TriMas Corporation's Cequent Group Launches Next Generation 5th Wheel Hitches with Enhanced Performance, Functionality

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 4, 2003 -- TriMas Corporation's Cequent operating group announces the launch of its next generation 5th wheel hitches and rail kit system -- known as the Signature Series(TM) -- featuring improved performance and functionality.

Cequent is showcasing its products at the SEMA Show this week in Las Vegas at booth 32415.

Based on the company's world-renowned Reese(R) and Draw-Tite(R) 5th wheel heritage, the new Signature Series platform is designed to deliver the greatest heavy-duty towing performance available. The products -- which include 5th wheel hitches, sliders and custom rail kits -- will be featured within the Draw-Tite and Reese product offerings.

"Our next generation 5th wheel hitches are another example of how Cequent is committed to being best-in-class, continuously improving products and striving to exceed customer expectations," said John Smart, president of Cequent Towing Products, which is comprised of the industry's market-leading brands of Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch(R).

Performance and Benefits

The Reese and Draw-Tite Signature Series 5th wheels provide customers with unprecedented features and performance benefits, including the "Power Puck" under-bed mounting system. This patent-pending mounting system provides superior towing performance and uninhibited use of the vehicle bed when the 5th wheel is removed. To enhance the user's ability to fully utilize the vehicle bed when the 5th wheel is not in use, the system has been designed with a detachable, lighter weight head allowing for disassembly by one person.

Other prominent features include "Lock-Jaw," a highly engineered single jaw system incapable of opening without being manually released; a king-pin indicator system that provides visible reassurance of proper engagement; and a spring-tension head-tilt, which reduces noise and also ensures proper engagement.

Additionally, the state-of-the-art design of the Signature Series provides not only a highly attractive, contemporary look but also significantly reduces the "play" throughout the system. The result is the elimination of the annoying "chucking" experience common to other 5th wheels.

Sliders

The new line of Signature Series 5th wheels will feature an optional Slider System that allows for 10-foot travel fore-and-aft of the 5th wheel unit, resulting in improved, low-speed maneuverability in tight spaces and additional turning clearance.

The Signature Series is the latest in the line of product innovations from Cequent Towing Products, whose brands continue to set the benchmark in quality, innovation and performance, while focusing on a single vision of being the world's top supplier of "Products for the Life Enthusiast."

Plymouth, Mich.-based Cequent, a TriMas company, is an operating group that is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of accessories for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, recreational vehicles, passenger cars and trailers of all types. Products include towing and hitch systems, trailer components and accessories, and electrical, brake, cargo- carrying and rack systems. The group consists of five operating units: Cequent Towing Products, Cequent Trailer Products, Cequent Consumer Products, Cequent Electrical Products and Cequent Australia.

Cequent draws upon a 75-year-old heritage of superior towing and trailer brands -- Draw-Tite(R), Reese(R), Fulton(R), Wesbar(R), Bull Dog(R), SnowCo(R), Hidden Hitch(R) and Tekonsha(R). Cequent employs approximately 2,070 associates. For more information, visit www.cequentgroup.com .

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., TriMas is a diversified growth company of high-end, specialty niche businesses manufacturing a variety of products for commercial, industrial and consumer markets worldwide. TriMas is organized into four strategic business groups: Cequent Transportation Accessories, Rieke Packaging Systems, Fastening Systems and Industrial Specialties. TriMas has nearly 5,000 employees at 80 different facilities in 10 countries. For more information, visit www.trimascorp.com .