Enclosed vs Utility Trailer

[Chase0109]

I drive a 2022 crew cab F150 power boost. 3.5L twin turbo engine. I pull trailers cross country often.

I average 17–19 MPG without a trailer.
I average 6.5 MPG when pulling my 7 x 16 TA enclosed trailer.
My average 7.5 MPG pulling my 6 x 12 TA enclosed trailer.
I average 7–9 MPG pulling my 3 horse slant load trailer.
I don’t take it often, but I average 13–14 MPG when pulling my 5 x 8 utility trailer with an ATV on it.

In my experience, weight doesn’t make any difference. It’s all about surface area of the trailer. All that being said, I would never personally choose a utility trailer over an enclosed trailer. Yes gas is going cost a little bit more, but so does everything when it comes to hunting lol. The security, utility, and less stress of having everything in an enclosed trailer makes up for the extra fuel cost.

Chase

 

[hunt1up]

I've done a ton of road trips with no trailer, open trailer, and enclosed. It depends on where I'm going, but if I can take no trailer that is my choice. Most of the units we hunt can be hunted with a truck and don't need a 4-wheeler. There's always a few spots I wish I had one, but the guys that bring them go to those spots anyway.

Various Chevy 1500s with a 5.3:

No trailer, loaded up truck - 17mpg
Open trailer and Sxs - 11-12 mpg
12' enclosed full of crap - 7 mpg!

To me, taking a trailer generally creates an unnecessary desire to bring more crap. When I commit to no trailer or small trailer, the amount of useless crap I take goes way down. Camp creep is real. Next thing you know, you're spending 3 hours unloading a bunch of stuff you didn't even need. I had a buddy insist he bring a full size mattress since I had room in the trailer. That was the first and last time that happened. So if you NEED a trailer, I'd get an open one. Better mileage, cheaper, and more handy around home. I have a 12' open and a 12' enclosed and I use the open one all the time around home. The enclosed just sits.

 

[Jethro]

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.

A head wind can kill you, but that is really low. PA to WY 2021 tundra, 14’ enclosed with two quads and cab, bed, and trailer packed and we still got 9-10mpg at 70-75 mph.

Our best ever in a gasser was 11mpg and 1 year in a 2500 diesel got 14-15. We split it 3-4 ways so no biggie. Nothing you can do about it anyway.

Our mpg is almost always the same. Doesn’t matter what truck or whether it’s a 12,14, or 16 enclosed.

 

[chaser_2332]

a ton of enclosed trailers are not built remotely close to the quality of a decent utility trailer.

 

[GunsAreFun]

To me, taking a trailer generally creates an unnecessary desire to bring more crap. When I commit to no trailer or small trailer, the amount of useless crap I take goes way down. Camp creep is real. Next thing you know, you're spending 3 hours unloading a bunch of stuff you didn't even need. I had a buddy insist he bring a full size mattress since I had room in the trailer. That was the first and last time that happened. So if you NEED a trailer, I'd get an open one. Better mileage, cheaper, and more handy around home. I have a 12' open and a 12' enclosed and I use the open one all the time around home. The enclosed just sits.

These are many of the reasons we’ve avoided bringing one the last four years, but we kind of regret not having the ATVs when we get there.

The USFS roads are just all crap, and we end up spending either a ton of time and energy walking or a ton of time driving the trucks real slow. Could probably save 30 minutes each morning and evening with an ATV.

Then this year we had the first decent/sustained rainfall we’ve had archery hunting, and the roads were a muddy mess for two days. We were stuck where we were. Only the ATVs could get around.

The unit we are hopefully hunting next year has really good main roads with lots of parking and paved or graded gravel the entire way. The side roads are total crap though so it makes a lot of sense for that area.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I am planning to buy an ATV after the first of the year, and I need a trailer for it. I have had several utility trailers over the years, and that is certainly the cheaper and easier option for me. That said, If I were going to drive the ATV out west, I am not sure about leaving it sitting out on an open trailer in a hotel parking lot overnight. Seems like you almost need an enclosed trailer for security.

What have been others' experiences with this?

 

[ScreamingPotato]

I am planning to buy an ATV after the first of the year, and I need a trailer for it. I have had several utility trailers over the years, and that is certainly the cheaper and easier option for me. That said, If I were going to drive the ATV out west, I am not sure about leaving it sitting out on an open trailer in a hotel parking lot overnight. Seems like you almost need an enclosed trailer for security.

What have been others' experiences with this?

When we layover we find a campground somewhere for this reason, haven't left anything exposed at a hotel in 20 years.

 

[Schmo]

@GunsAreFun ,
I’d lean towards enclosed. Weights aren’t as different as some think. I’ve worked in the trailer industry, so I have a little insight on things. Hit me up if you have any questions.

 

[deerlick]

Another thing about an enclosed is it is a secure dry storage for the sxs all year. Keeps the garage or shop space freed up

 

[passinggas33]

I debated this extensively and eventually went with a 8x16 enclosed trailer and bring my SXS in it. I insulated the entire thing, put a diesel heater in it, more lights, and made it really quite nice. No toilet is the only downside but we have a solution for that. Anyway, everything has its place and traveling with it is nice. Everything stays dry. Secured. Good protection from the weather when we get there.

As others have mentioned the only drawback is the fuel economy which in my powerstroke is about 10 mpg pulling it. But pulling an open deck is only 1-2 mpg better.

The only regret I have is that I bought a double door and wish I would have got a ramp on the back. Mainly for the clearance for the SXS. But the price of this enclosed trailer was too good to pass up so that’s what I got. One of these days I’ll post some pictures.

 

[bigmoose]

We always take one enclosed trailer with all the camp stuff. Once camp is set up we use it to lock up any antlers we've taken. No worries going to town if no one is in camp.