Transporting anything huge or in large quantities from one place to another needs a large, enclosed, and secure space. Enclosed cargo trailers are the solution for these transportation needs. Be it your business or personal use, custom enclosed trailers help you transport equipment, vehicles, smaller loads, or perishable goods.
But it is important to identify the right enclosed cargo trailer that fits your needs. It is a critical investment because it will be used multiple times in the future. You must consider its weight capacity, dimensions, flooring, brakes, lighting, doors, windows, and every other aspect to carry and transport items.
Custom enclosed trailers ensure your items' efficient transportation, durability, and security. Through this blog, we help you look for appropriate features that make them ideal for your cargo transit. Consider this as your buying guide for an informed and correct decision.
6 Types of Enclosed Trailers
Different enclosed trailers serving different purposes or industries are available.
1. Cargo Trailers
Use cargo trailers to transport goods and equipment like home or office furniture or appliances to avoid damage, weather effects, and theft
2. Car Haulers
Car haulers are the most appropriate for transporting vehicles from one place to another, be it to the client's place, vehicle exhibitions, or from factory to the showroom.
3. Utility Trailers
Utility trailers in different shapes and sizes are primarily suitable for transporting farming supplies, landscaping, household objects, and outdoor activity items.
4. Motorcycle Trailers
Motorcycle trailers are preferred when transporting motorcycles, ATVs, and other sports vehicles. They have additional features: tie-downs and ramps for convenient, safe, and secure transportation.
5. Restroom and Shower Trailers
Restroom and shower trailers are appropriate for workplaces and event grounds requiring portable facilities like toilets, showers, and a resting place.
6. Refrigerated Trailers
Refrigerated trailers are the best option if your transported inventory needs controlled climate, such as perishable goods, plants, flowers, and chemicals.
10 Features to Look for in a Quality Enclosed Trailer
1. Sturdy Frame and Construction Material
Critical parameters for choosing enclosed trailers must be their durability and strength. The frame used to construct the trailer determines these aspects.
Steel frames carry heavy loads and have high durability, but are heavier and can get rusted faster. In contrast, aluminum frames are lighter in weight and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum frames give enclosed cargo trailers more agility, leading to better performance but at a high cost. And road debris or surface abrasion can damage them during transit.
Steel frames carry heavy loads and have high durability, but are heavier and can get rusted faster. In contrast, aluminum frames are lighter in weight and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum frames give enclosed cargo trailers more agility, leading to better performance but at a high cost. And road debris or surface abrasion can damage them during transit.
2. Cargo Space and Dimensions
Length, width, and height are crucial to consider when choosing a custom enclosed trailer. Besides the cargo fitment in the trailer, the cargo's weight is equally vital. Assess its maximum load capacity, beyond which it might break down or meet accidents.
Remember not to consider these dimensions and capacity in exact numbers. Always factor in additional feet of space and capacity to prevent future issues when the dimensions or capacity increase a bit. You might also need this extra space for comfortable loading and unloading.
3. Suspension and Axle Quality
Worried about skidding, fishtailing, or weight shifting on bumps? All this happens due to a weak suspension system. Select a custom enclosed trailer with a sound suspension system that can handle all the load on any road or terrain without breakdown. You can select a trailer with leaf springs or a torsion system based on your requirements.
Torsion axles are expensive to buy, repair, and replace. But you can enjoy the benefits of minimal corrosion and less need for maintenance. Their designs facilitate smoother rides.
So, checking the axles used in the trailer is critical while finalizing the deal. If they are high-quality, it is easier to manage the load; low-quality axles can give you a torturous ride.
4. Durability of Flooring
The interiors of the floor and walls of enclosed cargo trailers are also critical parameters to check.
Reinforced floors using sturdy materials, such as aluminum or treated plywood, are non-negotiable. Low-quality flooring can break while loading or unloading the cargo or even during transit.
5. Secure Tie-Downs and Cargo Management Systems
Imagine you find an enclosed trailer for sale and buy it without examining the ways to arrange your cargo. That is one of the biggest mistakes. For the safety and security of your cargo during loading, unloading, and transit, efficient cargo management is essential.
You need to have enough space to accommodate all your cargo and arrange it with no likelihood of damage due to friction. Features like built-in shelves, E-tracks, D-rings, tie-down systems, cabinets, or storage compartments keep your cargo neatly arranged and unmoving. Such arrangement ensures safe transit, giving you peace of mind.
6. Weatherproofing and Insulation
You don't want your cargo spoiled because that means monetary losses. So, your enclosed trailers for sale must have proper air conditioning, heating systems, dehumidifiers, or thermostats to maintain the required temperature. Be it hot or cold temperatures, strict climate-controlled protective features can protect your cargo from spoilage.
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent damage to the cargo due to the environment. For this, you must ensure the trailer has proper vents, fans, windows, etc., that promote good air circulation.
Besides, the weatherproofing capabilities of the trailer also keep your assets safe. You must have weather-resistant flooring, sealed seams, and watertight one-piece roofs to prevent damage due to extensive heat, rainfall, snowfall, or winds.
7. Doors and Access Options
Are you able to access your cargo easily while loading and unloading? It is a significant criterion to consider in an enclosed cargo trailer. If this feature is smooth and comfortable, you save time and effort in loading, unloading, and carrying the cargo. So, while selecting an enclosed trailer for sale, you must inspect at least some of the following features:
- Multiple entry points, such as ramp doors, barn doors, and side entry doors, for convenient cargo loading
- A strong ramp with the ability to carry light and heavy weighted cargo of different shapes and sizes
- Lift gates to move heavy items
- The spring-assist mechanism on the trailer doors to open and close them
8. Electrical and Lighting Features
Just imagine cargo loading or unloading in a dark place using your mobile light. If you don't want to face such situations, ensure the enclosed cargo trailer has sufficient electrical and lighting points.
Have proper lighting installed inside and outside the trailer for safe loading and unloading. Be it brake lights, interior lights, clearance lights, turn signals, or loading lights - all are vital.
Even battery systems, charging ports, backup options, or solar panels are must-haves to power essential items in the trailer. These features equip you with enhanced cargo visibility and better capability to comply with road safety rules.
9. Security Features
What can disturb your peace of mind? Someone's unauthorized access to your cargo during transit or when parked. You can avoid this situation with proper security and safety features in the enclosed trailer for sale, such as the following:
- Sturdy doors and windows that cannot be compromised after locking.
- Secure locking systems, latches, and cutter-proof chains.
- Alarm systems to raise an alert or GPS-tracking systems to prevent unauthorized access or potential theft cases.
- Digital locks with keypad codes, fingerprint scans, or connected smartphone apps for access.
10. Warranty and After-Sales Support
Yes, all the technical features of enclosed cargo trailers are critical. But do not forget the warranty and after-sales services of the brand. Warranty ensures protection against trailer defects. Customer service means the brand cares for its customers, increasing its trustworthiness.
If the manufacturer stands by its product with a warranty, you know you are buying a quality product. But check out the inclusions and exemptions in the warranty card. The warranty must include the suspension system, components, and functionality.
You must also check whether the company offers any support after the purchase. This can include query resolution, customer support in case of issues, and spare part availability. A reputed brand will provide all these to ensure an all-round solution for their customers.
Conclusion
Now, no more confusion about features your custom enclosed trailer must have. The above list of 10 features is non-negotiable and will serve you the best. You must have a sturdy trailer with relevant dimensions, load capacity, aluminum frame, proper cargo management system, ample security, lighting, and weatherproofing features. All these aspects keep your cargo safe, durable, and damage-free to guarantee an efficient transit.
Looking for the perfect enclosed cargo trailer for your specific needs?
Your careful thought process can end here at TrailerShowroom.com.
Here, you will find cargo trailers, car haulers, aluminum trailers, and restroom and shower trailers with the option to customize per your preferences. Make cargo transportation easier, safer, and smoother with our standard and customized cargo trailers. If you still have queries or confusions, feel free to contact our sales representative or just call us on +1 877- 458-7245.
