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If you haul equipment, move vehicles, or need flexible storage on wheels, a motor vehicle trailer can change how you work and play. Trailers expand what your vehicle can carry without turning your truck into an all-in-one behemoth. Think of a trailer as an extension of your vehicle’s utility — a detachable cargo room that frees up your cab and makes heavy loads manageable. Whether you're an occasional DIYer or a professional contractor, picking the right trailer pays off in time saved, trips avoided, and headaches prevented.
Utility trailers are the Swiss Army knives of towing: open, lightweight, and usually 4 to 7 feet wide and 8 to 16 feet long. They’re perfect for hauling landscaping gear, furniture, ATVs, or construction materials. Most utility trailers have a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ranging from roughly 1,500 to 7,000 pounds, making them towable by many SUVs and pickup trucks.
Enclosed trailers protect cargo from weather and theft and come in lengths from about 8 feet to 24 feet or more. If you’re transporting motorcycles, vintage cars, or tools that must stay dry, these are the go-to option. Expect higher weights — GVWRs commonly run 3,500 to 10,000 pounds — and invest in proper ventilation and tie-down points to keep items secure in transit.
Designed to transport vehicles, car haulers typically feature a low deck height and may include dovetails or tilt mechanisms to drive a car on without ramps. Standard car trailers begin around 16 feet in length and often have GVWRs between 5,000 and 12,000 pounds, depending on tandem axles and construction.
Equipment trailers are heavy-duty, made for skid loaders, mini-excavators, and heavy landscaping machinery; their decks can be 14 to 20 feet long with GVWRs well over 10,000 pounds. Dump trailers include hydraulic lifts to tip and unload loose materials like gravel or mulch — a contractor’s best friend when moving bulk loads on site.
U-Haul is widely known for rentals, but many locations sell used trailers and parts, and they’re an accessible option if you need short-term towing or want to test a trailer type before committing to a purchase. Their nationwide footprint means you can compare rental experiences to potential buy decisions in familiar settings.
TrailersPlus operates a network of dealerships that sell and service a variety of trailer brands, including utility, enclosed, and specialty trailers. They’re a strong pick if you want a local dealer who can help configure options like ramps, tie-downs, and electrical upgrades.
PJ Trailers is a major manufacturer with heavy-duty builds and a broad dealer network across the U.S. Their lineup covers car haulers, equipment trailers, and enclosed models. If durability and resale value matter, factory-built PJ trailers are worth a close look.
Big Tex is another prominent manufacturer known for value-focused construction and diverse model choices, including landscape and tilt trailers. Dealers often let you choose axle setups, decking materials, and accessory packages to tune a trailer toward specific jobs.
For parts, hitches, wiring, and frequently entire trailers, eTrailer.com is an online resource that pairs product listings with how-to videos and customer reviews. If you’re building a rig from components — hitch, wiring harness, brake controller — this site can be an excellent reference point.
Northern Tool sells a selection of utility and equipment trailers suited for homeowners and small contractors. With brick-and-mortar stores in many regions and online availability, Northern Tool can be a convenient spot to compare budget-friendly trailers and accessory kits.
GVWR is the total maximum weight a trailer is rated to carry, including the trailer’s own weight. If a trailer’s GVWR is 7,000 pounds and the empty weight (dry weight) is 3,000 pounds, you have 4,000 pounds of payload capacity. Always confirm your tow vehicle’s maximum towing capacity on the door jamb sticker or owner’s manual and leave a safety margin — don’t push those numbers to the absolute limit.
Tongue weight — the downward force a trailer places on the hitch — should generally be 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight for bumper-pull trailers. Weight distribution hitches or sway control equipment may be necessary for heavier loads. Check your vehicle’s hitch class and use the proper ball size, typically 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, or 2 5/16 inches for common trailer couplers.
Trailer lengths influence maneuverability and storage. A 12-foot utility trailer is easier to park and tow in tight city spots, while an 18-foot car hauler provides room for two small vehicles or a truck and a lawn tractor. Consider garage or driveway space where you’ll store the trailer when it’s not in use to avoid surprises.
Trailers over 1,500 pounds often require trailer brakes by law in many states. Electric brakes are common and pair with a brake controller in the tow vehicle, while surge brakes use hydraulic pressure generated by the trailer’s forward motion to actuate braking. Electric brakes provide finer control, especially on long downhill grades.
Tandem axles increase load capacity and smooth towing; single axles are cheaper and lighter but can bounce more with heavy loads. Torsion axles offer independent suspension and quieter rides but can be costlier than leaf-spring setups. If you tow frequently, invest in better suspension to protect cargo and reduce wear on your tow vehicle.
Enclosed trailers benefit from sturdy floors like 3/4-inch treated plywood or aluminum decking, plus multiple D-rings and recessed tie-downs. Consider E-track or rail systems for flexible cargo securement. For hauling vehicles, look for built-in wheel chocks or integrated ramps with reinforced transition plates.
LED lights improve visibility and last longer than incandescent bulbs. Look for 7-pin wiring for trailers that need brake and auxiliary power connections. Ask about frame coatings, galvanization, or powder coating to resist rust, especially if you’ll tow in coastal areas where salt exposure accelerates corrosion.
Maintaining a trailer is simpler than it seems when you follow a routine. Inspect tire pressure and tread before each trip; check wheel bearings and repack them at least once a year or every 12,000 miles; test lights and brake operation monthly; grease hitch components and pivot points; and inspect the frame and floor for rust or rot. A small investment in upkeep prevents big repair bills down the road.
Towing changes vehicle dynamics: braking distances increase, acceleration slows, and cornering feels different. Keep your speed moderate — usually under 65 mph on highways is safer when towing heavy loads — and increase following distances to several car lengths for extra reaction time. Use extended side mirrors when necessary, secure cargo low and centered between the axles, and practice backing maneuvers in an empty lot before hitting the road with loaded gear.
Prices vary massively depending on size, build quality, and options. Expect to pay roughly $1,000 to $3,000 for a basic open utility trailer, $3,000 to $10,000 for mid-range car haulers and dual-axle options, and $5,000 to $15,000 or more for enclosed trailers with customizations. Manufacturing brands and dealer add-ons like upgraded axles, electric brakes, and paint protection can push prices higher, so build a list of must-have features versus nice-to-haves to stay on budget.
When buying used, look for frame straightness and cracks, signs of welding repairs, and whether the flooring shows rot or soft spots. Check axle alignment and listen for wheel bearing noise during a short tow test. Inspect the wiring harness for brittle insulation and test all lights. If possible, have a trusted mechanic inspect the trailer’s brakes and suspension. A thorough inspection can save you money and avoid surprises after purchase.
Accessories like spare tire kits, roof vents, interior racks, toolboxes, and cargo bars make trailers more functional. Dealers like TrailersPlus and manufacturer-authorized shops can install upgrades, and online retailers offer a broad selection of parts you can fit yourself with basic tools. Consider accessories that improve safety and usability first, such as a quality hitch, a brake controller, and a spare tire mount.
Technology is making trailers smarter and more efficient: integrated solar panels can keep batteries charged for interior lights, GPS trackers prevent theft, and lighter aluminum construction reduces overall weight and fuel burn. For businesses that tow daily, these investments can cut operating costs and improve job-site productivity over time.
Confirm hitch and coupler match, check trailer lights and brake function, verify tire pressures and lug nut torque, secure all cargo and verify tie-downs, and test drive locally to feel how the rig behaves. Small checks now can prevent big problems on the highway.
Choosing the right motor vehicle trailer means balancing load needs, towing capacity, budget, and long-term maintenance. Start by understanding GVWR and your tow vehicle’s limits, then pick the trailer type that matches the work you do — open utility for chores, enclosed for protection, or heavy-duty equipment trailers for machines. Visit reputable dealers or manufacturers, inspect trailers carefully, and invest in basic maintenance to extend service life. With the right setup, a trailer becomes a reliable partner that multiplies what your vehicle can do and opens up new possibilities for hauling, moving, and business growth.
| Motor Vehicle Trailers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Dexter 00619000 Trailer Spindle Nut Retainer Fits 600 To 1100 Pounds Axle Hubs Steel | $ 6,12 |
