Trail-Gear owner Matt Messer. Image/Trail Gear
Like many other companies, Trail-Gear was born to fulfill a need.
Owner Matt Messer founded the company when he perceived a lack of affordable, durable parts for true off-road enthusiasts. As it turns out, Messer’s perception was 100-percent right. In just 10 years, Trail-Gear has become one of the most-trusted names in the off-roading and rock-crawling communities by offering trail-tested and proven parts at reasonable prices.
Trail Gear started in 2005, primarily selling parts for Toyota products—4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, and more. Today, the company offers a wide range of parts for Toyota, Jeep, Nissan, and Suzuki vehicles. Its extensive product line includes tough, durable axles, springs, wheels and wheel spacers, bumpers, and performance components for under the hood.
What’s the been the key to Trail-Gear’s success? What the most common off-roading questions he hears? Messer spent a few minutes answering our questions following the King of Hammer event.
How did Trail-Gear get its start?
I got started in the hobby at a young age going wheeling with my dad. I have been off-roading for as long as I can remember. I founded Trail-Gear in 2005 because of my passion for the sport of rock crawling allowed me to recognize the need in the industry for stronger, more affordable off-road parts.
[pullquote align=”left|center|right” textalign=”left|center|right” width=”30%”]“What can we produce that would make our customer’s experience better?” This is a question that we ask ourselves a lot.[/pullquote]
What sets Trail-Gear parts apart from the rest?
Our products are the highest quality off-road products and accessories. With a well-stocked 50,000-square-foot warehouse and an experienced off-road staff, we’re dedicated to delivering top-quality parts to customers as quickly as possible. We also offer professional advice and building tips for off-road enthusiasts looking to build off-road rock crawling and racing vehicles
And you even host a forum on your website and have a dedicated tech line. What’s the most common technical issue/question your customers ask?
The most common tech questions that we get most often involve shimming the steering knuckles, installing the IFS steering box mount, and installation of our rear lift kit for a 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner.
You guys are constantly developing new products. Where do the ideas for products come from and are there any unique challenges in manufacturing products for off-roading?
Customer feedback is where it usually begins. “What can we produce that would make our customer’s experience better?” This is a question that we ask ourselves a lot. We always try to look for voids in the industry as well. There are a lot of challenges we face, but the biggest challenge is time. We release new products almost weekly. Every new product needs to be inspected, tested, and assembled. Managing every product release from the concept stage to production is a very complicated and timely process.
Are there products currently in development that you’re particularly excited about?
Since the acquisition of Longfield Super Axles last year we have been hard at work developing and marketing the world strongest birfields and axles. The tradition of the Longfield name will live on here at Trail-Gear and we are very excited about it. Wait ’til you see what’s next! Our engineers are also hard at work on improving our selection of Jeep parts. Customers should keep an eye out for YJ, TJ, and even more JK products in the near future.
Image/Trail Gear
How important is testing when it comes to developing products for Trail-Gear?
Testing is one of the most crucial steps in product development. Testing products tells us what the disadvantages are of that product and how we can improve said product to ensure that our customers get nothing but the best when they buy from Trail-Gear. Most of our product testing is done in-house or trail-tested at the (King of) Hammers.
And you raced at this year’s King of Hammers race. How did that go?
We raced in the new “Legends” class of the Everyman’s Challenge with the CRAWLmerica car. The car was a joint effort build between CRAWL magazine, Trent Fabrication and Trail-Gear. It was a great race. We battled all day with Brad Lovell and he ultimately took first place in our class. We finished #3 overall and #2 in the Legends class. (Editor’s note: You can see Trail-Gear’s recap video from King of Hammers below).
What’s the most challenging part of that competition to you?
Building a car that can handle the high speeds in the desert as well as crawl up some of the toughest trails in the world. Brutal.
Which part do you enjoy the most?
Racing with a solid axle vehicle this year, it was fun to walk right up Chocolate Thunder and Wrecking Ball without having to winch up.
How has the off-roading/rock-crawling sport evolved since Trail-Gear started and how have you adjusted?
More recently, with the rise in Ultra4 racing, it seems that the element of speed has been a huge factor. In the past, the need for a massive horsepower was not necessary in most competitions. Low gearing and articulation were the key. Now, with Ultra4, your rig needs to be fast and needs to crawl. Who knows what the future holds? But we are excited to be a part of it!
nice
Great job TG!