An enclosed trailer (also called a cargo trailer or box trailer) is a towed trailer with rigid sides, a roof and a rear door, creating a weatherproof, lockable compartment. In the US, common sizes run from 5×8 to 8.5×20 feet, and buyers choose by cargo size, GVWR (weight rating) and what their vehicle can tow.
Key Takeaways
- An enclosed trailer protects cargo from weather and keeps it out of sight; an open flatbed or utility trailer does not.
- Common enclosed trailer sizes include 5×8, 5×10, 6×12, 7×14, 7×16, 8.5×16 and 8.5×20 feet.
- Payload = GVWR minus the empty trailer weight; many 6×12 units are rated around 3,000 to 3,500 pounds GVWR.
- Steel trailers usually cost less up front; aluminum ones can weigh less and do not develop iron-based rust.
- Keep tongue weight at roughly 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight to reduce sway.
Lately, you may have often heard about enclosed trailers but may have been unfamiliar with their peculiarities and benefits. Enclosed trailers are usually built on a steel or aluminum frame, and how long one lasts depends on build quality, how heavily it is loaded and how well it is maintained, so it is worth knowing what they are good for.
Enclosed trailers protect cargo from rain, road debris and prying eyes in a way open flatbed and utility trailers cannot, but their advantages do not end here. An enclosed trailer is often associated with aspects of reliability and safety, so it is necessary to know what constitutes these qualities.
In this article, we will figure out how a closed trailer differs from other types and why you can use it.
Enclosed Trailers Are Not Only Popular, But They Are Also Reliable and Safe.
You don’t have to compromise on reliability when it comes to trailers. A well-built cargo trailer with a sound frame, axles and roof can stay in service for many years; actual lifespan varies with build quality, use and maintenance, and no single figure applies to every trailer. And their unique versatility will be a pleasant bonus for you. Regular checks of the tires, wheel bearings, lights, brakes and roof seams are what keep a trailer serviceable for a long time.
For extra security, an enclosed trailer with lockable doors keeps the products inside out of sight and out of the weather. Ensure your cargo is securely transported and stored with this metal-enclosed trailer that surrounds your goods from all sides and protects them from both the weather and prying eyes. Versatility, resilience, and durability are the best way to describe enclosed trailers.
Different Types of Trailers and Their Advantages
There are many different trailer types that are now available on the market. All of them suit different purposes. An enclosed trailer covers many everyday hauling needs, from tools and equipment to inventory and household moves.
Some companies may choose reefers for their products, as they require specific conditions for their products to stay fresh. Others use flatbed trailers, which have no sides, for bulky or oversized items. All of these trailer types are great as they cover various needs, but enclosed trailers are perfect for protection.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of trailer you choose and what needs you have, enclosed trailers are reliable and powerful enough to handle different needs and offer you quality protection. Cargo trailers will serve as a versatile option for various types of products – and different sizes.
Many kinds of goods fit inside an enclosed trailer, as long as the loaded weight stays within the trailer’s GVWR and the tow vehicle’s towing capacity. Such an investment is a wise decision when it comes to your peace of mind and convenience. For this price, you get convenience and comfort because many of your needs will be covered.
An enclosed trailer gives solid protection to its contents, and rear and side doors make loading and checking cargo straightforward. Its closed body and lockable rear door or ramp keep cargo out of the weather and deter casual theft, although no trailer is completely theft-proof, so valuable loads still need care when left unattended. You can safely trust its design and the materials that make it so amazingly durable. Choosing a well-built trailer and maintaining it properly is what makes it last.
What Is an Enclosed Trailer?
According to Wikipedia’s overview of trailers, a trailer with fully rigid sides and a roof with a rear door, creating a weatherproof compartment, is usually called a furniture trailer, cargo trailer, box van trailer or box trailer. A trailer without sides is usually called a flatbed or flat-deck trailer.
Enclosed trailers range from small single-axle units towed by an SUV or pickup to large tandem-axle trailers used by contractors and mobile businesses. In the US, trailers on the road range from single-axle bumper-pull trailers up to 53-foot-long semi-trailers, which is the size class of full-size refrigerated “reefer” trailers.
Common Enclosed Trailer Sizes and Their Uses
Enclosed trailer sizes are quoted as width x length in feet. The table below lists common sizes and their typical uses as described in Universal Trailers Line’s size guide (as of October 2026). Interior height and door opening size matter as much as floor area, so check both before buying.
| Size (ft) | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 5×8 | Compact cargo and tools |
| 5×10 | Tools, supplies and small equipment |
| 6×12 | General business and equipment hauling |
| 7×14 | Larger equipment and commercial use |
| 7×16 | Equipment, inventory and mobile workspace |
| 8.5×16 | Larger commercial applications |
| 8.5×20 | Large equipment and substantial cargo |
Door style also shapes how a trailer is used. A rear ramp door suits motorcycles, carts and wheeled equipment; barn-style double doors suit boxes and tools; a side door gives quick access without unloading from the back. For an open, low-deck alternative, see this guide to a low-deck single axle trailer for equipment loading.
How Much Can an Enclosed Trailer Carry?
The carrying limit of an enclosed trailer is set by its GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), the maximum loaded weight the manufacturer specifies for the trailer, covering the trailer itself plus cargo, shelving and accessories. Payload is worked out with a simple formula:
Payload = GVWR – empty trailer weight
For example, a trailer rated at 7,000 pounds GVWR that weighs 2,800 pounds empty can carry about 4,200 pounds. Wagoneer Trailers notes that many 6×12 units have a GVWR of around 3,000 to 3,500 pounds. The same guide puts small enclosed trailers at 1,200 to 1,800 pounds empty and mid-size ones at 2,000 to 3,000 pounds, while larger units can exceed 4,000 pounds before any cargo is added.
| Example class | Example GVWR | Example empty weight | Approx. payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 3,500 lb | 1,500 lb | 2,000 lb |
| Medium | 5,000 lb | 2,000 lb | 3,000 lb |
| Larger | 7,000 lb | 2,800 lb | 4,200 lb |
| Heavy-duty | 10,000 lb | 3,500 lb | 6,500 lb |
These are illustrative figures from Universal Trailers Line’s GVWR guide; always use the numbers on the trailer’s own rating label. Axles, tires and the coupler each carry their own ratings, and any one of them can limit capacity. To convert these ratings for metric loads, use the pounds to kilograms converter.
Single Axle or Tandem Axle?
A single-axle enclosed trailer is lighter and easier to maneuver, which suits smaller loads and shorter hauls. The largest single-axle enclosed trailers typically fall in the 6×12 to 7×14 range, depending on the manufacturer.
A tandem-axle trailer spreads weight over two axles, giving more stability and some redundancy if one tire fails. Tandem axles are common on trailers rated at 7,000 pounds GVWR or more.
Steel vs. Aluminum Enclosed Trailers
| Factor | Steel | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier, because steel is denser | A comparable build can weigh less |
| Corrosion | Can rust when its protective coating is damaged | Does not develop iron-based rust; forms a thin protective oxide layer |
| Upfront cost | Often lower | Often higher, due to material and manufacturing costs |
On a steel trailer, check the condition of the paint or coating and the undercarriage, since rust starts where the coating is damaged. A lighter aluminum trailer leaves more of the tow vehicle’s capacity for cargo.
Do Enclosed Trailers Need Brakes?
Brake rules for private towing are set by each US state, so the requirement depends on where the trailer is registered and driven; check the state motor vehicle agency’s rules before buying. For commercial motor vehicles, the federal rule at 49 CFR 393.42 requires brakes on all wheels, with an exception for a full trailer with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less if the sum of its axle weights does not exceed 40 percent of the sum of the towing vehicle’s axle weights.
According to Wikipedia, larger trailers are usually fitted with brakes, which can be electrically operated, air operated or overrun brakes.
How to Load and Tow an Enclosed Trailer Safely
- Confirm the tow vehicle’s towing capacity and hitch rating are higher than the trailer’s fully loaded weight; the owner’s manual lists these figures. This guide to buying a used truck covers what to check on a tow vehicle.
- Load heavy items low and toward the front so that tongue weight is roughly 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight.
- Avoid a rear-heavy load: below about 10 percent tongue weight the trailer can fishtail; above about 15 percent the tow vehicle squats and steering response degrades.
- Tie cargo down so nothing shifts under braking.
- Before every trip, check tire pressure, lights, the coupler and safety chains.
Truck owners who tow often may also find this list of must-have pickup truck accessories useful, and this overview of different types of trucks explains the main truck categories.
Who Uses Enclosed Trailers?
- Contractors and trades: tools and materials stay locked and dry.
- Small businesses: inventory, equipment and mobile workspaces.
- Motorcycle and equipment owners: ramp-door trailers carry motorcycles, carts and wheeled equipment.
- Households: moving furniture, which is why the type is also called a furniture trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an enclosed trailer and a cargo trailer?
There is usually no difference. “Enclosed trailer,” “cargo trailer” and “box trailer” all describe a trailer with rigid sides, a roof and a rear door that forms a weatherproof compartment.
What size enclosed trailer is most common?
The 6×12 enclosed trailer is a common general-purpose size for business and equipment hauling, while 7×14 and 7×16 units suit larger equipment. The right size depends on the cargo’s dimensions and weight.
How much weight can a 6×12 enclosed trailer carry?
Many 6×12 enclosed trailers have a GVWR of around 3,000 to 3,500 pounds; payload is that rating minus the trailer’s empty weight. Check the trailer’s label for its exact rating.
Is an aluminum enclosed trailer better than steel?
Neither is better for everyone. An aluminum enclosed trailer can weigh less and does not develop iron-based rust, while a steel trailer often costs less up front.
How much tongue weight should an enclosed trailer have?
Tongue weight should be about 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. Too little can cause sway; too much makes the tow vehicle squat and weakens steering response.
