Go Back

Enclosed Trailer Size Guide: Which Size Trailer is Right for You?

An enclosed trailer is an important piece of equipment to protect your cargo from bad weather or theft. They’re also extremely versatile — you can utilize an enclosed trailer for a variety of different uses, from landscaping or construction to hauling smaller vehicles like ATVs.

The problem? There are many types and sizes of enclosed trailers on the market. But, figuring out what size you need to buy can be easier said than done. Purchasing an enclosed trailer is an investment that will benefit you for years to come, so it’s important to make sure you get the right size, the first time.

To help you understand trailer sizes, we’ve created this comprehensive guide that provides the standard trailer size for each type and explains how to find the cargo trailer size that’s best for you.

How to know what trailer size you need

The first step to learning about trailer sizes is finding something called your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This term represents the maximum amount of weight that a vehicle (whether a pickup truck, SUV, or something else) is designed to carry. Essentially, this number is how much weight the vehicle can hold while still being safe to drive.

Your GVWR includes:

The net weight of the vehicle, including any accessories
Passengers
Cargo
Fuel and fluids

Once you find your GVWR, this number will stay constant no matter what you tow. If your vehicle is over its GVWR, you might get tickets or fines. These GVWR laws are in place to keep everybody safe and to keep highways from deteriorating as quickly.

You can find GVWR by examining your pickup truck or other vehicle. In most cases, you can find a sticker on the driver’s door of the vehicle that lists the vehicle’s GVWR. Trailers often list their GVWR on the vehicle, too. In other cases, you may be able to find the GVWR in the owner’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer. If you still aren’t sure, use a vehicle scale.

You can find your trailer’s total load capacity (how much you can carry) by running the following simple equation:

Trailer GVWR - trailer empty weight = safe tow weight

Using our Homesteader 508CS Enclosed Cargo Trailer as an example, this might look like:

2,990 lbs - 880 lbs = 2,110 lbs

In this example, you could safely tow a total of 2,110 pounds using this trailer.

Knowing GVWR helps you determine how much weight you could pull with certain vehicles and certain trailers, which is helpful as you browse common trailer sizes to figure out which one is right for you.

How to read trailer sizing

Trailer lengths are measured according to the trailer floor running from the back of the box to the front. If the trailer is a V-nose, this is not included in the measurement (more on this in a minute).

Trailer height is measured from the bottom of the box to the top of the box. For trailer width, these measurements are taken outside the box, from one side to the other. If you hear someone refer to having a “six-foot trailer,” this means the trailer is six feet wide on the outside.

For example, our Choice Cargo 6X12 Single Axle Enclosed Trailer w/ Ramp is 6 feet wide (72”) and 12 feet long (144”). But these aren’t the only measurements to keep in mind when choosing a trailer size. For this product, we also include the following measurements:

Floor length: 11' 9" or 141.00"

Width: 5' 8" or 68.00"

Height: 6' 3" or 75.00"

Weight: 1200 lbs

GVWR: 2,990 lbs

Payload capacity (safe tow weight): 1700 lbs

Standard trailer sizing

Enclosed trailer floor lengths are most often between 8’ and 32’, and 7’ is a common height.

When it comes to enclosed trailer widths, the most common or “standard” sizes are:

5’ wide. A five-foot trailer is a great fit for anyone who needs to carry several smaller tools, such as a construction worker.

6’ wide. A six-foot-wide enclosed trailer might seem small, but it can carry thousands of pounds.

7’ wide. If you plan to use your trailer in a city area with lots of traffic or tricky turns, a seven-foot trailer is a good middle-ground choice that carries higher weights while still being easy to guide along tight roads.

8.5’ wide. This larger size comes in several lengths and is often used to transport large items such as another vehicle.

Enclosed trailer sizing

Standard enclosed trailers are 5’, 6’, 7’, or 8.5’. Their lengths range from 8’ to 28’, with options like 10', 12', 14', 16', 20', and 24' commonly available.

For example, you might find enclosed trailers described as 6’ x 12’, meaning the trailer is 6 feet wide and 12 feet long. Standard interior height is around 6’, but variations exist.

When determining the size of an enclosed trailer, ensure that these measurements provide a little extra room for maneuvering items inside. A common mistake is to buy based purely on cargo volume without considering the irregular shapes of items, which can make loading inefficient. If you anticipate your cargo needs growing, consider going up a size to accommodate future requirements.

Gooseneck trailer sizing

Standard gooseneck trailers are 8’ x 24’, 8’ x 26’, 8’ x 30’, or 8’ x 36’.

Gooseneck trailers have a unique hitch and are sized slightly differently than other trailers. Most goosenecks have a 12-inch I-beam. And the average size for axles and dual wheels is 10,000 pounds. This affects the trailer’s GVWR.

A gooseneck trailer is a trailer that has a longer hitch (somewhat resembling the neck of a goose). Gooseneck trailers are used for pickup trucks. They’re a good fit for hauling items that are particularly tall or long.

You may want a gooseneck if you move heavy items regularly. Goosenecks are highly stable and less prone to tipping over.

V-nose trailer sizing

Standard V-nose trailers are 5’, 6’, 7’, or 8.5’

A V-nose adds ~2’ to the length of the trailer, and the measurement of a V-nose trailer does not include this extra part. So if you see a V-nose trailer listed as having a 20’ length, the actual length is likely 22’ instead.

Enclosed car hauler sizing

Standard car haulers are 8’ x 16’, 8’ x 20’, or 8.5’ x 24’. Lengths can range from 8’ to 28’, with standard sizes like 10', 12', 14', 16', 20', and 24' frequently offered.

Enclosed car haulers present a different challenge. In addition to measuring the dimensions of the vehicle you intend to haul, add a few extra feet to account for ease of loading, unloading, and any other equipment you might carry alongside.

Learn more: How to Choose the Best Car Hauler Trailer

What to consider when choosing cargo trailer dimensions

The best enclosed trailer size for you depends on what you plan to use it for. Are you hauling sturdy ATVs or small handheld construction tools? A different size trailer will be appropriate for each of these. And remember, you’ll also have to store your trailer when you aren’t using it. Make sure you have a large enough location to store the size trailer you purchase.

Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind based on what you plan to do with your trailer.

Landscaping

If you’re looking for the best enclosed trailer sizes for landscaping, figure out how many mowers you’re transporting (as well as any other equipment) and what sizes they are. A six-foot-wide enclosed trailer is likely your best bet.

Learn more: Which Trailer Is Best for Your Landscaping Business?

Construction

For contractors and home remodelers, a six-foot or seven-foot enclosed trailer is a good choice. This size trailer provides plenty of room to store tools and equipment, while still being easy to maneuver around the area where you’re working. The trailer can serve as extra storage space, too.

Storage

Enclosed trailers can serve as storage because they protect your items from bad weather and from getting stolen or damaged. If you’re looking for a trailer for storage, staying on the smaller side (six to seven feet wide) is probably best. You still want to be able to easily move the trailer if needed. And even six- and seven-foot cargo trailers contain a lot of space.

Hauling (golf cart, car, ATV, etc.)

If you’re looking for a standard trailer size to haul a vehicle — such as a car, motorcycle, golf cart, ATV, UTV, or something else — an 8.5’ enclosed cargo trailer will be the right choice. You’ll also need to make sure your trailer is long enough to fit the vehicle. You’ll also want to consider the height of your vehicle to ensure your trailer has a rear opening that is tall enough to give it clearance when loading and unloading.

Check out the best trailers for ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides →

Choose your next enclosed trailer from one of the five best trailer brands.

Shop enclosed trailer sizes with Ken Feagin

There’s a lot that goes into reading enclosed trailer sizes and figuring out the best size for you. But once you understand GVWR and can recognize standard trailer sizes, it becomes much easier to match up the right trailer size with your needs.

Ready to take a look at your options? We’d love to help. Here at Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer, we have enclosed trailers of every size, from 5’ up, as well as used trailers in great condition. If you're unsure whether to shop new or used trailers, read our used trailer buying guide.

If you’re shopping for an enclosed trailer in Asheville or Greenville, SC, we’re right down the road in Campobello, SC. Come visit us, or give us a call–we’re always happy to help.

You may also like: