Enclosed Cargo Trailers

What Are Enclosed Cargo Trailers Used For?

Enclosed cargo trailers protect their cargo and offer a wide range of uses. Their versatility makes them suitable for personal and commercial use, whether you’re moving furniture, hauling motorcycles and bikes, or transporting tools, equipment, and supplies related to your business.

Enclosed Trailers Vs Open-Air Trailers

An enclosed trailer offers complete protection against weather. Unlike open-air trailers, they feature completely closed trailer beds that ensure anything you put inside stays dry and protected against sun, rain, and other weather damages. 

Enclosed trailers can be ideal for those transporting valuable cargo, particularly any items that are more likely to be damaged during transport or attract unwanted attention. You can lock an enclosed trailer when you leave your towing vehicle without worrying about theft or vandalism; open-air trailers are better for jobs with low-risk cargo or when you don’t intend to stop along the way. 

Picking The Right Enclosed Cargo Trailer

There are several factors to consider when picking the right enclosed cargo trailer for your needs, including:

• Trailer length — Is the trailer long enough to accommodate all of your cargo? 

• Weight capacity — Can the trailer fully hold all of your cargo without exceeding the legal Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your towing vehicle? 

• Cargo volume — Consider how much cargo you are hauling and what size trailer you will reasonably need to do it. 

• Material – Aluminum trailers offer a lightweight for improved maneuverability while stainless steel trailers are more durable. 

• Added features — Consider features like ramps and shelving that could enhance your transportation experience and project your cargo. 

Trailer Length

You should measure your largest items first and ensure that you choose a trailer that leaves enough room for them. Consider headroom for taller items; you want them to fit comfortably in the trailer without being crammed in when the trailer is loaded to capacity. 

You must also consider your towing vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. Trailer length will factor into this weight, so ensure you check your vehicle’s specifications to ensure that you choose a trailer it can safely haul.

Weight Capacity

Your towing vehicle and trailer’s weight capacities are crucial to your safety on the road. The GVWR is the most important figure to consider — this number represents the maximum allowable weight for your entire trailer setup once it is fully loaded. You do not want to ever exceed this limit. 

You should also consider trailer axle capacity, which refers to the maximum amount of weight your trailer’s axles can support. Axle weight is linked to axle diameter with thicker axles offering greater durability and higher weight tolerance. 

The tongue weight is also an important factor when calculating your trailer’s weight capacity. Tongue weight is the downward force exerted by the trailer on your tow vehicle’s hitch. If it is too high, it could break from its hitch or cause serious damage to the towing vehicle. Avoid exceeding 10%-15% of the trailer’s weight.

Additional Benefits

There are other benefits available to owning an enclosed cargo trailer. If you are considering purchasing one for personal or commercial use, you can also enjoy greater safety and protection as well as temporary storage for equipment, tools, and other cargo.

Safety & Protection

Cargo stored in an enclosed trailer is protected against water damage, weather damage, and theft. You can easily “load it and leave it” when you’re traveling thanks to a heavy-duty lock. Rather than worry about whether you can comfortably take a break with your cargo in-tow, you can simply leave the vehicle. 

Another added bonus is protection against road debris. Open-air trailers don’t have any coverage, so if something flies up off the road during transport, your cargo could be in jeopardy. Enclosed trailers fix this problem thanks to their 360-degree coverage in a durable metal material.

Temporary Storage Space

You can also use an enclosed trailer for temporary storage space when you’re moving. Many businesses also store their tools, equipment, and other supplies inside the trailer to easily transport them from one job site to another. If you don’t have ample garage space, you could also use the trailer on your own property for items that would typically go in the garage.

Buying Your Trailer from DR Trailers

We’re the largest volume trailer dealer in the Midwest with decades of experience helping our customers find the perfect solution for their needs. Contact DR Trailers in Milan, MI, at 734-439-1441 to speak with an expert.