Cargo Trailers: The Best Brands to Shop

There are dozens of manufacturing companies producing high-quality trailers of every size and color. However, how do you know which brands make the best cargo trailers? Well, we’re going to highlight a few names we feel have earned a spot as some of the most trusted and reliable trailer manufacturers around. In addition, we’ll note important features you may want to consider during your next purchase. 

Enclosed Trailer Manufacturer Highlights 

The amazing thing about an enclosed trailer is that they can be used for almost anything! They provide your cargo protection from the outside elements; thus, you can store anything from sensitive equipment and tools to big-ticket items like cars and ATVs It’s also possible to customize these trailers with shelves, sinks, and other fixtures, turning your trailer into a mobile workshop or temporary home. Standard sizes for enclosed trailers are between 5 and 8.5 feet wide. Lengths can vary from 8 to 32 feet long, and heights can be customized to be raised incrementally by 6 inches. Below are some brands we chose which are both well-built and reliable. 

Homesteader enclosed cargo trailers red

Homesteader Trailers

GVWR: 7,000 – 9,950 pounds (bumper pull)

This trailer brand currently produces six different bumper pull models of enclosed trailers, from more affordable (like the Challenger Series) to more expensive models. All Homesteader models come standard with a 32” side door for easy access to the front of the trailer, as well as front aluminum treadplates to protect your trailer from bouncing road debris.  Trailers come in single or tandem axle for heavier loads, along with several rear door options.  Many models are built with an V-Nose which is said to be more aerodynamic, and definitely increases floor space. Homesteader also makes a horse cargo trailer called the Stallion for horse enthusiasts, and for extreme heavy lifting the Hercules gooseneck series which can with GVWR of 15,600 pounds! Whether you are looking for a small cargo trailer to pull behind a car or SUV, to larger models that can hold a car inside, this brand has a model for you! Whether you are looking for a small cargo trailer to pull behind a car or SUV, to larger models that can hold a car inside, you will want to view our Homesteader enclosed cargo trailers for sale!

Gray stealth cargo trailers

Stealth Trailers

GVWR: 2000-21,000 pounds (bumper pull)
Offering up eight different lightweight cargo trailers, Stealth delivers a lot of features for the price. From their entry-level Mustang to the heavy monster hauler like the Hercules. Many models have the choice between a rear single barn door or a ramp, as well as a side entry door option. Most bumper pull models sport the aerodynamic V-nose and front aluminum treadplates. Stealth also produces an enclosed trailer with a gooseneck called the Raptor that has a GVWR of 15,240 pounds. Yet that pales in comparison to their Hercules triple axel, multi-car stacker with a whopping GVWR of 21,000 pounds! For transporting heavy loads and toughness, browse Stealth cargo trailers for sale! 

Gray Haulmark enclosed trailers for sale at Country Blacksmith.

Haulmark

GVWR: 2,990–9,990 pounds (bumper pull) 

Haulmark offers four types of enclosed trailers which all have a V-nose style. The Passport is the starter model capable of hauling loads 1,795 to 4,875 pounds. All models have the option of a side door and various rear door types. The heavy duty and aluminum constructed Grizzly ALX yields a lightweight trailer that can haul payloads up to 6,290 pounds. For both light and strong constructed trailers, check out our Haulmark enclosed cargo trailers for sale! 

Look Trailers

GVWR: 2,990-9,950 

Truly the manufacturer that has a trailer design for any occasion, Look enclosed trailers come in all shapes, sizes, and can suit any purpose. You can find a small cargo trailer to pull behind your car or SUV like the Element or Platinum Aluminum. Or you can tow your vehicles, ATVs, motorcycles, or other toys in the many larger models. Specialty enclosed trailers like the MOAB UTV Trailer come standard with a sink and bed turning your trailer into a small lodging as well. Gooseneck variants (like the Ignite) have added payload capacity raising the GVWR to 18,000 pounds! If you are seeking out very uniquely built custom trailers, give Look Trailers a look. 

White Featherlite enclosed trailers.

Featherlite Trailers

GVWR: N/A 

Just like Look Trailers, Featherlite has many design options for their enclosed trailers to suit many purposes. Recreational models are made for ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Their horse trailers have models with living quarters which resemble fifth wheel campers. With 30 years of NASCAR experience, Featherlite prides themselves with their aluminum car haulers that are both heavy duty and lightweight. Another point worthy of mentioning is that this brand can do large scale custom builds that can turn any trailer into a mobile business. Featherlite Trailers may be light, but they are loaded with features which make your enclosed trailer more than a storage space, but rather an extension of your home or business. Looking for a trailer that will make you and your stuff feel at home? Check out these Featherlite enclosed cargo trailers for sale! 

Gray Country Blacksmith enclosed cargo trailer.

Country Blacksmith Trailers

GVWR: 3,500-10,400 (bumper pull) 

We couldn’t finish a list without highlighting our own brand of trailer. Country Blacksmith produces our very own custom enclosed trailers. Coming standard with side doors and aluminum built with a steel frame, our trailers can carry heavy loads without being heavy themselves. See our new and used enclosed cargo trailers for sale! 

Whether you need a new enclosed trailer or another trailer type, our team here at Country Blacksmith Trailers is happy to assist you with all your trailer needs. We offer many new and used cargo trailers for sale in Illinois, from brands like Homesteader, Featherlite, Haulmark, Stealth, Delta, Diamond Cargo, and more! From trailer parts and accessories to new custom trailers, Country Blacksmith is here to serve you!  

Single Axle Tilt Trailer Selection

Aluma Tilt Trailer

Single axle, full deck gravity tilt trailers have been a problem trailer for years. Let me start with the advantages, Easy to load, Pulls easier and weighs less than a trailer with a rear mesh gate. Now for the problem. Tows TERRIBLE! What do I mean? The full tilt single axle trailer can sway back and forth violently at speeds over 40-50 MPH, potentially leading to loss of control and most certainly panic attacks. Why? The axle is set forward of the middle of the trailer so the tilt deck is heavy enough to the rear to tilt down to the ground when unlatched. This makes the empty trailer almost equal in weight forward and rear of the axle and this balance is what creates the violent sway. The solutions. Always haul 100 lbs on the very front of the deck or better yet, get a split deck tilt single axle! This allows the axle to be behind the center of the deck and the trailer will tow safely! You can also choose an Aluma tilt deck. They are very light and have a tilt assist system that allows proper axle placement for safe towing.

This also applies to tandem axle tilts as well. Generally a split deck tilt or a full power tilt deck let’s the MFG move the axle back far enough for comfortable towing. Always remember to take extra care to load the tongue of your tilt deck trailer 20% heavier than the rear so you stay safe while towing.

Neil Kurtz for the Country Blacksmith Trailers Team