Buyer’s Guide to Open and Enclosed Car Trailers

Are you thinking about investing in a car trailer, for business or personal use? You might be surprised by the sheer variety of car trailers on the market. The first step is to decide between an open and enclosed trailer, and each style presents you with further options to choose from. You also have the opportunity to customize your trailer to suit your needs. 

At Golden Gait Trailers & RVs, we specialize in bringing you custom-designed trailers. Read on to learn about the different features of open and enclosed car trailers, then visit us in Concord, NC. We have a wide selection of car trailers, and a team dedicated to custom projects.

What Do You Need in a Car Trailer?

Before we go about surveying the options, let’s take a look at some of the factors that can help you determine which kind of trailer to purchase.

First and foremost, you want to take note of the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your tow vehicle. The GVWR gives you the total amount of weight your vehicle can safely haul or carry. Many vehicles will have this number printed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Otherwise you can consult your owner’s manual, contact your vehicle manufacturer, or ask a technician to ascertain your vehicle’s GVWR.

The other main variable to consider is the type of vehicle or vehicles you anticipate hauling with your car trailer. Some car trailers are designed for the sole purpose of hauling one car-sized vehicle, while others are more versatile, accommodating multiple smaller vehicles or other types of cargo. Your trailer will have its own GVWR to keep in mind, and the total weight of your cargo plus the weight of your trailer should stay well within your tow vehicle’s GVWR. Remember to account for the weight of any passengers and additional items inside the cab of your vehicle when performing these calculations.

Open Car Trailers

Open car trailers are an affordable and versatile option. You’ll find a range of shapes and sizes available to accommodate different types of vehicles, and you’ll have the choice between wood flooring or steel diamond patterned flooring. Wood flooring is cheaper, but requires a little more upkeep. Diamond patterned steel flooring is more durable and washable, and its textured surface makes for an easier loading experience.

For even easier loading, consider a tilt trailer. This kind of open car trailer is designed to be angled downward like a ramp so your vehicle can roll aboard with ease.

The main disadvantage of open car trailers lies in the fact that your cargo will be exposed to the elements. If you’re concerned about potential damage to your vehicle from weather conditions or road debris, you may want to consider an enclosed trailer instead.

Enclosed Car Trailers

Enclosed car trailers offer greater safety and security, protecting your cargo from damage and theft. Enclosed trailers will cost more at the outset, but it’s well worth it if you want to make sure your cargo stays in immaculate condition. Your enclosed car trailer can also easily double as a cargo trailer for many different purposes. Enclosed trailers generally range in length from 16-24 feet.

Customization Options

Customizing your car trailer is fun and simple with the help of our experienced technicians at Golden Gait Trailers & RVs. Choose from accessories like built-in cabinets, upgraded interior and exterior lighting, electrical outlets, deluxe flooring and siding, winches, and more. Then just sit back and let our team assemble the perfect trailer for you.

Golden Gait Trailers & RVs is your specialty trailer and luxury RV dealer in Concord, NC. We proudly serve our community and our neighbors in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, NC.