Cargo trailers, or enclosed trailers, are a common type of trailer used to transport goods, equipment or other cargo. They come in a variety of designs, shapes, and sizes - each of which is better suited to a particular application. While they’ve long been popular for the services and trades industries for storing and moving equipment, they’re also popular for transporting recreational vehicles.
Cargo-Enclosed Trailer Structure and Materials
The main components of an enclosed cargo trailer are the (1) frame, and (2) the body.
The frame of a cargo trailer is typically made of steel or aluminum to provide strength and durability. Steel frames are less expensive but tend to be heavier (which will affect fuel economy and wear on your tow vehicle) and are more susceptible to rust. Aluminum frames are lighter (which improves fuel economy and lessens wear), but they are more expensive.
The body or shell of the trailer is commonly constructed from materials like steel, aluminum, or fiberglass. Some trailers have a solid enclosed structure, while others may have open sides or a mesh design.
The construction of a cargo trailer shell can be important because many owners rely on the trailers to not only transport their equipment, but to lock it up. If you’ll be using your enclosed trailer for storage, you’ll want to make sure it’s strong enough to deter break-ins.
Cargo Trailer Sizes
Enclosed Cargo (enclosed) trailers come in a wide variety of sizes, so they’re frequently broken down by width and length.
Width: Enclosed cargo trailers generally come in three widths: 6 ft. wide, 7 ft. wide, and 8.5 ft. wide. By far, the most popular are 8.5 ft. trailers - so you’ll generally find the most variety in trailers at that width.
Length: Enclosed cargo trailers usually start at 8 ft. wide and go up to 32+ ft. long.
Height: With some exceptions, most enclosed trailers are typically 7 ft. tall.
When choosing your next cargo trailer, you will want to consider what you will be using it to haul. Typically we recommend considering your largest load you’ll be hauling, for both weight and overall volume and length, and adding some extra length or weight load to be safe.
Cargo Trailer Doors and Access Points
Enclosed cargo trailers typically have one or more doors for easy access to the cargo. These doors may swing open, slide, or roll up, depending on the design of the trailer. Most commonly, cargo trailers have either barn doors (that swing out on either side) or ramp doors (that open from the top down to provide a ramp for loading).
The type of door you need on your cargo trailer will depend on what you intend to do with it, and where you’re using or storing it.
If you live in a more urban/suburban area, barn doors or roll up doors can be more convenient because they take up less space when open. As a result, they can be accessed and loaded in tighter spaces because they often need only 3 1/2 ft. of clearance on either side. By contrast, ramp doors typically need 6+ ft. of clearance to open - however they make loading the trailer (particularly for small vehicles and equipment like lawnmowers) much easier.
Cargo Trailer Towing and Hitches
Enclosed cargo trailers offer different types of hitches, such as ball hitches, gooseneck hitches, and fifth-wheel hitches, each designed for specific towing needs. Below are some common types of hitches along with their requirements:
Ball Hitch
This is the most common type of hitch and consists of a ball mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle and a coupler on the trailer tongue that fits over the ball.
Requirements:
- The towing vehicle must have a compatible receiver hitch installed
- The size of the ball (diameter) must match the size specified for the trailer coupler
Gooseneck Hitch
This type of hitch involves a ball mounted in the bed of a pickup truck, and the trailer's gooseneck coupler attaches to this ball.
Requirements:
- The towing vehicle must have a specialized gooseneck hitch installed in the truck bed
- This type is commonly used for larger trailers, providing increased stability and a tighter turning radius
Fifth-Wheel Hitch
Similar to a gooseneck hitch, but instead of a ball, it uses a large, flat plate in the bed of the towing vehicle. The trailer has a kingpin on its tongue that connects to the plate.
Requirements:
- The towing vehicle must have a fifth-wheel hitch installed in the truck bed
- It is often used for larger trailers, such as RVs and heavy-duty cargo trailers
Pintle Hitch
This hitch involves a lunette ring on the trailer that hooks onto a pintle hook mounted on the towing vehicle.
Requirements:
- The towing vehicle must have a pintle hook receiver or a pintle hitch attachment
- Pintle hitches are often used in heavy-duty and military applications
Weight Distribution Hitch
Designed to distribute the trailer's tongue weight more evenly across the tow vehicle and trailer axles, improving stability.
Requirements:
- Compatible with various types of hitches (e.g., ball hitch)
- It typically requires a specialized weight distribution hitch system installed on the towing vehicle
Receiver Hitch
Receiver hitches come in different classes (I, II, III, IV, V) based on their towing capacity. Each class has a specific weight rating, and the appropriate class depends on the size and weight of the trailer.
Requirements:
- The towing vehicle must have a receiver hitch installed, and it should be of the appropriate class for the trailer's weight
- Before selecting a hitch, it's crucial to consider the towing capacity of the vehicle, the weight of the trailer, and the specific requirements of the trailer's coupler
- Additionally, the installation of certain hitches may require professional assistance or modification to the towing vehicle. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for both the vehicle and the trailer to ensure a safe and compatible towing setup
Cargo Trailer Life Expectancy
As a result of being enclosed, cargo trailers can have a lifespan of 10-20 years or more. However, that life expectancy is based on a variety of factors including:
- Use: frequent and aggressive use of a cargo trailer will reduce its lifespan - this includes overloading and accidents which can also have an adverse affect on how long your trailer will be in service
- Build quality: you get what you pay for - and the top brands make their trailers with better quality materials that will last longer and handle wear better
- Maintenance: regular maintenance is critical to ensuring your cargo trailer lasts a long time - from lubrication to mitigating rust/corrosion to regular inspections
- Environmental conditions: Harsh weather conditions (heat, cold, saltwater, humidity) can cause a cargo trailer to wear out more quickly if not properly protected against
Cargo Trailer Suspensions
Cargo trailers can have different types of suspensions to provide a smooth and stable ride, depending on the trailer's size, intended use, and the type of load it will carry. Some smaller cargo trailers do not come with suspension systems, and anyone you talk to who has done a significant amount of hauling will likely tell you that you should opt for a suspension system whenever possible for safety, tire wear, and ease of handling.
Here are some common types of cargo trailer suspensions:
Leaf Spring Suspension:
Leaf spring suspension is a traditional and widely used system. It consists of multiple layers of spring steel (leaves) that are mounted on top of each other. The leaves flex to absorb shocks and provide support.
Characteristics:
- Simple and durable design
- Suitable for various trailer sizes and loads
- Can be adjustable for different load capacities
Torsion Axle Suspension
Torsion axles use rubber cords within the axle tube to provide suspension. As the trailer encounters bumps, the rubber cords twist to absorb the shock and provide a smooth ride.
Characteristics:
- Independent suspension for each wheel, enhancing stability
- Low maintenance compared to leaf spring systems
- More compact design, allowing for a lower trailer deck height
Rubber Torsion Suspension
Similar to torsion axle suspension, rubber torsion suspension systems use rubber elements to absorb shocks. These rubber elements are often enclosed in a metal tube.
Characteristics:
- Provides a smooth and quiet ride
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Suitable for lightweight to medium-duty trailers
Air Suspension
Air suspension uses airbags to provide support and cushioning. The air pressure can be adjusted to accommodate different loads and road conditions.
Characteristics:
- Offers a high level of adjustability for various loads
- Can improve ride comfort and stability
- Commonly used in heavy-duty and commercial trailers
Independent Suspension
Independent suspension systems allow each wheel to move independently, providing better stability and handling.
Characteristics:
- Enhanced ride quality and handling
- Suitable for larger trailers and those carrying fragile or sensitive cargo
- Commonly found in high-end or specialty trailers
Rigid (Fixed) Axle Suspension
In rigid axle suspension, the trailer's wheels are connected by a solid axle, and the movement of one wheel affects the other.
Characteristics:
- Simple design
- Common in smaller and lighter trailers
- Generally more affordable but may provide a less smooth ride
When choosing a cargo trailer suspension type, factors such as the trailer's intended use, the type of cargo, and the road conditions it will encounter should be considered. Additionally, maintenance requirements, cost, and the desired level of ride comfort are essential factors to take into account. Manufacturers often specify the type of suspension used in their trailers, so it's a good idea to review their specifications and recommendations.
Popular Cargo Trailer Brands
Some of the most popular enclosed cargo trailer brands include:
- Continental Cargo
- Cross
- Darkhorse
- Diamond Cargo
- Haulmark
- H&H
- Look
- NEO
- Pace American
- Sure-Trac
Cargo Trailer Pricing
The price of an enclosed cargo trailer is going to vary widely based on the manufacturer, the size, and the features/add-ons.
On the low end, single-axle enclosed cargo trailers with no frills can range from $1,000-$5,000.
Tandem-axle enclosed cargo trailers can range from $3,000-$15,000 depending on the size, construction materials, and other options.
On the high end, large enclosed cargo trailers (often used to transport vehicles) can run upwards of $6,000-$20,000 or more.
