Enclosed Cargo Trailer Sizes: 4×6 to 8.5×24 — Which Do You Need?
Enclosed cargo trailers run from little 4×6 singles you can tow behind a crossover to 8.5×24 tandems that swallow a full car. The right size comes down to three numbers: what you’re hauling, what your vehicle can tow, and where you’ll park it. Here’s the full size-by-size breakdown.
Enclosed cargo trailer sizes at a glance
| Size | Axles | Typical GVWR | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×6 | Single | ~2,000 lb | Motorcycle, tools, small deliveries — tows behind almost anything |
| 5×8 | Single | ~3,000 lb | The most popular starter size: moves, mowers, market vendors |
| 6×10 / 6×12 | Single | ~3,500 lb | Landscapers, handymen, two bikes with gear |
| 7×14 / 7×16 | Tandem | 7,000–10,000 lb | The contractor workhorse — full tool setup, side-by-sides, big moves |
| 8.5×20 | Tandem | 9,900–14,000 lb | Car hauling, race weekends, vendor build-outs |
| 8.5×24 | Tandem | 10,000–14,000 lb | Full-size car + pit gear, mobile workshops |
Single vs tandem axle: the real difference
Single-axle trailers (4×6 up to 6×12) are lighter, cheaper, and easier to park — but they ride harder and carry less. Tandems (7×14 and up) add capacity, stability at highway speed, and brakes on both axles. The rule of thumb: if you’ll regularly load more than ~2,500 lb of cargo or tow at 70 mph for hours, go tandem. Browse our enclosed cargo trailers to compare both.
Match the trailer to your tow vehicle first
Your limit is your vehicle’s tow rating, not the trailer’s. A loaded 7×16 tandem can run 7,000+ lb — solidly in half-ton-truck territory. Check the door-jamb sticker for your tow rating and keep the loaded trailer under it with margin. The NHTSA towing guide covers weight distribution and hitch classes; we’ll confirm coupler and brake specs on any unit before it ships.
Doors, height, and the options that matter
Rear ramp doors load anything on wheels; barn doors suit forklift loading and tight alleys. A side door saves opening the whole back for one toolbox. Standard interior height runs ~6’3″–6’6″; extra-height options (+6″–12″) matter if you’ll stand inside or haul tall machines — several of our enclosed car haulers include it. In coastal Florida, aluminum frames and sealed boxes shrug off salt air better than bare steel — see what’s in stock at our Tampa trailer page.
Enclosed trailer sizes — FAQ
What size enclosed trailer do I need to move a house? A 7×14 or 7×16 tandem handles a 2–3 bedroom home in one or two trips; an 8.5×20 does most 4-bedroom moves in one.
Can an SUV tow a 5×8? Most mid-size SUVs rated 3,500 lb can tow a loaded 5×8 comfortably — verify your specific rating first.
What fits a full-size car? 8.5×20 minimum; 8.5×24 if you want pit gear or a workbench in with it. Compare enclosed vs open car haulers.
Do you deliver trailers? Yes — free to all 50 states, with the delivered price shown on every listing.
Not sure between two sizes? Call (813) 214-2216 with your load and tow vehicle, or browse the full trailer inventory.
About author
Add comment