Choosing the right size utility trailer is crucial for safe and efficient transportation. Whether you’re a weekend warrior tackling home improvement projects or a professional contractor hauling equipment, understanding the most common trailer dimensions will come in handy.
This article will explore the popular widths and lengths of utility trailers, helping you determine the ideal size for your needs.
Utility Trailer Sizes Chart
| Size | Width (approx.) | Length (approx.) | Typical Uses |
| 4×8 ft | 4 ft | 8 ft | Small loads, motorcycles, ATVs |
| 5×8 ft | 5 ft | 8 ft | Lawnmowers, small landscaping equipment, furniture |
| 5×10 ft | 5 ft | 10 ft | Larger loads, construction materials, appliances |
| 6×12 ft | 6 ft | 12 ft | Landscaping, hauling dirt, gravel, larger equipment |
| 7×14 ft | 7 ft | 14 ft | Heavy-duty hauling, construction, moving |
| 8×16 ft | 8 ft | 16 ft | Large equipment, construction materials, moving |
| 8×20 ft | 8 ft | 20 ft | Large equipment, moving, long loads |
Keep in mind that the utility trailer dimensions can be easily adjusted to your specific needs. There are also important considerations like the payload capacity and towing capacity that you’ll need to take into account when choosing a trailer. We’ll talk about those factors later in this guide.
How To Read Trailer Dimensions
Trailer dimensions are typically expressed as width (from side to side) x length (from the back of the trailer box to the front).
For example: A “5×8” trailer is 5 feet wide and 8 feet long.
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Important Considerations
Interior vs. Exterior
Sometimes producers include information about the interior and exterior utility trailer measurements (most commonly in the case of enclosed trailers). What is the difference between the two?
Exterior dimensions include the entire trailer, which extends to fenders, lights, and any other protruding parts.
Interior dimensions refer to the usable space within the trailer bed for loading cargo.
The exterior dimensions are crucial for considering aspects like the trailer’s storage and adhering to any regulations that are set in place for where you want to use it. The interior utility trailer dimensions will come in handy when assessing whether the cargo you want to move will safely fit onto the trailer.
Tongue Length
The tongue is the part of the trailer that attaches to the towing vehicle. It’s crucial to consider tongue length when choosing a towing vehicle. A longer tongue can provide better weight distribution and stability, but it also adds to the overall length of the trailer.
Smaller trailers, like utility trailers, typically have a tongue length of 3–4 ft. On the other hand, larger trailers, like travel or enclosed car trailers, may need a tongue length of 5–6 ft.
Height
The overall height of the trailer is also important for clearance under bridges, overpasses, and garages. A higher trailer can limit your ability to go under low-hanging obstacles, so it’s important to consider the height of your garage door and any other potential clearance issues.
How To Measure a Utility Trailer?
When buying a utility trailer, you don’t usually need to measure it yourself. A seller will provide you with this information. However, if you’re looking to sell your trailer, knowing how to measure a utility trailer becomes useful. Fortunately, there’s not much philosophy to it. Here’s a short step-by-step guide.
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- Measuring Tape: A long one (at least 25 feet) will be most helpful.
- Notebook and Pen: To record your measurements.
- Helper (Optional): Can assist with holding the measuring tape or taking notes.
2. Measure the Length
Interior Length:
- Measure from the front inside edge of the trailer bed to the rear inside edge.
- This gives you usable space for loading cargo.
Exterior Length:
Measure from the very front of the trailer (including any tongue extension) to the rear point of the trailer (including any fenders or lights).
3. Measure the Width
Interior Width:
Measure from the inside edge of one sidewall to the inside edge of the opposite sidewall.
Exterior Width:
Measure from the outermost point on one side of the trailer to the outermost point on the other side.
4. Measure the Height (Optional)
Interior Height:
Measure from the floor of the trailer bed to the top of the inside of the sidewalls.
Exterior Height:
Measure from the ground to the highest point of the trailer (including any lights or racks).
5. Record Your Measurements
- Write down all measurements clearly in your notebook.
- Note whether the measurements are for interior or exterior dimensions.
What Size Trailer Do You Need?
The trailer size is an important factor to consider. Different purposes will require different-sized utility trailers, and in this game, bigger is not always better. Here are the three main considerations when choosing a trailer.
The Load
Firstly, carefully assess the size and weight of the intended load. Will you be hauling bulky items, heavy equipment, or simply transporting small loads? You need to select a trailer that can support the weight of the cargo.
Smaller utility trailers (we’re talking less than 10 feet long) offer an average cargo load of 1,800 lbs, while large enclosed utility trailers have an average load of 4,400 lbs.
Towing Capacity
Your vehicle’s towing capacity is another crucial factor. Exceeding your vehicle’s towing limits can be dangerous and may even void your vehicle’s warranty. Not to mention, you’re increasing wear and tear on your vehicle, which may lead to costly problems down the line.
The best way to avoid that is to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine its towing capacity.
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
GVWR, as you may already know, is the maximum safe weight of a vehicle, as determined by the manufacturer. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself, plus any passengers, cargo, and fuel. Knowing your vehicle’s GVWR will help you select a utility trailer that fits within those norms for safe and reliable transportation.
Trailer Storage
Finally, where you intend to store your utility trailer also matters. If you plan to store the trailer in your garage, take into account the width and height of the door. Make sure that your new equipment will be able to fit through them.
Final Thoughts on Utility Trailer Sizes
And that’s how we’re ending this utility trailer size guide. One thing to take away from this is that utility trailers come in plenty of sizes and cargo loads, so finding one that meets your current requirements shouldn’t be a problem.
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team at Millennium Trailers. We’ve sold over 5,000 trailers to all 50 states, which means we have the experience to help you find the exact trailer for your needs and budget.
Check out our inventory or contact us directly to get more information!
