Thinking about investing in a new trailer? We can help! Enclosed trailers are an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from hauling building supplies to transporting motorcycles. Whether you go for top-of-the-line or cheap, enclosed trailers all have a similar configuration with a variety of different factors to consider. In this guide, we’re going over important things like material (steel or aluminum), skin thickness, nose type, roof type, and more to help you decide on the best option.
At PRIMO Trailer, there’s an enclosed trailer for sale in our selection that suits your specific needs. In order to help match you with the right one, be sure to reference the list of questions below. They will help you get answers to the most fundamental trailer questions so you know it’s a good fit. From there, you can read enclosed trailer reviews and decide on the best cargo trailer brand for your budget and application. Trailers by Leonard are made in the U.S. with top-quality materials, so they’re always an excellent choice for personal and commercial use.
- Steel or Aluminum?
- Does the thickness of the outer skin matter?
- How vital are floor cross members’ support for centers?
- Torsion Axle or Leaf Spring?
- Radial or Bias Ply Tires?
- V-Nose or Flat Nose?
- Standard Height, Lowered Height, Extra Tall?
- Flat or Rounded Roof?
- Screws or Screwless?
- Ramp or Barn Door?
- Do I need to upgrade my driver’s license?
- Do I need to upgrade my vehicle registration?
- Do you need expert help? If so contact us either by
1. Steel or Aluminum
Most of the time, steel will be cheaper than aluminum. Most people think that aluminum has a significant weight saving. However, it depends on the trailer and manufacture. A second argument that can is made is that aluminum trailers will not rust. That is true. However, if a steel trailer is properly coated it can last as long as an aluminum trailer. Aluminum trailers have to be checked to cracks and require maintenance to keep their shine. Steel can rust, crack, and be heavier than an aluminum trailer.
2. Does the thickness of the outer skin matter?
Most companies have entry-level products all the way up to their premium trailer lines. The entry-level trailers are for casual users, or the customer worried about the price. Our premium brand is for the working man or women who use it for their business. Entry-level trailers come with a {.024}. Our premium comes with {outer skin}. Does the outer skin matter? Darker color trailer tends to warp from heat. As you have probably figured out, the thicker the skin, the more durable and let likely it will warp from temperature change.
3. How vital are floor cross members’ support for centers?
The industry standard is 24” on center. Any tandem axle trailer will benefit from upgrading to a 16” on center. You may want to improve your support to 12” on center if you are transporting a zero-turn lawnmower or if you are going to carry scissor lift. Also, consider you may need to update your floor to double thick or put down some diamond plate.
4. Leaf spring or torsion axle?
EZ Lube Spring Idler
Pros: Cheaper, Rides Smoother Empty, Easier to repair or replace
Cons: Slightly Higher ride height
Torsion Axle
Pros: Slightly Smoother Loaded Ride Quality, Independent Tire/Wheel Movement
Cons: More Expensive, Lower Ride Height
5. Radial or bias-ply tires?
The answer is simple, radial tires. All of our trailers come with radial tires which provide a better ride, better durability, and longevity.
6. V-Nose or Flat Nose?
You may be surprised to hear that there is not a considerable increase in fuel mileage between the two. What hurts a trailer with fuel mileage is the flat back. Choose which trailer makes you happy. The v-nose with help with handling and has marginally better mileage.
7. Standard Height, Lowered Height, Extra Tall?
Ultimately this decision is up to you. We recommend choosing the lowest height. The reason behind that is that you want to minimize drag. The ideal situation is to match the trailer and truck height.
8. Flat or Rounded Roof?
The flat roof has a lower interior ceiling, and the round roof adds 3-6” of headroom. The rounded roof is beneficial in the area that gets a lot of snow. Proper maintenance is always helpful in maintaining the integrity of your trailer no matter the option.
9. Screws or Screwless?
Either option will work if you are buying from a reputable dealer. The screwless looks more beautiful and is easier to wrap with graphics. If you think you may want to resell the trailer, then screwless is the way to go. If you need a cheaper trailer go with screws. It makes for more straightforward repairs if you need to replace a sheet.
10. Ramp or Barn Door?
These two options depend on your needs. Do you need to drive equipment up in the trailer? Or do you plan to take it to the flea market, festival or show? Barn doors could be more beneficial if you are tight on space because it takes an extra 6’ to open a ramp door.
11. Do I need to upgrade my driver’s license?
In some states, you are required to upgrade your driver’s license if the total GVWR is greater than 2601lb.
12. Do I need to upgrade my vehicle registration?
Your vehicle could determine if you need to upgrade your registration. If you have a diesel truck, it could limit the trailer you could pull due to GVWR. However, you could have an F250, and you could be rated to haul the same trailer without having to upgrade your registration. Check your local laws and check the surrounding states if you plan to drive across state lines.
13. Do you need expert help?
If you need help, you have three options. You can stop by your local store, email or call. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.