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 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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Choosing a Utility Trailer

Buying The Best Utility Trailer

The costs, fees and hassles of renting trailers are not always economical. Especially when you see your reserved trailer is a well-worn ’97 model that wouldn’t hold the weight of kitten. Looking for an affordable option to increase your cargo space and take your business or personal items wherever you need to go? Utility trailers are a great option! Gone will be the days of bumping your head and scratching your vehicle as you try to play storage Tetris. Whether you are buying for the first time or you are just looking to purchase as an upgrade, it’s good to know some basics before browsing a dealer’s lot or searching online.

Utility Trailer Buying Factors

Use – Decide what the main purpose of your trailer is going to be and focus on that. What are you going to be carrying normally? Is your cargo sensitive to the weather? Do you need to pull heavy lawn equipment? You need to make sure that you are honest with yourself and get something that will meet your expectations.

Design – Once you’ve determined your trailer’s main use you can budget appropriately. For example, you may opt for a smaller single axle trailer for carrying just a few push mowers and trimmers. Or maybe you need to carry heavier equipment that you wish to store in your trailer as well, in which case, you’d opt for an enclosed cargo trailer with tandem (two) axles. Check the trailers GVWR to make sure that it can handle the load you plan to place on it.

Vehicle – Can your vehicle pull both the trailer and the payload safely? Also, if it can, do you have a proper hitch to support the trailer? This is where you will have to check your vehicle’s GVWR located on the VIN sticker in the door jamb or manufacture website. Check out this article about weight ratings for vehicles, hitches, and trailers! We also covered some of the best vehicles for towing a trailer.

Condition – Whether the trailer is new or used, it’s good to make sure that it passes a basic inspection. This includes looking over all visible parts to confirm they are in working order. It also includes checking the tire condition, looking for rust, inspecting the brakes and the electrical functionality. Next, verify suspension is free of cracks, test ramps strength, and make sure hitch assembly has no missing parts. Checking warranties may provide some guarantee on the trailer’s quality as well.

Registration – Check your state’s trailer registration requirements. You may need Certificate of Origin & Sales Receipt. This is crucial when buying a trailer used. Ask the seller for any and all paperwork, including service receipts, upon purchase.

Utility Trailer Types: Open vs. Enclosed

Open Trailer – Utility trailers are typically open air, more affordable, lighter, and have a higher weight capacity compared to similarly sized cargo trailers. These trailers usually have flat wood deck floors bordered with a short sidewalls or railing. Most also have a loading ramp which folds and locks upright like tailgate when traveling. These trailers can be customized with racks and storage to hold tools and smaller items in place when on the road. Given the ease of access, open trailers are especially great for hauling trash or rubble. This also makes it easier to maneuver vehicles on and off the trailer. However, due to the open design, your cargo will not be as secure and protected from outside elements as they are in enclosed trailers. These trailers may fall under the label of “landscape trailers” as they essentially share the same purpose and features. Landscape trailers, however, may be larger and come standard with features not found on basic utility trailers.

Green River, United States - September 7th 2014. 2014 model year Ford F-150 with a trailer parked at a rest stop along Interstate 70. — Green River, United States – September 7th 2014. 2014 model year Ford F-150 with a trailer parked at a rest stop along Interstate 70.

Enclosed Cargo Trailer – Given the weight and dimensions do not exceed certain limits, enclosed trailers can be used or classified as utility trailers. They double as a mobile storage unit for your materials, equipment, and tools. A trailer with covered storage area gives your equipment maximum protection against the outdoor elements like sunlight, rain, falling branches or debris bouncing up from the road. You can also add extra security to your trailer by locking the door. Another added benefit to enclosed trailers is the ability to put your logo and contact info on the sides. Your trailer becomes a traveling billboard that advertises your business wherever you go! The disadvantage of enclosed trailers compared to open trailers is that they tend to be more expensive and bulkier.

Buying New or Used Utility Trailers

Your budget may be the main determining factor in your purchase. Or you have the budget, but the model you are looking for is out of stock. Unless you have time to save up money or wait for inventory to replenish, buying a new trailer can seem impossible. At Country Blacksmiths Trailers, we can work with any budget and provide financing for all our trailers. We also offer the best prices for both new and used utility, landscape, or enclosed trailers. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we’ll custom order it for you or find in-stock trailer that meets or exceeds your expectations. We can even customize trailers and add your business information to enclosed trailers. Let our experienced team at Country Blacksmith Trailers answer your questions and get you the right trailer for the right price.

Enclosed Cargo Trailers – Your Buying Guide

We get many calls from customers asking us about the wide range of brands and prices that are available in the enclosed cargo trailer market. It is very easy to fall into the trap of thinking “It’s just a box on wheels with painted aluminum sheeting and a steel frame”. Enclosed cargo trailers may look similar on the outside, but let the buyer be aware that there are many differences between cargo trailer manufacturers!

We can broadly categorize the enclosed cargo trailers into two categories. Cheap and short to very short life or more costly and durable to very durable. If your use is primarily storage or occasional (6 times a year) and local (50 mile radius), you will find the lower priced trailers will serve you fine. If your use is more than that you will want to select a better and more expensive enclosed cargo trailer from a reputable dealer with a warranty center and it will save you money down the road. The mantra that “you get what you pay for” applies very well to the enclosed cargo trailer industry.

What problems does frequent use of a cheap enclosed cargo trailer bring? Here’s a short list!

The screws holding the exterior panels WILL come out! (This is because the steel frame is way too light and has too much flex under load, and just because your wall posts are 16″ on center is no guarantee, putting more thin tube wall posts that are spot welded to a bottom angle iron side frame won’t help!)
The spot welds holding the wall posts to the trailer side frame can break and the sidewalls will come loose. (yes, fast is what makes cheap, and a frightful amount of cargo trailer companies minimally spot weld the trailers together!)
The aluminum side panels can corrode completely through somewhere in the bottom 6″in about a year. (the steel frames have no coating so the aluminum and steel react when moisture is present and the aluminum panel gets corrosion holes real fast)
The axle hangers can break off. (this is especially true of trailers that have an I-beam frame. NEVER buy an enclosed cargo trailer with an I-beam or channel frame!)
The roof is very prone to leak. (this is due to the Galvalume roof metal used on economy trailers and carelessness in the fabricating/sealing process.)
The interior wood trim comes off very easily. (a combination of frame flex and very few trim staples)
Warranty is logistically very expensive and difficult for the buyer. (the cheapest enclosed cargo trailers are sold by the factory or a low priced online agent and getting warranty service requires the buyer to return it hundreds or thousands of miles to the manufacturer for service.)
The wiring is very poorly done. (it is not protected when it passes through the steel frame and we have worked on brand new trailers that had developed shorts in the wiring from being transported empty!)
This is a not a complete list, we should also mention poor fit and finish. Some of the cheaper cargo trailers you can see through cracks in between the floor and sidewalls right down to the road! (major design issues cause this)

What makes the difference? In general, the trailers made in the South are cheaper and more disposable than those made in the North. Here is a list of items and questions to help you select a quality enclosed trailer.

Tube main frames and tongues – 2″x4″ on a single axle and 2″x6″ on a tandem axle up to 24′ long and 2″x8″ for trailers over 24′ is a must! (we learned the hard way on this one and replaced a mower contractors 26′ trailer!)
.030″ or thicker exterior aluminum sheeting – Go with .040″ or .050″ thick aluminum panels with 12″ wall post centers for severe duty use.
Exterior Panel Fasteners – Screwless is very nice looking and easy to put decals on, but stay away from an economy trailer with a screwless exterior. Panels have been known to blow completely off! Especially black! Make sure you are purchasing a top quality trailer if specifying a screwless exterior. Also, make sure the MFG has a barrier between the aluminum sheeting and steel frame, especially the bottom 6″!
Dexter or Lippert axles – The parts are interchangeable and easy to find and both companies have 5-6 year warranties on their axles and painless warranty departments.
Drymax or Advantech floor – instead of plywood. These products have held up very well in our under water tests!
What is the warranty and where can I get warranty service? 1-5 years is what you will be told, but the most important question is where can I get warranty service done and what is the process? Also ask the dealer for the track record of a MFG on taking care of warranty claims. Every MFG makes mistakes, what sets them apart is how they take care of those mistakes!
What are the MFG reviews? A good manufacturer will typically have a 3.5 star review or better. Why? Because when customers have to talk to a manufacturer, there are generally problems that the dealer is not taking care of. It pays to deal with a reputable dealer that will take care of you. The end user should never need to talk to the MFG! The review rating for a MFG is more of a testimony to the quality of their dealer network and their support of that network, than of the product they MFG.
Is this an economy or premium model offered by this MFG? Most MFG make competitively priced, economy models, such as a Stealth Mustang model, and premium, very good quality models , such as the Stealth Liberty model. This can make it difficult for the buyer to decipher what exactly he is purchasing. A Stealth or Haulmark or Wells Cargo trailer at one dealer may be a thousand dollars less than a similar trailer at another dealer, but the more expensive trailer could be the best value. Pay attention to the model and the particular options it has had added to it.
Be honest with yourself and your dealer about how you will use your enclosed cargo trailer, and don’t buy cheap with high expectations!
Axle Size – If you are getting an 8’5’x24′ or longer trailer, DON’T get 3.5K axles. Insist on 5.2K axles. These upgraded axles will benefit many contractors on smaller size trailers as well. In our rental fleet, we don’t want a tandem enclosed trailer with less than a 6K axle under it! Not even the 6’x12′ single axle! 🙂
Torsion Suspension – If your use is above normal, or you want low maintenance, get Torsion Suspension axles. Smoother ride, the ability to get off at the next exit if you have a flat tire, and a 10 year warranty are what you will get for about $250 per axle!
Jack – Ask for the 7K dropleg jack option on your tandem axle enclosed trailer! It will be $140 well spent. Some dealers can do this simple upgrade to units they have in stock.
Radial Trailer Tires – If the trailer you are looking at has bias tires on it, run screaming the other way! They wear terrible, ride worse and save about $10 per tire!
Roof – Get a one piece aluminum or translucent fiberglass roof. Your cargo last much longer if you keep water off of it!
Side Door – For best security get a side door with a bar lock and flush lock. Also ask for an aluminum door hold back. The plastic ones break real easy! A really neat option is the door bar locks with built in key. They are called vice locks and eliminate the need for purchasing padlocks for your side and rear doors.

It takes research and effort to find an enclosed cargo trailer that is a quality product with an outstanding team behind it, but it is worth the effort! Happy Trailering!

Neil Kurtz for the Country Blacksmith Trailers Team

Enclosed Cargo Trailer Buying Guide