How to measure an enclosed trailer? What enclosed trailer sizes are the most common, and what are their applications? In this helpful guide, we’ll offer you an insight into enclosed trailer sizes (including how to measure crucial dimensions), so you can have an easier time buying and selling cargo and utility trailers.
Enclosed Trailer Size Chart
Enclosed trailers come in many different sizes. Some of the most common enclosed trailer dimensions include:
| Size (Width x Length) | Common Purposes | Additional Notes |
| 4′ x 6′ | – Small cargo like motorcycles, ATVs, or personal belongings.
– Mobile vending or small business use (e.g., food cart, mobile boutique). |
– Lightweight and easy to tow with smaller vehicles.
– May have limited headroom. |
| 5′ x 8′ | – Hauling small equipment (e.g., lawnmowers, pressure washers).
– Transporting motorcycles or other recreational vehicles. – Extra storage for camping gear or other outdoor equipment. |
– Good balance of capacity and maneuverability.
– Can be towed by most SUVs and trucks. |
| 6′ x 10′ | – Carrying larger equipment or cargo.
– Small business use (e.g., mobile workshop, contractor tools). – Hauling snowmobiles or other winter sports equipment. |
– Offers more cargo space and headroom.
– May require a more powerful towing vehicle. |
| 6′ x 12′ | – Transporting motorcycles, ATVs, or other recreational vehicles.
– Hauling larger landscaping or construction equipment. – Moving furniture or other household goods. |
– Popular size for both personal and commercial use.
– Offers a good balance of capacity and maneuverability. |
| 7′ x 14′ | – Hauling larger cargo or equipment.
– Transporting cars or small trucks. |
– Offers increased width for wider cargo.
– May require a heavy-duty towing vehicle. |
| 7′ x 16′ | – Transporting cars, small trucks, or boats.
– Hauling large equipment or materials. – Mobile command center or emergency response unit. |
– Provides ample space for larger cargo.
– May require a commercial towing vehicle. |
| 8.5′ x 16′ | – Hauling large vehicles or equipment.
– Transporting multiple motorcycles or ATVs. – Mobile showroom or display unit. |
– Offers maximum cargo space and headroom.
– Requires a heavy-duty commercial towing vehicle. |
| 8.5′ x 20′ and longer | – Transporting large vehicles, boats, or trailers.
– Hauling heavy equipment or machinery. – Mobile living or tiny homes. |
– Provides ample space for oversized cargo.
– Requires a specialized towing vehicle and potentially a commercial driver’s license. |
Common Enclosed Trailer Dimensions
Cargo Trailers
Versatile trailers for hauling various cargo, from equipment and materials to furniture and personal belongings.
Common Dimensions:
- Width: 5′ to 8.5′
- Length: 8′ to 24′
- Height: 6′ to 7′
Car Haulers
Designed specifically for transporting vehicles, often featuring ramps and lowered decks for easy loading.
Common Dimensions:
- Width: 8.5′
- Length: 16′ to 24′
- Height: 6′ to 7′
Motorcycle Trailers
Compact trailers tailored for transporting motorcycles, often with built-in chocks and tie-down points.
Common Dimensions:
- Width: 5′ to 6′
- Length: 8′ to 12′
- Height: 5′ to 6′
Race Trailers
Specialized trailers for transporting race cars and equipment, often with features like tool storage, workbenches, and living quarters.
Common Dimensions:
- Width: 8.5′
- Length: 24′ to 53′
- Height: 7′ to 8′
| Trailer Type | Width (ft) | Length (ft) | Height (ft) | Common Uses |
| Cargo | 5 – 8.5 | 8 – 24 | 6 – 7 | General hauling, small business, moving |
| Car Hauler | 8.5 | 16 – 24 | 6 – 7 | Transporting cars, trucks, SUVs |
| Motorcycle | 5 – 6 | 8 – 12 | 5 – 6 | Transporting motorcycles, ATVs |
| Race Trailer | 8.5 | 24 – 53 | 7 – 8 | Motorsport teams, hauling race cars |
How To Measure an Enclosed Trailer?
Tools You’ll Need:
- Measuring Tape: A long tape measure (at least 25 feet) is essential for accurate measurements.
- Notebook and Pen: To record your measurements.
- A Helper (Optional): An extra set of hands can make the process easier, especially when measuring the interior.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Exterior Measurements:
Length:
- Measure the trailer’s exterior length from the tip of the tongue (the part that connects to the hitch) to the rear of the trailer.
Important!
Do NOT include the coupler (the part that attaches to the tow ball) in your length measurement.
Width: Measure the widest point of the trailer’s exterior, typically from the outside edge of one fender to the outside edge of the other fender.
Height: Measure from the ground to the highest point of the trailer’s roof.
2. Interior Measurements:
Interior Length: Measure the length of the usable cargo space inside the trailer, from the front wall to the inside of the rear door.
Interior Width: Measure the width of the usable cargo space inside the trailer, typically between the walls.
Interior Height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling at the highest point inside the trailer.
Door Opening: Measure the width and height of the rear door opening. This is crucial for ensuring your cargo can fit through the door.
3. Other Important Measurements (if applicable):
- Fender Width: Measure the width of the fenders, as this can affect the usable interior width.
- Wheel Well Intrusion: Note how far the wheel wells protrude into the interior cargo space.
- Floor to Bottom of Side Door: If the trailer has a side door, measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the door opening. This is important for loading ramps or low-clearance items.
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Ensure the trailer is on level ground: This will help you get accurate height measurements. A level trailer ensures that your measurements are accurate and consistent.
- Check the tire pressure: Make sure the trailer’s tires are properly inflated. This will help to ensure that the trailer is sitting level on the ground.
- Record your measurements carefully: Double-check your numbers to avoid mistakes. This will help you to avoid mistakes when you are using the measurements to calculate the size of your cargo or to determine the towing capacity of your vehicle.
How To Choose the Right Enclosed Trailer Size?
How to know which enclosed trailer dimensions will be sufficient for your needs? When choosing a trailer, there are a few important factors to consider.
Cargo Dimensions
First of all, your cargo’s size and weight must be taken into account. This one is self-explenatory. Measure your current and anticipated cargo. Account for any extra space needed for loading, maneuvering, or additional items. With these measurements in hand, you can start trailer shopping.
Towing Vehicle
It’s equally as important to consider your vehicle’s towing capacity. Check your vehicle’s towing capacity (found in the owner’s manual). Don’t exceed this limit to ensure your safety and avoid costly malfunctions.
Maneuverability
Longer trailers can be harder to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. Consider the turning radius and overall length of the trailer when choosing a size. A longer trailer may require more skills and experience to turn around or park.
Storage
Where will you store the trailer when not in use? Measure your available space. Ensure you have enough room to store the trailer safely and securely.
Climate & Terrain
You also should consider the environmental variables. For example, if you live in a region with extreme weather conditions, you may need to consider a trailer with additional insulation or weatherproofing. On top of that, if you plan to tow your trailer on rough or uneven terrain, you may need to choose a trailer with a higher ground clearance.
Final Thoughts on Enclosed Trailer Sizes
From small motorcycle trailers to large hauling trailers, there are plenty of enclosed trailer sizes. Regardless of your needs and intended use, you can find a trailer that fits within your budget and the size limitations you’ve set for yourself. The big part of the success is knowing what you’re looking for. We hope that this guide was helpful in aiding that process.
Are you interested in designing your own enclosed trailer? At Millennium Trailers we have years of experience delivering the highest quality trailers made with your vision at the forefront. We cater to clients in all 50 states, helping you purchase the trailer that meets your every expectation.
