With a legacy spanning more than six decades, Four Degree Trailer Company has long been a respected name in American trailer manufacturing. Founded in 1961 as Advance Metalworking Co., Inc., and later rebranded under Rhino Tool Company, Four Degree has built a reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, and reliability—producing American-made trailers known for safety, durability, and engineering excellence.

A Legacy of Innovation: The Lift-A-Load

Initially specializing in agricultural trailers, Four Degree quickly advanced into custom trailer design, setting the stage for groundbreaking models that transformed the industry.

In the 1980s, the company introduced the Lift-a-Load Elevating Platform Trailer, a hydraulically powered platform capable of adjusting between ground level and dock height while remaining level throughout operation—an innovation that became the foundation of Four Degree’s engineering legacy.

Continued Evolution: The Lo Riser

In 2005, Four Degree once again raised the bar with the Lo Riser Inclining Platform Trailer, featuring a hydraulic tilt bed for effortless ground-level access. With a minimal load angle of four degrees, the Lo Riser embodies the company’s dedication to versatility and strength. Over time, Four Degree expanded its product line to meet the diverse needs of multiple industries while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation.

A New Chapter: Joining the MTM Family

In January 2024, Four Degree Trailer Company was acquired by Triple L Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Chicago-based L Street Corporation, marking a period of renewed investment and modernization for the brand.

Less than a year later, in October 2025, Four Degree entered a new chapter under MTM Trailer Manufacturing, a family-owned company headquartered in Kewanee, Illinois. MTM is a leading American manufacturer of high-performance steel and aluminum end-dump trailers and dump bodies.

This transition brings Four Degree back under local ownership and manufacturing leadership, ensuring continued growth, quality, and craftsmanship—all right here in Kewanee. The acquisition strengthens MTM’s product lineup while preserving Four Degree’s legacy of hydraulic platform innovation and commitment to American-made excellence.

Looking Ahead

Under MTM’s ownership, Four Degree remains dedicated to delivering durable, high-performance trailers engineered for longevity, safety, and ease of use.

Production continues at the Kewanee facility, ensuring the same trusted quality that has defined Four Degree since 1961—now supported by MTM’s expanded manufacturing capabilities and long-standing dedication to the hardworking operators who rely on their equipment every day.