Enclosed Trailers | 5 things to look for!

Here are five things to look for when buying an enclosed trailer; frame spacing, steel vs aluminum, one piece roof, screwed vs screw-less exterior, and build quality. We sell a high volume of Darkhorse Cargo trailers which were used as an example to describe these features.

Watch the full video here:

[rubbermaidable]

Here's a quick tip to look for,
16 on center wall studs. Better for mounting shelves.

Steel frame but have it under coated, heavier than aluminum but much cheaper.

Bonded instead of screwed outside panels because it looks cleaner and the screws won't rust or fall out over time.

Make sure your walk in height is 6'6" so you don't have to duck on trailers with ramps.

Make sure your interior wall is ⅜ thick and your floor is ¾ thick.

[leighxsmith]

Needed this, will be getting one this week. Thank you!

[ballisliccharr]

Former trailer mechanic here i hated working on rusty trailers so if your not gonna take car of the metal to keep it from rusting get alluminum

[myke_bota]

As a veteran of owning quite a few trailers, there are quite a few things to look for. For me, here are a list of things I looked for upon gaining more knowledge: I prefer aluminum, rubber door mouldings, all stainless hardware, torsion axles, good quality radial tires, advantech flooring, 1 PC roof, side door with piano hinge, single rear ramp locking handle instead of bar locks on each side, adjustable front tongue coupler, led lighting, addition Additional height ( helps as well with longer ramp for loading), Im not a big fan of steel trailers. Just my opinion. 👍

[xman]

You didn't say what was good or bad

[jonyemm]

Security!! We just picked up an enclosed trailer for work a few weeks ago. Was getting it ready and noticed the fasteners for the locks on the rear door are "security" torx and everyone of them is accessible even when locked.

Trailer isn't a top brand trailer but isn't the bottom end either. Build quality and materials are still pretty poor.
Diamond plate option on the front(advertised as "rock guard") turned out to be super thin(like flashing thin).
"Plywood" walls are like 1/8". I'd be surprised if they actually have 2 plys. It feels more like a veneer.
The "trim" running over the plywood wall joints a along the ceiling and floor are actually there to cover a gap between the sheets.
2 days ago the one guy leaned against the wheel well cover and it just gave out under him.

*I know locks only keep the honest out and slow the rest down..

[jimpie]

You for got the most important feature, the height inside the trailer. Unless you’re a small person, a 7’ inside height is best for normal people! Once you start looking, this will be hard to find. Elkhart, IN is the place to find this height of trailer and a reasonable price. Call a manufacturer that you like (research needed here) and find selling dealers, both in Elkhart and your local city, then get bids, and make your own choice where to buy!

[sfoxall]

I bought an aluminum on 12 inch centers for 6350. It’s a slant which I don’t really care for but it’s a great trailer for the price

[jonbrys]

If you’re thinking at all of buying anything tool or toy I totally suggest Mike. He used to be my student teacher. He is very bright, honest and outstanding guy to know. Makes it easy to go there

[thomasnorthcastle]

Also, there is a design flaw in trailers that affects the first panel on the driver side. Airflow that comes from underneath the trailer gets caught between the metal skin and plywood. This air will eventually force the skin to pull away and eventually break off of the screws.

[nicksalazar]

Spring or torsion axel would be more of what to look for and head clearance

[Roscoesadie]

I have the single axle 6x14. I'm 6'8. 7'1 on the inside.

[ddrowdy]

Screwed or screw less? do you want a trailer that is screwed together or one that is held together with tape? I'll take screws please.

[lovingjesus]

Too late.. you definitely get what you pay for LOL four of my lug nuts weren't even tight and one was coming halfway off. I do have seams in the roof which that one I don't like however, they really really covered the seams and the outer edging with about three or four inches of.... whatever they use to cover it and seal it. And I put two coats of rubberized sealant in myself so I think it's good to go. Other than that they use plywood instead of the Pressed cheap stuff so that was a real Plus and I had the 30 amp upgrade installed so I think for the money I'm okay with it. But the craftsmanship is definitely not top-notch. I had to go around and check every screw in the entire trailer and I did have to replace three but I don't think that's terrible.

[zachhalvorson]

How should you wash an aluminum trailer painted black to not damage paint?

[alexchallinor]

I just bought a 18'x7.5' food trailer that was being restored for $400 & im going to convert it into a vehicle trailer

[somanynamesilltrythis]

...and if you plan on financing it, take the time and read the fine print. Don't get screwed.

[benjaminmiller]

I got that same brand of trailer and I am not impressed with it really the side door is crap I can’t ever get it to open probably

[henrythompson]

Where do you work im looking to buy a enclosed trailer I heard you mentioned in one of your videos about Michigan weather I'm here in Michigan to

[TrevorEmahizer]

Craftsmanship in the trailer? Ha! Lack of maybe.