What Is an Enclosed Trailer? Things to Know

Some tools in life look ordinary at first glance, but once you use them, you wonder how you ever managed without them. The enclosed trailer is one of those tools

You see them everywhere once you start looking – white or black boxes on wheels behind pickup trucks, humming down highways, parked at construction sites, tucked away behind houses.

To the untrained eye, they don’t look like much. But to the people who use them, they’re invaluable. And that’s the point of this guide.

So, What Is an Enclosed Trailer?

Let’s strip it back. An enclosed trailer is essentially a trailer with four walls and a roof. It protects whatever’s inside from weather, theft, and damage. Simple enough.

But simplicity is deceptive here. An enclosed trailer is more than just a box on wheels. It’s a mobile storage unit, a moving billboard, a garage you can hitch to the back of your truck.

Enclosed Trailer vs Open Trailer

Now, compare that to an open trailer. With open trailers, everything you’re hauling is visible and exposed. They’re lighter, cheaper, and easy to load. But they offer zero protection from rain, snow, sun, or theft.

An enclosed trailer, on the other hand, shuts everything away. Your equipment doesn’t rust in the rain, your tools don’t “walk away” when you’re not looking, and your gear doesn’t fade or crack under sun exposure.

The enclosed trailer vs open trailer question is really about priorities. Do you value cost and convenience above all else, or does security and peace of mind matter more?

Where Enclosed Trailers Shine: Everyday Uses

The list of uses is long.

1. For business. Landscapers store mowers and trimmers. Contractors pack tools and materials. Movers carry furniture without worrying about a sudden downpour.
2. For hobbies. Motorcyclists haul bikes to weekend rides. ATV owners get to the trails. Car enthusiasts load up vehicles for shows or races.
3. For families. Camping trips, cross-country moves, storage between homes – it all becomes easier.
4. For vendors. Mobile food stalls, event booths, and even pop-up shops often start as modified enclosed trailers.

It’s that mix of business utility and personal convenience that makes them so appealing.

Types of Enclosed Trailers

Here’s where things get specific. There are several types of enclosed trailers, each built for a purpose.

1. Cargo Trailers

The workhorses. Perfect for general hauling, tools, boxes, and supplies.

2. Car Haulers

These are sturdier, longer trailers designed to carry vehicles. They usually have ramps and reinforced floors.

3. Motorcycle and ATV Trailers

Smaller versions fitted with ramps, tie-downs, and wheel chocks.

4. Utility or Storage Trailers

Great for homeowners or small businesses. They’re smaller, simpler, and affordable.

5. Specialty Enclosed Trailers

This category is wide open: vending trailers, event trailers, mobile offices, race trailers with built-in living quarters.

This variety in enclosed trailer sizes and designs means there’s almost always one that fits your exact needs.

Why Choose Enclosed? The Benefits

People don’t pay more for an enclosed trailer just because it looks neat. They do it because the enclosed trailer benefits are tangible.

1. Weather protection: Tools don’t rust, furniture doesn’t warp, motorcycles don’t get caked with road grime.

2. Security: Solid walls and lockable doors keep out thieves and prying eyes.

3. Versatility: One week it’s hauling work gear, the next it’s carrying camping supplies.

4. Branding: For businesses, a trailer is free advertising space rolling through town.

5. Equipment lifespan: Simply put, your gear lasts longer.

If you put value on your cargo – or your time – these benefits outweigh the higher upfront price.

What to Know Before Buying

Buying an enclosed trailer isn’t complicated, but it is easy to get wrong if you don’t ask the right questions. Here are the enclosed trailer features worth paying attention to:

1. Size and Dimensions

• Single-axle models are smaller, lighter, and cheaper – great for light hauling.
• Tandem-axle models are sturdier, more stable, and better for heavy or frequent loads.
• Pay attention not just to length but also to height. Will your cargo fit comfortably?

2. Material

• Aluminum: lightweight, rust-resistant, easier on gas mileage, but more expensive.
• Steel: cheaper and strong, but heavier and prone to rust if not maintained.

3. Weight Capacity

Don’t just eyeball it. Every trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Respect it.

4. Doors

• Ramp doors: excellent for rolling equipment.
• Barn doors: simpler, lighter, and sometimes more practical.

5. Ventilation and Flooring

Good airflow prevents mildew, and strong floors prevent costly repairs later.

6. Tow Vehicle Match

Always confirm your vehicle can safely tow the trailer’s weight. This isn’t optional.

The Money Question: Cost

Enclosed trailers are an investment. Here’s what influences the price:

1. New vs used. New means warranties and fresh construction. Used means savings but possible repairs.
2. Size and features. Bigger trailers with more add-ons will naturally cost more.
3. Material. Aluminum tends to cost more but saves headaches in rust-prone regions.
4. Customization. Anything beyond the basics – shelves, insulation, living quarters – will raise the price.

A well-built enclosed trailer, properly maintained, can serve you for a decade or more. That makes the higher upfront cost easier to justify.

Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen people buy trailers for decades, and the same errors pop up again and again:

1. Overloading. Push a trailer past its limit, and you’ll damage axles, brakes, and maybe even your tow vehicle.
2. Ignoring towing capacity. Just because your truck moves it doesn’t mean it should. Safety matters.
3. Wrong size. Too small and you’re frustrated every trip. Too big and it’s a nightmare to park and store.
4. Skipping maintenance. Tires, brakes, seals – trailers are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance.

Avoid these, and you’ll save yourself both money and stress.

Who Should Seriously Consider One

Not everyone needs an enclosed trailer. But for certain groups, it’s a game-changer.

1. Small businesses. Landscapers, movers, contractors – you can keep tools safe and jobs running smoothly.
2. Hobbyists. Motorcycles, ATVs, race cars – it’s about protecting your passion.
3. Families. Cross-country moves, camping trips, even just safe storage.
4. Vendors. Many food stalls and mobile shops literally start their life inside an enclosed trailer.

If you rely on what you’re hauling, or if you simply can’t afford to risk losing it, an enclosed trailer isn’t a luxury – it’s the smart choice.

Closing Thoughts

At the end of the day, an enclosed trailer is simple in concept but powerful in practice. It’s a moving garage, a mobile billboard, a tool for business, and a safety net for your valuables.

Compared to open models, yes, it costs more. But the enclosed trailer benefits – protection, security, versatility, branding, and durability – make that price tag much easier to swallow.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the rule of thumb: if what you’re hauling matters to you, an enclosed trailer is worth every penny.

FAQs