How Much Does a Cargo Trailer Cost? A Complete Trailer Pricing Guide

The cost of a cargo trailer is a significant factor to consider when buying one. The costs vary for different trailers based on their purpose, materials used, dimensions, and technical features.

These features vary in different trailer types. Whether you need to haul vehicles, heavy cargo, luxury items, or farming equipment, you have a specific trailer type for it. Understanding the cargo trailer pricing for each of these types empowers you to make informed choices.

The blog explores the average costs of cargo trailers in different sizes to facilitate better decision-making. It also serves as a guide on the factors affecting trailer costs and additional costs involved in owning a trailer. You will also learn how to get the best pricing on your preferred trailer and where you can find the best quality trailers in the U.S. at affordable prices.

Factors Affecting Trailer Costs

1. Size & Dimensions

A cargo trailer's cost is based on its dimensions and size. A large trailer will require more raw materials, effort, and time to build. Thus, it increases your costs of hiring labor. Comparatively, small-sized trailers are less priced.

2. Material

The material used to build the trailer and its quality contribute to the cost of the cargo trailer. For example, aluminum alloy trailers are expensive, and any necessary maintenance will cost more. But its light weight improves the vehicle's capacity and reduces fuel consumption, making it more efficient. One of the biggest positive aspects of an all aluminum trailer is that aluminum doesn't rust.

On the contrary, steel is relatively low-cost, so steel trailers are low-priced. You can enjoy better wear resistance, impact resistance, and compressive features. But it reduces efficiency due to heavy fuel consumption and high dead weight.

3. Axle Type

The more complex or the number of axles, the more the cargo trailer pricing. But the axles also make a difference in the weight capacity that a trailer can handle and its maneuverability.

For example, single or double-axle trailers are cheaper than triple-axle trailers. Even trailers with additional features, such as lift or steerable ones, are more expensive than standard-axle trailers. A trailer with tandem axles has a higher weight capacity, which makes it costlier than single-axle trailers. So, you have to balance the benefits vs costs while deciding which trailer type to buy.

4. Customization & Features

Standard trailers available with your preferred brand have affordable pricing. But the cargo trailer cost increases when you request more customizations. Integrating these add-ons and accessories into the standard trailer requires more time, money, and effort, leading to higher costs.

These customizations in the trailer can be internal or external adjustments for better towing. These can include an antilock system, adjustable arms, ramps, more insulation, air suspension, and other aspects. Adding all these will increase the trailer's features, costing you more than the usual price.

5. Brand & Manufacturer

Different trailer manufacturers and brands offer diverse trailer pricing. A premium brand with several years of market presence and reputation will charge higher prices. A new trailer company cannot compete on pricing while entering the market, so it will have low cargo trailer pricing. The brands also differentiate their prices based on the level of customization, warranties offered, and support services.

Average Cost of Different Types of Trailers

Enclosed Cargo Trailers

Enclosed cargo trailers, are most suitable for transporting goods, especially the ones that need proper security from weather changes and road debris. These trailers are available in various sizes, and the prices differ based on the size. A small enclosed trailer (4x6, 5x8) is typically priced at $2,500 - $4,500, while a medium trailer (6x10, 7x14) will typically cost $4,500 - $8,000. For a large cargo trailer (8.5x20, 8.5x24), you will be shelling out $8,000 - $15,000+.

Utility Trailers

Utility trailers primarily transport general cargo, landscaping equipment, and lightweight equipment. Since these are light in weight, their prices typically range from $1,000 to $3,500 for basic single-axle trailers and $3,500 to $7,000 for tandem axle heavy-duty (7x14, 7x16) trailers. Add-ons and accessories will increase the cost of the utility trailer.

Car Hauler Trailers

Car hauler trailers are ideal for the safe transportation of different types of vehicles from origin to destination. You can choose open or enclosed car haulers, depending on the type of vehicle you wish to transport through the car hauler trailer. The open car haulers are typically priced at $2,500 - $6,000. Enclosed car haulers being closed from all sides with a roof are priced higher at $6,500 - $15,000. The price also varies based on the number of cars you wish to haul.

Equipment Trailers

Equipment trailers work best when transporting heavy machinery like tractors and construction equipment. These trailers differ based on their features but are pretty huge. If it is a basic equipment trailer (14 ft -20 ft), the typical cargo trailer cost is $4,500 - $9,000. A heavy-duty gooseneck equipment trailer can cost between $8,000 and $20,000.

Gooseneck Trailers

Gooseneck trailers (specialty trailers) have gooseneck hitches that make the trailers ideal for heavy hauling. You can use them primarily for transporting heavy construction and agricultural machines. If you buy small to medium-sized gooseneck trailers (20ft - 30ft), the price range is $8,000 - $18,000. For larger models above 35ft in height, the pricing falls between $18,000 and $30,000+.

Tilt Trailers

A noteworthy feature of tilt trailers is a tilting deck that facilitates the easy loading and unloading of cargo. This remarkable feature leads to its high price range of $5,000 - $12,000.

Dump Trailers

Dump trailers are built to transport materials used in construction, farming, and landscaping businesses. Anything that fits in can be transported on such trailers. A small dump trailer (5x8, 6x10) can cost $4,000 - $7,500, while a large one (7x14, 7x16) can cost between $8,000 and $15,000.

Motorcycle Trailers

Motorcycle trailers are the ones used to transport motorcycles from one location to another. These are lightweight and ensure the cargo's safety during transportation. You can buy motorcycle trailers at a price range of $1,500 to $5,000.

Toy Hauler Trailers

Toy hauler trailers are designed for carrying ATVs, dirt bikes, and other recreational vehicles. They have ample space for carrying cargo, and the back wall opens and closes into a ramp for loading and unloading. Their price more often than not range from $10,000 to $40,000+.

Additional Costs to Consider

Besides the primary factors affecting the cargo trailer cost, other aspects can change how much you have to shell out. These aspects include the following:

• Registration & Licensing Fees: It is not the same across the U.S. It varies from state to state, so you must determine the fees in your state before buying.
• Insurance: You will buy insurance for the trailer to keep you and your cargo safe during unforeseen events. Depending on the type of trailer you buy, the insurance cost varies.
• Maintenance & Repairs: You must keep your trailer in the best shape to avoid heavy repair costs. So, you need to spend on regular maintenance. The maintenance costs depend on the trailer's quality, model, type, years it has run, brand, and usage. Rough usage means regular upkeep for tires, brakes, and lights.
• Market Conditions: The cargo trailer pricing also depends on the demand-supply status in the market. If demand is high, prices increase, and vice versa. Moreover, the change in season also affects trailer pricing. In the off-season, you can find trailers at lower prices. Government policies can also affect price change depending on the impact of these policies on the trailer-related market.

How to Get the Best Price on a Trailer?

With so many pricing elements, the cost of a cargo trailer can be a big stress for you. It might not fall within your budget. In such cases, what's the general reaction? People drop their trailer-buying decision. But that shouldn't be the case. You can try out the below strategies to get the best price on the trailer:

Look for Seasonal Discounts & Promotions: One of the best times to buy a trailer is during festival promotions and seasonal discounts. Wait for now. Let the companies introduce discounts and offers. You might get a better offer, saving a few dollars.

Finance Options: Going for trailer financing options is one of the ideal strategies to get the best price on a trailer. Generally, dealers offer several financing options. You can consider the one whose terms and conditions suit you and for which you can make the initial down payment.

Find High-Quality Trailers at TrailerShowroom.com

You know the average costs of different trailers and the factors affecting them. Now, you are ready to buy your dream trailer. To get the best price on a trailer within your budget, Trailershowroom.com is the place to be.

We offer a wide range of custom cargo, utility, car hauler, and specialty trailers in the U.S. In addition to the standard trailer options, we can also customize them to meet your specific needs. And competitive prices do not mean less quality; our trailers are high in quality, performance, and capacity. You also have the option to select one of our several financing policies to fund your trailer purchase.

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Trailer Pricing FAQs

• 1. What is the cheapest type of trailer to buy?

  Generally, utility trailers are the cheapest because they are open trailers with only a few features and fewer customizations. You can buy them for $1,000 - $3,500 and carry lightweight cargo.

• 2. Are enclosed trailers more expensive than open trailers?

  Enclosed trailers are closed from all sides with aluminium or steel material. They also have dividers and adjustments inside the trailer to keep the cargo secure and safe. All these features make them more expensive, generally costing 30-50% more than open trailers.

• 3. Do trailer prices vary by state?

  Yes, cargo trailer pricing is not the same across the U.S. The price variation is due to state taxes, registration fees, licensing costs, and availability of your preferred trailer.

• 4. Can I finance a trailer purchase?

  Yes, it is possible to finance the cost of your cargo trailer. Many trailer-selling companies offer financing options to make owning a trailer easy for you. You have to pay a down payment of 10-20% of the cargo trailer cost and the rest in monthly payments based on loan terms.

• 5. How long do trailers last?

  Cargo trailers are sturdy and last long. Their life depends on how rough you ride them and how much care you take. With proper maintenance, care, and timely repairs, cargo and utility trailers can last 15-30 years.