Trailer Sizes: Matching Your Vehicle to the Trailer You Need - The Trailer Depot (2024)

Choosing the right trailer size for your vehicle is crucial for safe and efficient transportation. Whether you’rehauling cargo, moving furniture,mobile classroomor towing a recreational vehicle, matching your vehicle to the right trailer size ensures a safe and successful project or workday.

Let’s look at the various types oftrailersavailable, how to measure trailer sizes, and the benefits of choosing the right size for your needs.

Trailer Sizes: Matching Your Vehicle to the Trailer You Need - The Trailer Depot (1)

Trailer Sizes: Matching Your Vehicle to the Transportation Solution You Need

Why is the right trailer size so important? What difference does it make if you have a larger or smaller trailer, or lighter or heavier one?

First, the right trailer size ensures you can safely transport your cargo without putting yourself or others at risk. A trailer that is too large for your vehicle will cause instability, making it difficult to control and increasing the risk of accidents. Similarly, a trailer that is too small may not be able to accommodate all of your cargo, leading to multiple trips or risky overloading.

Second, matching your vehicle to the right trailer size also improves efficiency. A properly sized trailer will allow you to transport your cargo in one trip, saving time and money on fuel costs. It also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle, as towing a trailer that’s too large will place undue strain on your engine and transmission.

Understanding Trailer Sizes: Simple Steps Towards the Best Fit

We havedozens of trailer types(brands likeSure-Trac Trailers,Aluma,Cam Superline) available, each with its own features and corresponding applications. Some of the most common types includecargo trailers,enclosed trailers,landscape trailers,dump trailers,equipment trailers,motorcycle trailersandrace trailers. When choosing your trailer, it’s important to consider factors such as payload capacity, towing capacity, and overall size.

Trailers are measured in terms of length and width. The length of a trailer is measured from the front of the trailer to the rear bumper, while the width is measured from side to side. These measurements do not include any additional features such as ramps, fenders, or tongue.

The Importance of Matching Your Vehicle to the Right Trailer Size

Towing a trailer that’s too large for your vehicle is dangerous. It can cause instability on the road, making it difficult to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of accidents. An overloaded trailer also puts undue strain on your engine and transmission, leading to costly repairs later on.

Matching your vehicle to the right trailer size is a must for efficiency, safety, and longevity. A properly sized trailer allows you to transport your cargo without putting yourself or others at risk. It’ll minimize wear and tear on your vehicle, ensuring that your trailer remains reliable for years to come.

Common Trailer Sizes and Their Recommended Uses

There are multiple trailer sizes available, each with its own advantages. Some common sizes we carry include 5’x10’, 6’x12’, 7’x18’, and 8’6”x28’’ trailers.

A 5’x10’ trailer is ideal for small loads such as landscapingequipmentand some furniture. A 6’x12’ trailer is slightly larger and can accommodate larger items such as home appliances or be used as amotorcycle trailer.

A 7’x18’ trailer is ideal for larger loads such as furniture or construction materials. Finally, a 8’6”x28’ trailer is ideal for oversized loads such as vehicles and heavy equipment.

How to Determine the Maximum Trailer Size for Your Vehicle

Determining the maximum trailer size that your vehicle can safely tow is essential for safe transportation. To determine this number, you’ll need to consider several factors including your vehicle’s towing capacity, payload capacity, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Your vehicle’s towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that it can safely tow without putting undue strain on its engine and transmission. Payload capacity refers to the maximum weight that your vehicle can carry in addition to its own weight. Finally, GVWR refers to the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely carry including passengers and cargo.

Tips for Safe and Efficient Towing with the Right Trailer Size

Once you’ve chosen the right trailer size for your needs, it’s important to follow best practices for safe and efficienttowing. This includes properly loading and balancing your trailer, ensuring that it’s securely attached to your vehicle’s hitch, and following speed limits when driving.

Schedule time to regularly inspect your trailer for signs of wear and tear such as worn tires or rusted components. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your trailer and ensure that it remains useful and safe for both your vehicle and other drivers for many years.

Trailer Size Considerations for Different Types of Vehicles

Different types of vehicles require different considerations when choosing a trailer size. For example, sportsutilityvehicles (SUVs) almost always have higher towing capacities than sedans or compact cars, allowing them to tow larger trailers.

If you’re unsure which trailer to go with,call our teamand let us know what you’re considering. We’re always happy to provide recommendations for our customers and answer any kind of question.

Trailer Sizes: Matching Your Vehicle to the Trailer You Need - The Trailer Depot (2)

Size of a Trailer Hitch

Choosing the right hitch for your vehicle and trailer is essential for safe transportation. There are several types of hitches available including ball hitches, pintle hitches, and gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches. Selecting the right trailer hitch type hinges on both your trailer’s size and the vehicle you’re using.

For lighter trailers and everyday use, ball hitches offer ease of use and flexibility, with various ball sizes catering to different trailer weights. Pintle hitches are ideal for heavy-duty applications and often used in construction, military, or government settings.

Gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches excel when towing larger RVs or horse trailers, providing enhanced stability and weight distribution. Prioritizing compatibility between the trailer hitch and your vehicle’s towing capacity ensures a secure and efficient hauling experience.

Trailer Size Maintenance and Care: Keeping Your Investment In Great Condition

Scheduleserviceat a minimum of every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your trailer safe and reliable over time. This includes regular inspections for signs of wear and tear such as worn tires or rusted components. Remember to store your trailer when not in use to protect it from weather damage or theft.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right trailer size for your needs is essential for safe and efficient transportation. By considering factors such as payload capacity, towing capacity, and overall weight distribution, you can ensure that you choose a trailer that is both safe and reliable over time. With proper maintenance and care, your investment in a quality trailer can provide years of reliable service on the road ahead.

Interested in learning more about the trailers we have available? Check out ourcurrently available productsandreach out to us nowfor pricing and detailed info. We look forward to serving you!

Trailer Sizes: Matching Your Vehicle to the Trailer You Need - The Trailer Depot (2024)

FAQs

What size trailer do I need for my car? ›

Most cars are 15' long and about 6' wide, meaning they need a relatively large amount of space to be transported. These dimensions mean cars will need to be transported on a utility trailer approximately 16' long and 8' wide.

What are standard car trailer sizes? ›

Standard car haulers are 8' x 16', 8' x 20', or 8.5' x 24'. Lengths can range from 8' to 28', with standard sizes like 10', 12', 14', 16', 20', and 24' frequently offered. Enclosed car haulers present a different challenge.

Are all trailers the same size? ›

Common Trailer Sizes and Their Recommended Uses

There are multiple trailer sizes available, each with its own advantages. Some common sizes we carry include 5'x10', 6'x12', 7'x18', and 8'6”x28'' trailers. A 5'x10' trailer is ideal for small loads such as landscaping equipment and some furniture.

How do I know what size trailer I can tow? ›

One major factor in learning your trailer's towing limit is knowing your vehicle's towing capacity. The towing capacity for your vehicle as it relates to maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Both GTW and GCWR can be found in the Owner's Manual of your tow vehicle.

What is the most popular size utility trailer? ›

The 6×12, 7×14, and 7×16 utility trailers we have in-stock are indeed the most popular utility trailers of all time. But that truly means nothing unless you get a trailer that's going to provide you many years of useful life.

Is a 4x8 trailer big enough? ›

With a loading capacity of up to 1,600 lbs, our 4x8 cargo trailer rentals are perfect for short or long-distance moves as they provide security in transit and protect your belongings from wind and rain. If you are looking for an enclosed trailer rental, the 4x8 cargo trailer will suit your needs perfectly.

How do you measure trailer size? ›

The length of a trailer is measured from the front of the trailer to the rear bumper, while the width is measured from side to side. Record the length, width, and height.

How big is a 5x8 trailer? ›

The 5x8 enclosed trailer can hold a queen-size bed and tow up to 1,800 lbs! All cargo trailer rentals have a soft ride, rub rails, multiple tie-downs and lockable doors to protect your belongings.

What does 53 mean on a trailer? ›

The Standard 53′ Semi-Trailer Dimensions The average dimensions for a 53′ semi-trailer are a 53′ length, a 102″ width, a door height of 110″, and a total height of 13'6″. These are the largest dimensions a trailer can come in before an oversized load.

Will a car fit on a 16 foot trailer? ›

This car trailer size measures just 16 feet long which makes it easy to maneuver on the road. In addition, this trailer features a dovetail that drops 7 inches for easy loading of low-clearance cars.

How do you calculate trailer towing capacity? ›

Subtracting the curb weight from the GCWR gives you the vehicle's towing capacity. Manufacturers will stress that you should never exceed your car or truck's towing capacity. We would add that, for safety reasons, it's best to never come within 10% of that total.

What is the load capacity of a car trailer? ›

A bumper pull car hauler with length enough for one car may have a GVWR of 6,000 pounds, while a double-car gooseneck trailer could max out at 15,000 pounds. Additionally, aluminum car trailer weight and capacity will vary greatly from steel. On average, the load capacity for car trailers is 7,100 pounds.

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