What are Cargo Trailers?

Whether you need extra space for your camping supplies or you’re hauling your motorcycles and ATVs, you may be in the market for a cargo trailer. These light-weight and inexpensive towables have a lot of options, and they’re light enough to be towed by most trucks and even some cars on the market today.

There are many options to choose from when looking for a cargo trailer, including its size and materials. Some people convert these enclosed utility trailers into campers. Many RV campgrounds allow these converted campers to be parked there, and they’re becoming more and more popular.

Keep reading to find out more on what you need to know about enclosed utility trailers. If you’re wondering where to buy cargo trailers, check out our selection of new and used cargo trailers for sale near you.

What is a cargo trailer?

Cargo trailers are a type of utility trailer. Utility trailers include anything from horse trailers and car haulers to flatbeds and basic open utility trailers. Cargo trailers are built from a utility trailer that has been enclosed with walls and a ceiling. Because of this, they’re sometimes called enclosed utility trailers.

If you need some extra space to haul around your camping supplies, RV supplies, motorcycles, ATVs, or more, you can’t go wrong with a cargo trailer. They’re similar to a lot of pull-alongs on the market like open transports, but the difference is that your cargo is enclosed safely away from the elements. You can haul what you need in any weather with these.

What are my cargo trailer options?

When you’re shopping for a cargo trailer, you’ll need to think about a few things.

First off, what size do you need your trailer to be? There’s a lot of variety between the large cargo towables and small cargo trailers out there.

There are both steel and aluminum cargo trailers. Aluminum is lighter but not as durable as steel. There are also options for bigger stone guards on the front to protect from road debris, spring assists to keep the door from slamming open, and more. Some cargo trailers have v-nose fronts while others are flat. The v-nose is the part of the trailer near the hitch, and it can provide a little triangle of extra room inside. Not all cargo trailers have this though, so keep that in mind while hunting.

Another option is rhino-lining that covers the metal supports, and this makes your trailer more durable. However, this isn’t included on every trailer and does cost a little extra.

What size cargo trailer do I need?

There are both large and small cargo trailers out there. Typically, cargo trailers are between 5 feet and 8 and ½ feet wide. The length can vary even more dramatically from between 8 feet and 32 feet, but it is also possible to get custom cargo trailers if you have specialized towable needs.

Some enclosed trailers have a v-nose near the hitch for a little extra space, but even these are a little bigger on some cargo trailers than others. If you’re looking to maximize your cargo trailer space, keep that in mind.

Make sure you know what your vehicle can tow before investing in one. You’ll need to have the correct hitch as well. Though many small cargo trailers can be pulled by a car, trying to tow something that is too heavy for your vehicle is dangerous and could end in disaster. Our tow guide can help you determine which towables will work for your vehicle.

What can I do with a cargo trailer?

Cargo trailers have a lot of versatility like hauling your motorcycles and ATVs or extra supplies for a camping trip. For most people, these towables are a great way to bring along things that their regular vehicle can’t hold.

Some people are even converting a cargo trailer into a camper. Cargo trailer conversions are great for weekend getaways and RV living for couples who don’t need a lot of space but still want to spend time in the great outdoors.

If you need a bit more space than your cargo trailer can provide, you may want to upgrade to a travel trailer or toy hauler for more spacious RV camping.

Do you need insurance on a cargo trailer?

You do need insurance on your trailer. Whether you’re pulling it with a car, truck, or RV, your regular vehicle’s insurance policy won’t cover it. Make sure you are fully covered before hitting the road. Don’t forget to add a roadside assistance policy for your trailer as well so that you’ll be covered for any breakdowns.

Where can I buy a cargo trailer?

Check out a Camping World location near you to see what new and used cargo trailer options are available near you.