steel welds.

Steel trailers are much easier to repair than aluminum. Aluminum is much more difficult and requires more specialized equipment to weld.

Steel bends and stretches when impacted. Aluminum tears and breaks when impacted. This equals more extensive and expensive repair costs.

Aluminum resists corrosion better than raw steel. Fortunately steel trailers are not sold in raw steel form. They are typically painted with very durable finishes. There are differences in paint processes and materials and the better the coating, the longer it will last. One thing the Aluminum trailer manufacturers don’t tell you is that aluminum corrodes also. It is not as visible as it is in steel, but the chemicals and environmental conditions that affect steel trailers also affect aluminum trailers. The aluminum erodes and weakens over time.

Steel trailers are typically 20% less expensive than equally compared aluminum trailers.

Keep in mind there are many things we use every day that are made of steel rather than aluminum because of the reasons outlined above.

• bridges
• ships
• cars
• skyscrapers
• construction equipment
• cranes
• military tanks
• semi truck frames
• trains
• school busses

Please consider these factors when making your choice.

Feature: Powder coated axle tube
Benefit: Better aesthetics and corrosion protection

Feature: No paint on hub face of drums
Benefit: Provides minimal torque loss on wheel nuts

Feature: Zinc plated spring mounting hardware including Tie Plates, U-Bolts, and Nuts)
Zinc plated axle attaching hardware including shackle links and nuts
Zinc plated brake mounting hardware including mounting nuts and lock washers
Benefit: Better aesthetics and corrosion protection. Prevents nuts from rusting to bolts improving service jobs

Feature: 3M, silicone filled wire connectors
Benefit: Connector prevents wires from pulling out like hot glued and silicone filled prevents corrosion at connection

Feature: One piece integrated spindle/brake flange
Benefit: Provides precise brake mounting surface to maximize brake performance, and provides a much stronger flange than a welded

Feature: CSA Certified 2000# – 7000# CSA rating includes the 12” x 2” brake
Benefit: Other manufacturers only have a 6000# rating, allows for a more cost effective 7K axle compared to going with an 8K electric brake

Feature: Brakes adjusted to drums 100%
Benefit: Maximizes new brake performance, LCI adjusts the brakes like a service shop.

Feature: Robotically welded spindles and spring seats
Benefit: Competitors’ Rotary weld which relies on operator to ensure weld location and penetration. Welds are not traceable to a production run. LCI welded beam ensure proper location and penetration. LCI beams are fully traceable to the time of mfg.Feature: Extensive weld approval process for robotic spindle welds
Benefit: The approved weld etch coupon can be traced to the final axle serial number.Feature: DC electric nut runners for accurate u-bolt nut torque
Benefit: Competitors use air guns that are not repeatable and do not guarantee proper torque. LCI dc Nut Runners guarantee and Document the proper torque.

Feature: 100% QC check on brake nuts
Benefit: Others bend axle after manufacture which provides no consistency. Toe In controlled to 0-3/16”. Camber is controlled to 3/8”-5/8”.

Feature: Camber and toe set in spindle welder with fixtures
Benefit: Better aesthetics and corrosion protection

Feature: LCI beam is pre-cambered before spindle weld
Benefit: Holding spindle position in robotic welder is more repeatable than bending axle tube after the weld op

Feature: Extensive inspection process of incoming materials with full lot traceability
Benefit: Ensures axle components and raw material conforms to quality standards.

Feature: Electrical checks on 100% of axles produced
Benefit: Ensures functional wiring and functional brakes

It has been brought to our attention that a new law went into effect in January of this year. This law requires that any trailer equipped with 110 volt options, LP gas, or any plumbing requiring tanks must be certified by a third party entity, such as RVIA or Pacific West Associates. Mirage Enterprises chose to certify with Pacific West Associates.

The actual enforcement of this law commenced this month, October 2009. Certification ensures our dealers, as well as the retail customer, that Mirage has, and is, subject to on-going inspections and monitoring for quality assurance functions as required by law. You will notice on the left hand side of the entry door of trailers with the above options the required Seal from PWA.

Mirage Enterprises is proud to be one of the first, if not THE first major cargo trailer manufacturer meeting these new standards. Our Snow and Sport trailers, as well as any other trailers with these options will have the required certification. The substantial cost in not only dollars, but time, effort and engineering is negligible to our desire to continue to supply the quality products our dealers have come to expect from us.

You as a Dealer can assure your retail customers that a Mirage Trailer is certified within the current laws. Can the manufacturers of the other brands of trailers on your lot say the same? A quality product, validated by a third party, ensures the safety and satisfaction of your retail customer and limits your liability pertaining to these products.

As always, we look forward to your questions and comments, but mostly we appreciate your continued support.

Despite Economy, Sledders are Still on The Trails

Nampa, Idaho – 1/28/2011 - If the US is in the middle of an economic downturn, you wouldn’t know it by the Snowmobiling Community. Another successful snowmobile season is approaching its end, and 2010-2011 has proven to be another great season on the trails. While the numbers may be slightly off from “pre-bubble” levels, there are still 1.65 million US sled owners enjoying the hobby, and another 500,000 in Canada.

According to Rob Swikert, owner of Mirage Trailers in Nampa, Idaho, snowmobile trailer sales were promising in 2010. “We had a great snow season.” Says Rob, “It’s obvious that people are still sledding, because we pushed a ton of product this year. We’re thankful to our network of dealers and our loyal customers for their continued faith in our product.” Mirage manufactures the Xtreme Snowmobile trailer, a high line Sport trailer in addition to a full line of enclosed and utility trailers. They’ve been an industry leader in custom trailers since 2003.

According to a 2009 study, 54% of snowmobilers trailer their sleds to go riding, opposed to only 46% who can drive their sleds straight from home. Judging by Mirage’s optimism from this season, it’s fair to say that the snowmobile community has effectively whitewashed the downturn.

PRODUCTION INCREASE SPARKS INDUSTRY

 Cargo, utility, and RV trailer orders are on a definite upswing, encouraging industry leaders.

 Manufacturers in Idaho and Oregon have benefited from new orders coming in this past month.

Dealers are beginning to order more stock trailers as they witness an increase in their sales and the amount of prospective customers they have to choose from.  Both manufactures and suppliers have reported increases in production and sales volume.  While it is certainly a welcome change to have increases in production, sales, and employment back into the conversation, Rob Swikert, President of Mirage Trailers preaches temperance.            

            “We may be witnessing a small spike in overall market performance. I would advise careful optimism going forward.”

The trailer industry looks forward with expectations that the future will continue to be prosperous as we close the second quarter and move into the third.  Our neighbors to the north in Canada have continued to be a strong partner in our growth and we appreciate the success they have demonstrated in the past. We anticipate their continued growth as well.  There is an old saying that I believe holds true today:  “Time Will Tell”.

 Bill Boyles

bill@mirageinc.com

www.miragetrailers.com

Bill Boyles has been involved with the trailer manufacturing industry for 39 years and is employed at Mirage trailers in Nampa Idaho.

The National Association of Trailer Manufactures (NATM) addresses corrosion problems caused by de-icing chemicals spayed on roadways.

March 3, 2010 Reno Nevada

Workshops presented by paint industry leaders brought to the forefront the problems caused by chemical de-icing applications.

This presentation will focus on corrosive reactions caused by de-icing agents. Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant increase in corrosion, especially on over-the-road products and architectural coatings near roadways. There has been speculation on the composition and quality of the steel; however, the focus is now shifting to what is actually corroding the steel.

How this issue progresses will affect the process used in the trailer manufacturing industry in dealing with the ongoing corrosion issue we face. It was made clear the corrosion problems we face are directly caused by and or affected by the winter-time use of our products on the interstate roadways due to the chemicals the states have approved for de-icing. We will update on what the individual manufacturers will come up with to battle the ever changing environments our products must endure. A few items of concern are brake linings, electrical wiring, metal surfaces, including aluminum (painted or not), and rubber products. There are a number of options available to the industry which will be dictated in part by the market we serve. Here are the three culprits being used along with salt: Sodium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, and Magnesium Chloride. We suggest that trailer users wash their trailers often with soap and water, check their wiring at least once a year, and touch up any chips or rusted areas on steel frame parts. This maintenance will add years to the life of your trailer.

New model trailer for ATV/UTV
market from Mirage Enterprises.

August 2, 2010

 Mirage trailer has recently released a new version of their ATV and UTV trailer with features that benefit the company and the retail public.  “Cargo Craft” trailers can be stacked for shipping multiple units and the design lowers the angle of approach when loading from the side or rear.  Two versions of the Cargo Craft ATV/Utility are offered:  a two place 10’ and a three place 13’.  The 13’ three place can also accommodate one ATV and one UTV in most configurations.  Both trailers are affordably priced to attract customers to our dealerships and purchase.  Both trailers are all steel with floor pans running lengthwise to attain maximum strength and torsional rigidity.  They have tubing frames with 3500lb. spring type axles and 6 ply tires.  These trailers are now available from your local power sports dealers as well as Mirage and TNT dealers.

bill@mirageinc.com

www.miragetrailers.com

Bill Boyles has been involved with the trailer manufacturing industry for 39 years and is employed at Mirage trailers in Nampa Idaho.

CANYON COUNTY — Just seven years after its founding, Mirage Trailers has risen as one of the largest trailer manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest.

After weathering a severe economic storm in recent years that shuttered some competitors in the industry, officials at the local firm look to diversify an expanding lineup of trailer products for continued success as sales begin to rebound.

To survive the recession, the firm closed a secondary manufacturing plant in Weiser and substantially downsized its staff. But with an existing network of more than 200 dealers that sell its trailers across the western United States and Canada, the company has kept ahead of industry trends as it seeks to expand its niche in an industry hit hard by the lingering economic downturn.

Mirage President Rob Swikert founded the company in 2003 but is no novice to the business. His father, Dale, was a longtime executive at one of the nation’s largest RV manufacturers and helped Swikert start his first trailer company, Interstate Trailers, in 1995 after Swikert graduated from college. They sold Interstate Trailers in 2000 and, today, Swikert’s father continues to play a role at Mirage, where he maintains an office and is on hand to offer advice.

Specializing in manufacturing a wide variety of trailers, from traditional cargo to recreational trailers designed to haul ATVs and other off-road toys, Mirage can also fill custom orders catering to individual needs.

“We specialize in all trailers,” Swikert explained. “And if somebody wants a different floor plan or whatever, we can generally accommodate them.”

Expanding its lineup of products and constantly updating existing designs, sales have risen about 35 percent this year compared to last year — but that’s still down about 50 percent compared to pre-recession levels.

With a staff of about 100 workers today, Swikert remains optimistic and the firm has even begun rehiring a few former employees as business picks up.

Diversification key to survival

While its best-selling product remains open and enclosed utility trailers, Mirage officials work constantly to find ways to improve existing models to meet various needs in an ever-changing marketplace.

As consumers have become more cost-conscious in the recession, the company unveiled a new “entry-level” enclosed trailer, priced about 20 percent below other models. At the same time, the company has also moved to fill new niches as some of its competitors have shuttered in recent years, and is working to soon expand into the traditional, towable RV industry.

“Our plans are to just keep going, keep coming out with new products.”

Constantly adapting to new trends in the broader market, Mirage regularly modifies trailer designs to better suit clients like power sports dealers. Swikert said its snowmobile- and ATV-hauling trailers are among the best in the industry, in large part because of the company’s active outreach efforts to customers.

“We keep up with changes with (newer model) snowmobiles or ATVs to find out what the end users want,” Swikert said. “We’re always on the cutting edge.”

In an altered industry landscape, Mirage actively explores new places to market its products.

“Marketing is the biggest challenge, as far as finding new customers,” Swikert said. “We’ve had a lot of competitors go away, and so we’re trying to fill that niche of marketing to new dealers.”

Jesse Nance is a Business Reporter for the Idaho Press Tribune