Enclosed vs Utility Trailer

[Jethro]

Nothing beats the security and extra dry storage of an enclosed.

Open trailer will teach you the true definition of “dusty”. Even the inside of an enclosed trailer gets dusty from FS roads.

Normal size atv, 500-800cc, can’t be spun sideways inside a 7.5. The corners hit.

Most years we take 2 quads in a 16 enclosed. This year we fit them in a 14. With all gear for 4, we were packed full despite lessening number of coolers we took.

Been too long since we pulled an open trailer. I can’t remember mpg’s for comparison. 9-10mpg is what we get with enclosed and pulling with 1/2 ton gas regardless of make.

 

[tdhanses]

What 2 machines fit on a 7x12?

My pioneer utv fits on a 7x12 with room for an ebike, lol.

 

[GunsAreFun]

What 2 machines fit on a 7x12?

I corrected the post. The trailer is 7x14. The side rails lift off and double as ramps so the ATV goes on sideways.

 

[300country]

Enclosed trailers are very versatile and if you have plans of using the trailer for more than just hauling your toys then you could have a great reason to consider an enclosed. Your stuff stays clean and dry, you can use it as a camper, cook shack, storage area and they make hauling loose stuff very simple with peace of mind that it won’t fall out or blow out. I would suggest getting a full height trailer with tandem axles so you aren’t hitting your head entering/ exiting the trailer plus tandems tow a lot nicer with better reliability.

 

[GunsAreFun]

Another option is I get an enclosed trailer just big enough to fit the RZR and some gear…like a 6.5-7’ x12.

If my partners want to bring an ATV, they stick one in the back of a pickup truck.

 

[Miflatlander91]

I pulled an open single axle and as much as I could stuff into a sxs to Wyoming last year with my diesel mpg wasn’t great not bad tho this year pulled the same sxs and a little more gear in a tandem enclosed trailer to Arizona… I’m glad we split the fuel bill 3 ways


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I just pulled a 6x10 enclosed from Tampa to Flagstaff, 2500 diesel. My MPG went from 18/20mpg to 10-12mpg. The enclosed makes a huge difference compared to utility, especially with wind.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Open trailer will teach you the true definition of “dusty”. Even the inside of an enclosed trailer gets dusty from FS roads.

That ain't no joke. I have a cover over my truck bed and everything's still caked in dust, not dusty... caked. Only place it can get in is the gaps from the bed closure but it must just suck in and swirl all around inside. Can't imagine an open flatbed.

 

[GunsAreFun]

Hear you all on some of the issues

That ain't no joke. I have a cover over my truck bed and everything's still caked in dust, not dusty... caked. Only place it can get in is the gaps from the bed closure but it must just suck in and swirl all around inside. Can't imagine an open flatbed.

Get a truck tailgate seal kit. ROK block makes one that I had on my Tundra with a Softopper, and it cut out 99% of dust.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Hear you all on some of the issues

Get a truck tailgate seal kit. ROK block makes one that I had on my Tundra with a Softopper, and it cut out 99% of dust.

Thanks for the heads up, will check into it.

 

[Maverick1]

I just pulled a 6x10 enclosed from Tampa to Flagstaff, 2500 diesel. My MPG went from 18/20mpg to 10-12mpg. The enclosed makes a huge difference compared to utility, especially with wind.

Oof. That is rough. Is your enclosed a flat or v-nose?

That reduction in mileage makes me rethink my plan of doing the same with a V8 4Runner. Only gets 15-18 mpg to start with.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Oof. That is rough. Is your enclosed a flat or v-nose?

That reduction in mileage makes me rethink my plan of doing the same with a V8 4Runner. Only gets 15-18 mpg to start with.

Flat, I don’t think that really makes much of a difference. Mine is the extra tall, 6’7” interior, that probably makes a bigger difference.

 

[Axlrod]

I tow an aluminium enclosed 8x20 tall. I get 10 mpg w/ Duramax 2500 (19 mpg w/o trailer) @ 80 MPH.
A gas 2500 I towed it with a few years ago was 4 mpg @ 80 MPH.

 

[Thess87]

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.

For me with no trailer on my Chevy 1500 I’d get 13-14. Pulling a utility trailer I’d get 11-12. With my enclosed I only got like 7-8! That was the 5.3 motor.

 

[GunsAreFun]

For me with no trailer on my Chevy 1500 I’d get 13-14. Pulling a utility trailer I’d get 11-12. With my enclosed I only got like 7-8! That was the 5.3 motor.

13-14 gong what speed and is that stock tires? My Tundra got that going 80 depending on the wind. 75 would be 14-15.

 

[GunsAreFun]

I tow an aluminium enclosed 8x20 tall. I get 10 mpg w/ Duramax 2500 (19 mpg w/o trailer) @ 80 MPH.
A gas 2500 I towed it with a few years ago was 4 mpg @ 80 MPH.

4 mpg is wild. Like I think that is the worse I’ve ever heard lol.

 

[gearguywb]

I would like to find a 8x16 enclosed for my crew cab Polaris. Get to the hunting area, Polaris comes out, sleep in the trailer.

I also shoot a lot of sporting clays and travel to large tournaments. Being able to have all of your gear, already organized in the trailer, would sure be nice

 

[Cady Creek]

4 mpg is wild. Like I think that is the worse I’ve ever heard lol.

We towed a 16' aluminum utility trailer with two quads from Michigan to Wyoming this fall. Averaged 6 mpg in my 2019 Tundra. Anything over 60mph and it took a hit. And you'll get run over heading West at 60, so..
I had a 7x14 enclosed. They are great. For storage, camping, keeping things dry and clean. But that was about it. Sold it and bought a utility trailer. Use it nearly every weekend, for everything.

 

[ben h]

I tow an aluminium enclosed 8x20 tall. I get 10 mpg w/ Duramax 2500 (19 mpg w/o trailer) @ 80 MPH.
A gas 2500 I towed it with a few years ago was 4 mpg @ 80 MPH.

These numbers aren't terribly far off what I expierienced (4 might be a little low, but 5-6 mpg is still burning a fuel fast). You can find all sorts of posts of people getting 11-15 mpg pulling trailers with gas and maybe they did....that one time pulling the boat 50 miles to the lake or whatever. You won't get mileage like that driving normal over a long trip.

 

[GRR95]

if you go with enclosed, do not go cheap. spend more on a trailer that will actually last 10+ years. IMO