The information source for single wheel trailers from the early 1900's, through today, Allstate and Heilite to name a couple. The intention of this site is to be the most comprehensive, informational single wheel trailer site on the internet. If you have any information, pictures, or anything else send us an email.

Allstate – Sears

When World War II came to a close and civilian manufacturing gradually resumed, Sears wasted little time in reintroducing its popular Single Wheel trailers to the American market. By the time the 1948 Sears Fall Catalog was published, advertisements for these trailers once again appeared prominently among the company’s many postwar product offerings. In addition to the traditional wood box trailer that customers had come to recognize, Sears introduced an entirely new option for the first time — the “Chassis Only” version, designed specifically for the growing number of do-it-yourself builders interested in crafting their own custom trailer bodies at home.

Allstate - Trap Frame

In 1915 as The Warshawsky Company, began as a scrap metal yard on the South Side of Chicago. The company’s founder was Lithuanian immigrant Israel Warshawsky. Throughout World War I, Warshawsky bought failed auto manufacturers and added new parts to his inventory. The Warshawky Company continued to grow, even during the Great Depression. The company closed its Chicago location and opened a new location in LaSalle, Illinois, in 1997.

In 1934, Israel’s son Roy joined his father at the company after graduating from the University of Chicago. Roy proposed expanding from the Chicago area with a nationwide catalog and placed an ad in Popular Mechanics for sixty dollars. The ad offered readers a “giant auto parts catalog” for 25¢. Response to the ad was huge. In 1937, Roy expanded the catalog to include new parts and renamed the catalog J.C. Whitney & Co.

The add above is from a Warshawski & Co catalog. The car is a 1935 – 1937 Ford Coupe. 

This trailer is the precursor to the Sears Woodbox Version 2 trailer and included the “Knee action” wheel assembly, the C channel frame, the tongue in groove floor, question mark shaped arms, and the body dimensions of 54″ X 42″ X 9 1/2″.  The only structural difference is the frames C channel is bent at the rear instead of welded strait sections. How this design made it’s way from the J.C. Whitney catalog to the Sears catalogs has yet to be determined.

Allstate - TrailCar, Auto

From it’s introduction in the Sears 1939 Spring Catalog until the mid 50’s when the manufacturer went to a unibody construction, the Allstate trailer could be bought as a bare frame (no body) or with a wood box body. Sears offered a kit that could be assembled at home like Ikea furniture today, with simple hand tools. This made it very appealing and the most prolific trailer ever produced. The Allstate trailer frame is the most used for building a one off custom trailer. The wood box of these trailers are mounted to the frame with 4 large bolts and nuts. After almost 50 years, the wood of these trailers has rotted away leaving a sturdy metal frame and an open canvas to those wanting to create their own version of the popular trailer. This page is devoted to the growing number of amazing innovators who broke out their welders, tubing benders and who knows what else, and individualized their trailer.

Allstate - Custom, Auto

Allstate 1st Gen – CrossCountry: A single wheel trailer appeared in the Sears 1939 Spring catalog, evidently its debut there. This model was called the “Cross Country,” a brand name it shared with a two-wheel trailer shown on the same page. It appears to have been in production only a year and a half. The catalog described it as having “Live Rubber Spring” suspension, touted as being longer lasting than metal coil springs. Its tongue arrangement was totally different from all later models, being straight pieces of metal sticking out of the front of the chassis and connected to the bumper by means of ball-and-socket couplings. (Extension arms could be bought if you needed more clearance between the car and the trailer.) The trailer, rated at 750 pounds of cargo capacity, sold for $36.95. It was made in Niles, Ohio unlike the “Cross Country” two-wheeled trailer which was made in Connorsville, Indiana. They appear to be identical to the “Yocar” trailer made by the Youngstown Steel Car Corporation in Niles, Ohio, sharing the same frames and the same caster assembly with a rubber mount used as a coil spring would be. My conclusion is that that it was this company which supplied Sears with their first single-wheel trailers. The chassis can be described as having a “Y within a Square” frame, with one brace connecting the arms of the Y and two more supporting the base of the Y at the point where the caster wheel assembly connects. The body is formed of wood panels within a steel frame, with a removable tailgate. It measured 54″ long, 42″ wide, and 11″ high, including flare boards. The trailer could also be purchased without the box for $33.50. The same trailer appeared in the Fall 1939 and Spring 1940 catalogs. (Info based on article written by John LaTorre – A Short History of Allstate Single-Wheel Trailers)

Allstate - CrossCountry, Auto, Yocar

The Station Wagon

In the years following World War II, as consumer demand for recreational and utility equipment grew once more, Sears continued to refine and expand its popular line of single-wheel trailers. In the Fall 1949 Sears Catalog, the company introduced a new variation to its lineup—an updated model that shared the same trapezoidal steel frame and load-carrying capacity as the earlier version, but differed primarily in the design of its cargo box. This new model was marketed as the “Station Wagon” version, an evocative name that suggested both style and practicality for postwar American families on the move.

The Station Wagon trailer featured a more sophisticated and visually appealing construction. Its two-piece side panels were crafted to create a distinctive “streamlined” look, with the upper panels shaped in a teardrop contour and separated from the lower panels by a narrow horizontal gap. Unlike the standard model, which was finished in solid blue paint, the Station Wagon’s body was varnished instead of painted, leaving the natural wood grain elegantly visible—a detail that gave it a warm, handcrafted appearance and aligned with the popular design aesthetics of the late 1940s.

According to the 1949 Sears Fall Catalog, the Station Wagon model was priced at $67.95, a modest reduction from its previous spring catalog price of $69.95. By the time the 1950 Sears Fall Catalog was released, the price had been further reduced to $64.95, and the trailer now proudly displayed the “ALLSTATE” logo across its rear tailgate, reflecting Sears’ ongoing effort to unify its automotive and trailer products under the recognizable brand name.

The 1952 Sears Fall Catalog marked the final appearance of the Station Wagon trailer in Sears’ product listings, with its price reverting to $67.95. After this year, the model was quietly discontinued, bringing an end to a brief but memorable chapter in Sears’ postwar trailer offerings—a period that showcased the company’s innovation, design experimentation, and ability to adapt to the evolving tastes of mid-century American consumers.

Allstate - Station Wagon

The 1961 Spring-Summer catalog marked the beginning of a new era with the introduction of a leaf spring wheel assembly for trailers. Although this particular trailer was only featured in that one catalog, it stands out with unique characteristics not seen in other Sears trailers of the time. Unlike most Sears trailers, which were typically built in Chicago, this model was produced in a factory near Des Moines, Iowa. The inclusion of the leaf spring in this design hinted at future trends in trailer suspension.

This trailer has several distinctive features, including a curved leaf suspension, a hydraulic shock absorber, and front mounting arms that curve downward at an angle. These elements set it apart from its predecessors. The body design carried over some aspects from the earlier wood box trailer, including a dark blue color scheme and the iconic “ALLSTATE” U.S. map logo prominently displayed on the front. It also appears to have removable front and possibly rear panels, similar to the earlier Wood Box trailers.

While it may have been short-lived in Sears’ lineup, this trailer from the 1961 catalog remains a fascinating piece of history, showcasing innovative design choices and a glimpse into the evolution of wheel assembly technology.

Allstate - Wood Leaf - 1961

In the Spring 1941 catalog, the “Cross Country” trailer disappeared. Instead, the Chicago-made trailer was joined by another trailer from the same source in Chicago. This newest trailer was designed to replace the “Cross-Country” in the product line-up, since it was sold for around the same price and carried the same 750# load. It had a wooden box measuring 54″ x 48 ” x 9-3/4″, using apparently the same construction as its little brother. The box differed not only in dimension but in its detailing, with an ornamental pattern painted in a different color than the main color of the panels. The new trailer also used a different frame, a trapezoidal “channel steel” chassis instead of the X-frame used on the smaller model. The same “universal mount” tongues and new coil-spring suspension were used for both trailers. The prices were $29.95 and $34.95. The Fall-Winter 1942 catalog showed the same two trailers with the same ordering numbers and specs, at slightly increased prices. After this catalog, no single-wheel trailers show up in the catalog until 1948. I presume that they were discontinued for the duration of World War II, since manufacturing was devoted primarily to the war effort and things like steel and tires were in short supply. There was a kit offered in the Fall-Winter 1945 catalog for a four-wheel trailer, but no other utility trailers were offered.

Allstate - Woodbox ver 2.0

X-Frame

The Fall 1940 catalog showed the CrossCountry and a new, different trailer, with a “Knee-Action spring” (using a true coil-spring suspension) and the tongues that would become associated with Allstate trailers. These tongues were castings shaped into a sort of “question mark” shape and were designed to fit over or under a car’s bumper and attach to either the bumper brackets or the car’s frame. This trailer had an X-shaped frame and was only available for 2 years from Sears. The box was 48″ x 42″ x 9-3/4″, had 4 wood sides with “steel corner angles and four steel cross members,”. It was rated for 500 pounds of cargo, came from a “factory in Chicago”, and sold for $29.95
The earlier “Cross Country” trailer, with its 750 pound load capacity, was still available, with its Niles, Ohio source, and was priced at $37.95.

Allstate - X-Frame

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In the 1961 Sears Fall-Winter Catalog, Sears introduced another exciting new trailer to their lineup, continuing their tradition of innovation. This time, it was a wood box-bodied single-wheel trailer, but with a significant upgrade—an entirely new chassis. This model marked the debut of the straight leaf spring suspension system, along with height-adjustable arms, features that would go on to set the standard for all subsequent Allstate trailers.

The wood box body of this trailer seems to have retained the convenient removable front and rear panels from earlier models, allowing for easy access and versatility in loading and unloading cargo. This design choice continued the practical functionality that Sears Wood box trailers were known for.

In a nod to its roots, the trailer also brought back the classic “ALLSTATE” logo, proudly displayed as a symbol of quality and reliability. Unlike many of its predecessors, which were typically manufactured in Chicago, this trailer was factory-built in Des Moines, Iowa, further distinguishing it from earlier models.

This introduction in the Fall-Winter catalog wasn’t just another addition to the lineup; it was a step forward in trailer design, setting the stage for the evolution of future Allstate trailers. Whether you’re a fan of classic trailers or just appreciate clever engineering, this model from 1961 is a standout, combining tradition with innovation in a way that only Sears could.

Allstate - Wood Leaf 2


Allstate – Steel Box

By the Fall–Winter 1963 Sears Catalog, the company proudly introduced what it described as “Our Best ALLSTATE All-Steel Trailer.” This announcement marked yet another refinement in Sears’ long-running tradition of practical, affordable, and versatile hauling equipment. For the first time, Sears offered both a two-wheel and a single-wheel version of the trailer, each designed with the same general dimensions and styling. The construction featured a separate steel frame and detachable body, a configuration that allowed greater customization for owners who wished to adapt the trailer to specific uses. For those seeking a more economical option or preferring to construct their own cargo body, Sears also sold the frame alone for $10 less than the complete trailer. The standard color finish for both models was a clean beige enamel, consistent with the restrained industrial aesthetic popular during the early 1960s.

Sometime after the publication of the 1965 Sears Fall Catalog, a notable design evolution took place: the company discontinued the separate frame offering and transitioned the trailer to a fully integrated unibody construction. This advancement meant that the frame and body were now a single, welded structure, increasing rigidity while reducing assembly complexity. The unibody design was also cleverly engineered to accommodate both single-wheel and two-wheel configurations. Mounting holes for the two-wheel leaf spring suspension were located on either side of the body, while a central set of holes was provided for attaching the single-wheel assembly, making the chassis truly multipurpose.

At the time of its introduction, the factory price for the single-wheel version began at $85.00, a competitive figure for a fully steel-bodied trailer of its size and quality. By the Spring 1964 Catalog, Sears expanded the line’s versatility by offering an optional steel top, designed to provide all-weather protection for cargo. The top was hinged for easy access and sold separately for $37.50, appealing to customers who needed a durable, enclosed storage option for travel or utility use.

Over the following decade, the All-Steel trailer line underwent a series of incremental design and branding updates that reflected both functional improvements and evolving mid-century styling trends:

  • 1966 Fall Catalog: The trailer’s front logo changed from ALLSTATE to the more contemporary SEARS mark, signifying a shift in branding as Sears phased out its Allstate name for many automotive products. The color changed from beige to tan enamel, and the price slightly decreased to $77.00.

  • 1967 Spring Catalog: The finish was updated again, this time to a white enamel coating, aligning with the clean, modern look of the late 1960s. The price, however, rose to $89.00.

  • 1968 Fall Catalog: Safety updates began appearing, with the addition of two rear reflectors, and the price increased to $124.95.

  • 1969 Spring Catalog: Four side reflectors were added for improved visibility, and the price adjusted to $119.99, likely reflecting material cost fluctuations.

  • 1970 Spring Catalog: Major safety upgrades arrived this year — the trailer now included two rear taillights along with the four side reflectors. In earlier years, taillights had been available only as an optional add-on. The new model sold for $139.99.

  • 1970 Fall Catalog: The four side reflectors were upgraded to side marker lights positioned in the same locations, enhancing nighttime visibility without changing the $139.99 price.

  • 1971 Fall Catalog: The color shifted once again, this time to a rich Cinnamon Brown enamel, but the side lights were downgraded back to four reflectors. The price rose modestly to $149.99.

  • 1972 Spring Catalog: Sears added chrome-plated bumper brackets, giving the trailer a more polished, automotive appearance, and increased the price to $154.49.

  • 1975 Spring Catalog: Reflecting inflation and rising manufacturing costs during the mid-1970s, the price jumped significantly to $224.95.

Through these years, Sears’ single-wheel and two-wheel trailers remained reliable, accessible options for everyday consumers—favored by campers, tradesmen, and travelers alike. The progression from separate-frame construction to unibody design, along with evolving finishes, safety equipment, and branding, illustrates Sears’ commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to modern tastes throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Allstate - Steel Box

A Clam Shell Allstate I picked up in AZ. At some point the OG mounts were swapped for what’s on there now so it could be used on a lowered VW Bus. The tire was swapped out for a bigger one too. Owned by VintageWarehouse

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Allstate - Steel Box

The Allstate Streamline

By the Spring–Summer 1954 Sears Catalog, a new generation of trailers was unveiled under the bold headline: “NEW! ALL-STEEL TRAILERS — Streamlined Like Cars!” This introduction marked a significant design evolution for Sears’ single-wheel trailer line. The catalog’s enthusiastic tagline, “Smartest One-Wheel Trailer You’ll See on the Road This Season!”, captured the spirit of mid-1950s American innovation—an era fascinated by modern styling and automotive influence.

This latest model carried forward many of the proven mechanical features of its predecessors, such as the reliable “knee-action” wheel assembly, the two-piece aluminum wheel, and the 500-pound load capacity that had become standard for Sears single-wheel trailers. However, the 1954 design represented a major leap forward in both materials and construction methods. It was the first Sears trailer to feature a fully pressed steel body with integrated trim pieces and a unibody construction, eliminating the need for separate wooden panels.

The sides of the trailer were enhanced with a streamlined indentation that echoed the sweeping body lines of contemporary automobiles. These indents were visually divided by five outward-pressed ridges, giving the trailer a sense of strength and motion. The bolted-on aluminum accent plates at the front of each indentation added a refined, decorative touch. Catalog images prominently displayed the “ALLSTATE” logo superimposed on a U.S. map emblem across these aluminum plates—though, interestingly, no surviving examples of this particular version with the logo have been documented. Most known plates retain a golden anodized finish but lack any visible markings, suggesting that production variations may have occurred.

Evidence indicates that this all-metal trailer was produced by Dunbar Kapple, a trailer manufacturer based in Geneva, Illinois, approximately thirty miles west of Chicago. Dunbar Kapple was reportedly partially owned by Sears, which aligns with the company’s tendency to source branded products from its affiliated manufacturers. The model number 231-963 assigned to the Allstate trailer follows Sears’ numbering convention in which the first three digits identify the manufacturer—here, the same prefix also appeared on two-wheel trailers marketed under Sears’ David Bradley agricultural line. This further supports the likelihood that Dunbar Kapple manufactured the single-wheel version as well.

For owners of the 1955 Chevrolet, Sears offered a specialized variant designed specifically for that vehicle model. While the catalog did not specify the precise differences, it is presumed that the Chevrolet version featured an alternate bumper mounting configuration to accommodate the car’s unique rear design.

The 1954 Sears Spring–Summer Catalog listed the All-Steel Trailer at $74.50, while the 1958 Sears Fall–Winter Catalog showed a revised price of $89.95, reflecting both inflation and refinements over the trailer’s production run.

Special Note: The term “Tag-a-long” does not appear in any official Sears catalog in connection with this trailer. It was, in fact, the name of another manufacturer’s product. Over time, the label was mistakenly associated with the Sears single-wheel trailer in various sources, but this inaccuracy has since been corrected and removed.

Allstate - Streamlined