Enclosed Trailer Height Options Explained: Find the Perfect Fit For Your Needs

Choosing an enclosed trailer for your cargo transportation? A good decision, as it will protect your cargo from extreme weather conditions, theft, and road dust and debris. But are you aware of the enclosed trailer height you are looking for?

The size of an enclosed trailer is a crucial selection factor. You will find enclosed trailers in several heights and sizes. But the right height depends on the following factors:

• The application you are using it for
• Cargo type
• Cargo loading and unloading requirements
• Storage conditions

You can also have them manufactured in custom sizes to meet specific hauling requirements, but this will take time and incur additional expenses.

Our blog discusses the criticality of an enclosed trailer's height. We explore the standard enclosed trailer height options and their uses and benefits. You also get complete guidance on the key factors to consider when selecting a specific trailer height.

If you wish to achieve high ROI from your trailer purchase, never lose sight of identifying the right size for your transportation needs.

Why an Enclosed Trailer Height Matters When Buying

An enclosed trailer's height matters in your buying decision because of the following reasons:

• Generally, enclosed trailers are used for hauling cars, equipment, ATVs, and other machinery. Your trailer must be able to accommodate the cargo completely. Its height must be such that the cargo or trailer interior is not scraped or damaged.
• If you or your co-worker will be entering the trailer often for repair or review purposes, your head must not clash with the trailer's ceiling, so you must have enough headroom.
• A short-height trailer catches less wind than taller trailers, making your journeys more stable and fuel-efficient. If these are your goals, focus on the trailer's height before selecting the right one based on your cargo's dimensions.
• When you have the trailer at the right height, it is easier to load and unload cargo using ramps and forklifts. If you are unable to load/unload despite these tools, it means you have chosen the wrong height for your enclosed trailer, causing time wastage and last-minute adjustments.
• By selecting the right height trailer, you enjoy the flexibility to plan personalized features, including ramps, side doors, lighting, and ventilation systems.

Standard Enclosed Trailer Heights and What They Offer

5' to 5'6" Height

An enclosed trailer with a height ranging from 5' to 5'6" is ideal for transporting and storing smaller cargo. This can include motorcycles, landscaping gear, or small machinery and tools. You can also use them when you get limited clearance on trailer height.

The best aspect of these trailers is that it has reduced wind resistance, which means less drag. This reduces the turbulence for the towing vehicle, improves the stability, and delivers greater fuel efficiency. You can carry limited cargo in it, but its ease in maneuvering, braking, and accelerating ensures a smoother towing experience.

6' to 6'6" Height

Enclosed trailers of height 6'-6'6" are best suited to store and transport small equipment, ATVs, and motorcycles. Like the smallest enclosed trailers, they also have lower wind resistance, contributing to less swaying, more stability, and higher fuel efficiency. These also run efficiently in off-road conditions, tight spaces, and sharp corners, making them more functional for your use.

7' to 7'6" Height

If an enclosed trailer's height lies somewhere between 7' and 7'6", it means a human can easily stand upright inside the trailer. It is the most common and preferred trailer height for hauling tall cargo, such as large machinery and equipment for different industry uses. The stability and fuel efficiency of these trailers are lower. Moreover, you will face challenges in turning, reversing, and maneuvering them in narrow lanes.

8' and Taller (Custom Builds)

The above three measurements are standard enclosed trailer heights. But you can also get customized versions with a height above 8'. You will need to get custom-made trailers with additional reinforcements and structural support for better handling and control during the ride.

Such trailers are ideal for oversized equipment, lifted vehicles, SUVs, or specialty use. You can use them for mobile businesses, including food trucks, salons, or booths in trade shows. These tall trailers can also serve as your comfortable travel-based living units.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Trailer Height

Type of Cargo Being Hauled

When choosing the right enclosed trailer height, the first question you ask is 'What is the primary purpose of your trailer?"

You might be using it for storing and transporting vehicles, such as cars, race cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Your purpose can also be hauling large machinery, large equipment and tools, landscaping materials, or anything.

Besides the purpose, you must also measure the cargo dimensions and weight, especially the tallest items, if they include several of them. You might need to get vertical clearance for tall cargo items. Moreover, consider the future needs of the trailer as well to avoid upgrade costs in the long run.

Entry & Exit Requirements

When considering the trailer height, understand that the exterior and interior heights differ. This is because the wall thickness and insulation reduce the internal height. Moreover, to avoid scraping of the floor and ceiling, the cargo height must be lower than the interior height.

You will also need to consider if people will be walking, entering, and exiting the inside of the trailer for inspection and repairs. The ramp and rear door sizes are also important factors to get surety of easy loading and unloading. The rear door opening will always be lower than the interior ceiling height of the trailer due to the requirement for a header over the door. This difference is normally 6 inches.

Storage Conditions & Parking Clearance

You must also consider the following factors before selecting a specific height for your trailer:

Storage facility

A garage's height is generally 7-8 feet, so your trailer must be less than that. If considering canopy storage, factor in the canopy's height clearance, along with width, length, and stable ground.

Compatibility with the towing vehicle

Imagine a tall trailer attached to a short truck. Don't you think there will be a mismatch in both vehicles' aerodynamics? To ensure better stability, factor in your towing vehicle's height.

Height limits

Trailer storage lots, event venues, construction sites, and warehouses have height limits or charge extra for oversized height. Think about these access restrictions before buying your enclosed trailer.

Final Thoughts: Height Isn't Just a Number-It's a Hauling Strategy

How does the trailer look? A not-so-important criterion for a business or individual looking to buy a trailer for a specific use. But still, the height (a part of looks) matters because it affects the functionality and performance of a trailer.

Before investing your hard-earned money in buying it, you must look into all the factors affecting the enclosed trailer height. Be it the cargo you will be towing, the height of your truck, entry and exit requirements for cargo and people, and storage and parking clearances - these elements help determine the right height for your enclosed trailer. You have choices ranging from five feet to thirteen and one-half feet (the legal limit on a US highway without a special permit).

One of the best options is getting a custom height for your trailer, though expensive. It will precisely fit your cargo type and the application, resulting in higher efficiency, high-quality performance, and long-term value. To buy such a custom enclosed trailer, contact Trailershowroom.com - a leading vendor of high-quality customized trailers to address your needs.

Weighing the cost vs. benefit of a custom-height enclosed trailer?

Stop guessing-start building smart. Our expert team helps you design the perfect custom-built trailer that fits your cargo, your budget, and your vision.

FAQs

• Q1: What size truck do I need for different enclosed trailer heights?

  If your trailer height is 5'-5'6", SUVs and small trucks are enough. For 6'-6'6" height, mid-sized trucks and vans are ideal for the trailer, but a small truck will still work. For 7' and above, you will need full-size or heavy-duty trucks to tow the trailer.

• Q2: Can we increase the height of an existing enclosed trailer?

  Yes, height extension is possible, but it will require several structural changes, resulting in high costs. You will need to add metal extensions, change the roof, modify doors, and get additional welding and fabrication. All these changes are labor-intensive and expensive. It is always best and less expensive to have the trailer constructed with the taller height from the beginning.

• Q3: I want a trailer of 8'+ height. Can you build it?

  Yes, we have the expertise in building custom trailers with specific height, applications, and interior and exterior features. You can share your requirements with us, and our expert team will suggest the best option to ensure high ROI and performance from your trailer.