How to Choose an Enclosed Cargo Trailer – 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

With so many styles, options, and sizes available with an enclosed cargo trailer, it’s important to do your homework to figure out what you truly need.

You don’t want to overspend on accessories that you won’t use and you don’t want to buy more trailer than you really need.  However, you do want to look ahead and make sure you account for any growing room you think you might require in the years to come.

An enclosed cargo trailer is an important investment that will be used to haul equipment for the job, your valuable race car or vintage auto, your favorite toy – be it a motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile – or cargo that’s essential to your home or business.  You want to make sure you’re not skimping on workmanship and materials just to get the lowest price.

Here are some basic guidelines on How to Choose the Right Enclosed Cargo Trailer for you.  Ask yourself these important questions:

    1. What will you be using it for? This is obviously the most important and basic factor to consider.  This will influence the size of the trailer and the options you need.  For example, if you need a trailer for your handyman business, you may need a 5 foot wide single axle trailer for your tools and materials. But if you need a trailer for your vintage race car, then you’ll require an 8.5 foot tandem axle trailer with a ramp door and maybe some tread plates.

    2. How far will you be traveling? This is an important point when considering the options to choose with your enclosed trailer.  If you’re going to be traveling around town with your handyman service, then you may be fine with choosing the standard exterior options.  However, if you’re going to be taking your vintage race car across the country on an auto show tour, then you’ll want to think about purchasing upgrades that will enhance the safety of the trailer such a mounted spare tire, stabilizers and tie-downs, LED tail lights, and a door hold back latch.  You can also choose options to enhance the style and appearance of your trailer (See below: "Will you use your trailer as a marketing piece?").

    3. What type of cargo will you be hauling? The type of cargo you’re planning to haul will directly influence the options you choose for the interior of your enclosed trailer.  Your handyman trailer will need interior racks and shelves for organizing your tools and materials.  If you’re carrying anything that’s temperature sensitive, or if you live in a climate with extreme temps,then you’ll want to opt for vents and air conditioning to maintain a temperature controlled environment while you’re on the road.  You may need to add additional height to the standard trailer sizes to accommodate oversized cargo.

    4. Will you use your trailer as a marketing piece? If you’re using an enclosed trailer for your handyman service, then you may want to customize the exterior with your logo, photos and images as well as your phone number and website.  A custom detailing company can do this for you.  If you’re hauling sensitive or valuable equipment, you may not want to advertise on your trailer, but you can enhance the exterior to match your cargo with a custom color and chrome rims.  You can also style out the interior with black and white checkered flooring upgrades, aluminum tread plate sides, aluminum tread plate flooring, and white vinyl walls and ceiling. (See: Master List of Enclosed Trailer Options)

    5. What is your budget? This is going to play a major factor in your choice of an enclosed trailer – whether you like it or not.  You want to be sure you’re getting quality at a value.  This is not where you want to skimp on workmanship or materials but where you want to find the best value for what you’ve determined you need.  Make sure you’re not paying for options and accessories that you don’t need and won’t use.  It is possible to get a high quality enclosed cargo trailer with the options you require that fits within your budget.

Make sure you ask yourself these essential questions, do your research to see what kind of options are available with an enclosed cargo trailer, and then map out exactly what you desire and require.  Be an informed and prepared consumer and you will get the best quality at the best value available for your needs.


Resources:

Rick McKeithan owns TrailerShowroom.com, an online store for custom cargo trailers, open deck trailers, and enclosed trailers at discount prices. Manufactured to a customer's specifications with over 400 options to customize any kind of trailer: 877-45-TRAILER

5 Tips for Purchasing a Cargo Trailer

A cargo trailer can be used to carry anything from your landscaping and construction tools to a motorcycle, car, or construction vehicle. Cargo trailers can be open or enclosed and are available in a variety of materials with options ranging from a ramp door, to air-conditioning and heat, to lighting and floor covering.

There are many variables to consider when choosing the right cargo trailer for your needs. This is a list of some of the biggest factors involved in purchasing a trailer:

1. New or Used - As you search the internet or Yellow Pages, you'll find options for new and used cargo trailers. Purchasing a new trailer gives you the freedom to pick and choose from customized options offered by the company. You'll get the exact trailer you want, right from the time of purchase. Buying a used trailer may save you some money but you may be limited in adding custom options. If the company offering used trailers also offers customizable options, be sure to price out the options to make sure you're still getting a good deal on the price.

2. Enclosed or Open Deck Trailers - Can your cargo withstand the open air elements? Or would it be better served to be transported under cover? If you're in the market for a car hauler, you can choose from an open runner deck car hauler or an 8.5 foot-wide enclosed car hauler trailer. As with the car haulers, motorcycle trailers also come in both open deck and enclosed. This really depends on your needs and preferences. Other examples of open deck trailers include landscape trailers, utility trailers, deck-over, and boat trailers. Enclosed trailers include toy haulers, motorcyle trailers, concession trailers, livestock trailers, and stacker trailers.

3. Single or Tandem Axle - Cargo trailers come in single and multiple axle varieties. Single axles can accommodate a smaller size trailer such as a 5x8 foot enclosed trailer, a bicycle trailer, or an open deck motorcycle trailer. Tandem axles are appropriate for longer trailers equipped to carry heavy loads, such as a car hauler or deck over trailer. As you consider the size of the trailer you need, the choice for single or tandem axle will become more apparent.

4. Length and Width - Cargo trailers are available in a wide range of sizes from the small utility trailer or landscape trailer, to an 8.5x50 foot gooseneck enclosed trailer or a 10 ton pintle hitch tandem dually deck-over trailer. If you know the particular cargo you need to haul, you'll have a good idea of what size trailer you need. If you're hauling equipment and think you have a growing inventory, then you might want to consider purchasing a size larger than what is appropriate right now.

5. Financing Options - When shopping for a cargo trailer, you must consider cost and how it fits with your budget. Talk to trailer companies about the financing options they offer or can recommend. This is a big dollar purchase and it's important to be smart about considering all your payment options. You want to be sure it's a investment that pays off in the long run.

There are even more options to consider when shopping for a cargo trailer and these are only some of the biggest points to take into account. There are a seemingly infinite number of customizable options for cargo trailers and you'll want to do your research to make sure you get everything you need and want when you purchase your trailer.

Resources:

Rick McKeithan is owner of The Trailer Showroom and sells new cargo trailers custom manufactured to your specifications here in the USA. The open deck trailers and enclosed cargo trailers are available for pick up and limited delivery.

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