The Trailer Shop LLC
“ He’ s a supporter of NATDA’ s growing technician training programs at the NATDA Trailer Show and at the new Trailer Tech Expo in Reno. He plans to send all new techs through its hands-on learning tracks as they become available”.
In 2018, with a desire to control the direction of the business, Shelton purchased The Trailer Shop and began operating it out of Allstate. Over time, the operation grew into a true one-stop shop, integrating sales, parts, service, and roadside assistance.
Shelton was able to purchase the dealership in 2024. Today, both businesses operate together under the Allstate Utility Trailers name.
One-Stop Shop for Sales and Service Allstate became one of the few full-service trailer facilities where customers could buy, maintain, and repair their trailers all in one place. This operation includes an in-shop service team and a fully equipped mobile unit capable of handling everything from wheel bearing replacement to welding repairs on the side of the highway.
The 24 / 7 roadside service program, The Trailer Shop LLC, is one of the only offerings of its kind in the region. You can find Allstate Trailer repair marketing throughout campgrounds across Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Customers have traveled from Ohio, Michigan, and even Hawaii to have their trailers repaired. One RV owner shipped his rig from Hawaii to the mainland for a Tennessee vacation and made sure the Allstate crew was the one to inspect it.
“ We’ re out on the road almost every weekend fixing trailers,” Mickey said.“ People know they can rely on us when it really matters.”
Creating Loyalty with Preventive Care To reduce breakdowns, Allstate launched its Preferred Customer Program. Participating businesses receive annual service visits where the team repacks bearings, inspects key components, and performs essential maintenance. In return, they get priority scheduling, discounted rates, and long-term peace of mind.“ Eighty percent of trailer breakdowns come from neglected bearings,” Mickey said.“ One annual checkup can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and downtime.”
The program has grown steadily, with contractors, landscapers, painters, and national fleets signing on. Some have even built it into their standard workflow and regularly drop off one trailer and pick up the next.
The Push for Better Training Beyond his own business, Mickey is a strong voice for improved industry standards in trailer service. He believes the lack of national certification for trailer technicians creates safety risks and slows professionalism across the sector.
He’ s a supporter of NATDA’ s growing technician training programs at the NATDA Trailer Show and at the new Trailer Tech Expo in Reno. He plans to send all new techs through its hands-on learning tracks as they become available. In his view, the technician training could be a true turning point for the trailer industry. In his words,“ If you don’ t go you’ re gonna miss something!”
Longtime NATDA Supporter Mickey joined NATDA in 2008 after attending his first NATDA Trailer Show in Louisville, making connections that have lasted since the beginning of his time as a member. Since then, he’ s sourced top vendors like Gen-Y Hitch and Dexter through the show, connected with other dealers across the country, and supported NATDA’ s work to elevate the industry through dealer-focused initiatives.
“ If you’ re part of NATDA, I know you care about the industry,” Mickey said.“ It’ s one of the first things I ask any new supplier.”
From a quiet Knoxville lot to a multi-service dealership recognized across the Southeast, Allstate Utility Trailers has become a model for what’ s possible when service, reliability, and long-term thinking lead the way.
82 NATDA Magazine www. natda. org