Enclosed vs Utility Trailer

[GunsAreFun]

Have started looking for a trailer to haul a 2-seater RZR and an ATV. Is there any downside to getting an enclosed cargo trailer over a standard utility trailer aside from the cost? Would be towing with an F-150 for reference.

I assume a cargo trailer catches cross winds more but any other downsides?

I’d probably turn any cargo/enclosed trailer into a basic hunt camp too…basically just a step up from a tent…insulation, modular bunks, maybe a diesel heater.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Just weight and low ballistic coefficient.

 

[Thess87]

Yeah agree with above. I got a enclosed for the same reason, I only kept it one season. I couldn’t pas a gas station with out stopping it seemed. Pulled with a half ton Chevy.

 

[Swamp Fox]

You give up sleeping under the stars, and you can't just piss over the sides...

Ahoy!

 

[WeiserBucks]

@BRTreedogs has been down this road.

 

[rookieforever33]

Lower gas mileage with an enclosed if your driving far. As well as more time to get there if its windy as you assumed. Generally harder to drive and backup due to reduced visibility. But locking your stuuf up when your gone and a place to get out of the rain and spread clothes out to dry makes things worth while. Also makes a great storage place at home.

 

[Gravel Road]

A razor AND an ATV= a large enclosed trailer. Seems like a lot of sail for cross winds.

 

[GunsAreFun]

Yeah agree with above. I got an enclosed for the same reason, I only kept it one season. I couldn’t pas a gas station with out stopping it seemed. Pulled with a half ton Chevy.

Is gas mileage really that different? I’d think having odd shapes like a UTV and ATV sticking off wouldn’t be good either. Seems like most people report getting 9-11mpg towing with half tons regardless of the powertrain or size of trailer (within reason).

I’ve only hauled some trailers around town for short distances though so can’t comment personally on highway mileage.

 

[GunsAreFun]

A razor AND an ATV= a large enclosed trailer. Seems like a lot of sail for cross winds.

Ya, I know both will fit on a a 7x14 utility trailer with side ramps with room to spare because I’ve done it multiple times with my FIL. I wold probably need an 17-18’ cargo area with an enclosed trailer unless I could figure out how to get the ATV in sideways.

 

[WeiserBucks]

What 2 machines fit on a 7x12?

 

[Gravel Road]

Not sure how long the razors are, but I was thinking at least 20 foot since the ATV can't go in sideways?

 

[Billy Goat]

Is gas mileage really that different?

I know both will fit on a a 7x12 utility trailer with side ramps with room to spare because I’ve done it multiple times with my FIL. I wold probably need an 17-18’ cargo area with an enclosed trailer

Just the weight difference is fairly substantial.


With a diesel and low gears, you might not notice a huge difference. On a gas, he'll yes you will.

18' enclosed isn't too small, if you get a flat nose, and pull over 60-65 mph, it's like a parachute.


7.5 wide enclosed you might spin atv sideways with 2 guys, depending on how big it is.

 

[KChunter71]

I’d rent one and toss them in it. Take a weekend trip. I have two open trailers that get used a lot more than the enclosed trailers I had did. The enclosed trailer adds more cost, extra weight, and you’re limited on the roads it will go down because of the extra weight.

 

[kpk]

around here you'll be able to sell the enclosed in 5 years for what you paid for it and you'll struggle to sell a utility trailer.

 

[cnelk]

Not sure if it helps but I have a 7x10 utility trailer I use a lot.
I welded up a 3’ back ramp and modified it so it will lay flat if I need that extra 3’ when I haul longer stuff.

 

[BCsteve]

I have an enclosed 7x16 trailer we use to haul two quads and our hunt camp for moose and deer. Two quads fit end to end but not much extra room lenght wise. I pull it with my 3.5 Ecoboost F150 without issue for 13 hours up northern BC. Never noticed any wind issues but I'm pulling up mountains not across prairies. The trailer becomes our dry storage and cook shack when we settle for a camp spot.

 

[TaperPin]

I don’t think your f150 is up to hauling an enclosed trailer large enough for both those things, load equalizer or not. I see a wreck every year with a f150, Suburban, or other similarly sized outfit, and oversized trailer.

 

[BCsteve]

Here’s a few of my F150’s over the years with my 7x16. Makes a good cooking shack when you get there!

 

[180ls1]

The weight issue is more important when you realize you can get away with a cheap single axle, something you cannot do with an enclosed.

 

[Tjdeerslayer37]

i have a 6x12 enclosed that i use for deer camp, flat faced, even only loaded with a couple hundred pounds i cut my mileage in half with anything i pull it with (22 bronco, 16 canyon duramax, 06 f150). i hate towing the dang thing.