Open or Enclosed Trailer? Know the Difference

I remember standing in the dealer yard, staring at two trailers. One open. One enclosed. Both seemed like good options but which one actually fit the work I was doing?

Back then, I didn’t have a clear answer. So I went with my gut and ended up regretting it.

That’s why I wrote this article.

You’re likely comparing enclosed vs open trailers based on the same things I was: protection, price, flexibility, and how long the trailer will really last under pressure.

This guide breaks it all down:

• What each trailer is good for.
• Were they fall short.
• How to match the trailer to the kind of work you actually do.

By the end, you won’t just know the difference, you’ll know which one is right for you.

Let’s get started!

1. What is an Open Trailer?

If you’ve ever driven past a flatbed trailer with heavy equipment strapped down, you’ve seen an open trailer in action.

An open trailer has no walls or roof. What you see is what you get: a solid floor with rails, tie-down points, and sometimes ramps. Everything sits out in the open, exposed to wind, rain, and sun. That’s the tradeoff: more access, less protection.

Most open trailers are made from either steel or aluminum. Steel is heavier and usually more affordable. Aluminum costs more but weighs less, which can help with fuel use or towing if you’re using a smaller vehicle.

So why would you choose an open trailer?

It depends on what you haul.

If you’re in construction or landscaping, an open trailer might actually make your job easier. You can load things fast, especially if you’re dealing with:

• Cement mixers
• Lumber
• Pipes
• Scaffolding
• Power tools

These tools can handle exposure. A little rain or dust won’t ruin them.

The same is true for machines made to be outdoors. Think pressure washers, generators, or compact loaders. These don’t need a roof over their heads.

Another reason to consider an open trailer is size. If you’re moving large or awkward items that wouldn’t fit through a door or under a ceiling, open space makes the job simpler.

I once had to move a CNC router frame. It was wide, bulky, and oddly shaped. No way it was going into an enclosed trailer. That’s when I realized something: sometimes, open is the only option that works.

But that convenience comes with limits. You give up weather protection. You also give up the security of keeping your load hidden or locked.

So before we get into enclosed trailers, ask yourself: do you need protection, or is speed and simplicity what really matters to you?

2. What is an Enclosed Trailer?

If an open trailer leaves everything exposed, an enclosed trailer does the opposite.

An enclosed trailer is fully covered. It has walls, a roof, and usually a solid floor. Think of it like a mobile storage unit. Everything inside stays protected from weather, road debris, and curious eyes.

Most enclosed trailers come with lockable doors. Some have a rear ramp door for easy loading. Others have a side door for quick access. Inside, there’s space to organize your gear, stack boxes, or even mount shelves and tool racks.

After dealing with rain damage one too many times, I made the switch to enclosed. The first job I used it on involved painted wood panels. That extra layer of protection saved me time, money, and stress.

You might need that same peace of mind, especially if you carry:

• Expensive equipment
• Tools you can’t afford to replace
• Materials that can’t get wet or dusty
• Delicate machines with wiring or electronics

Enclosed trailers are also great for long hauls. You don’t have to worry if it rains overnight or if someone walks by while you’re parked at a rest stop. Your load is locked away and out of sight.

They’re useful for more than just hauling too. Many people use them as mobile workshops or on-site storage. I’ve seen contractors build out the interior with lights, cabinets, and even small workbenches. It becomes part of the job site.

But of course, all that protection means extra weight. And a higher price.

So now you’ve seen both sides: open trailers give you speed and space. Enclosed trailers give you safety and shelter.

3. Which Trailer Fits Your Business?

Now that you know what each trailer type looks like, let’s talk about how they actually fit into your work.

The right trailer isn’t just about features. It’s about how it performs in your day-to-day jobs.

Are you moving heavy machines from site to site? Or hauling sensitive tools across long distances? Your answer changes everything.

Let’s break it down by user type: agents and terminal users.

For Agents: Dealers, Rental Companies, Repairers

If you sell, rent, or service equipment, your trailer is part of your business. You need something dependable and practical. Here’s what each option offers.

For Terminal Users: Furniture, Decor, Mold Makers, Hobbyists

If you’re using the trailer yourself, the choice depends on your project type and how far you’re going.

Open trailer fits if you:

• Work short distances or within a single town
• Move heavy but weatherproof items like stone, metal frames, or bulk wood
• Need something affordable
• Want quick loading and unloading for things like landscaping tools or raw materials

I remember using an open trailer during a summer build. Everything was bulky but fine in the sun. It made moving fast and simple.

But there are limits.

Enclosed trailer fits if you:

• Carry paint, carved wood, electronics, or fragile tools
• Need a secure, weather-safe space while on the road
• Work long hours or haul overnight
• Want a mobile workspace to store, charge, or protect tools

For my mold-making work, enclosed trailers saved me more than once. Foam, clay, and fine tools don’t do well in heat or rain.

So here’s the real question: what’s at risk if your gear gets wet, stolen, or damaged?

Knowing your daily needs makes the choice clear.

At Rhinotrail, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We offer a full range of customizable trailers, flatbeds, tankers, low-beds, and more, built for the kind of work you actually do.

If you’re not sure what fits best, we’ll help you figure it out.

4. Load Type and Frequency

By now, you’ve seen the big picture: open trailers give you space, enclosed ones give you protection. But here’s where things get more specific.

What you haul and how often plays a big part in your decision.

For Heavy Equipment

If your work involves forklifts, compact machines, or items that need to be rolled or craned in, open trailers often make more sense.

There’s no roof or sidewall to block the lift. You can load from the back, side, or even overhead.

I remember moving a large air compressor for a factory install. It was a tight fit on the pallet jack, and lifting it over enclosed trailer walls would’ve been a nightmare. With the open trailer, the forklift operator just rolled it in, dropped it, and we were done.

So if you’re regularly moving:

• Generators
• CNC router frames
• Skid steers
• Building materials

An open trailer keeps things simple.

For Light, Valuable Tools

But maybe you’re on the other side. You carry smaller tools that are easy to lose or damage. That’s where enclosed trailers really help.

Inside, you can set up:

• Hooks
• Shelves
• Lockable toolboxes
• Charging stations

It’s like having a rolling workshop. And when it’s all packed up, you can lock it and leave it.

I’ve seen setups where workers build out the trailer’s interior like a van—everything has a spot, and nothing gets left behind.

Frequent vs Occasional Use

How often you haul matters too.

If you’re moving gear every day, enclosed trailers save time. No tarps. No tie-down guessing. Just roll up, load, and lock.

But if you’re hauling once a week—or once a month—an open trailer with a tarp might be all you need. It gets the job done without a big investment.

So, ask yourself this: What are you really moving? And how often do you need to move it?

Once you answer that, the right trailer starts to feel like a much easier choice.

5. Space & Towing Considerations

So far, we’ve looked at what you haul and how often. But there’s one more thing that can make or break your decision: space.

Where will you keep the trailer? And what will you use to pull it?

Let’s break that down.

Will It Fit in Your Garage or Lot?

This one’s easy to overlook until the trailer shows up and… doesn’t fit.

Enclosed trailers take up more space in every direction. They’re taller. They’re wider. And if you’re trying to park one in a small lot or residential area, it can be a tight squeeze.

You’ll also want to think about overhead clearance. Some garages or storage buildings aren’t tall enough for enclosed units, especially if they have roof vents or racks.

Open trailers, on the other hand, are easier to store. They’re lower to the ground and more flexible in tight spaces. You can back them into corners, stack some materials on them, or even lean equipment against the sides.

If space is limited, that’s something to consider. Where will the trailer sit between jobs? Can it be moved easily?

Towing Vehicle Requirements

Once you have a place to park it, the next question is: what are you towing it with?

Enclosed trailers are heavier. That extra weight comes from the walls, roof, and doors. Plus, they have more wind resistance. All of that puts more strain on your vehicle.

You may need:

• A truck with higher towing capacity
• Better brakes
• Upgraded suspension
• A stronger hitch system

I learned this the hard way. My SUV handled an open trailer just fine, but once I switched to enclosed, the engine struggled on hills. I had to upgrade before I could haul comfortably again.

So think ahead: does your current vehicle match the trailer you want?

Before making your decision, it’s worth checking the numbers. Size and towing aren’t exciting—but they matter just as much as cargo and cost.

6. Protection vs Price

You might be leaning toward an open trailer because of the lower price. And yes, that upfront cost can make a big difference especially if you’re buying more than one.

But here’s the thing: long-term costs don’t stop at the sale. Protection plays a major role in what you spend over time.

Let’s look at what that really means.

Weather Damage Costs (Open Trailer Risk)

Rain, snow, and strong sun can do serious damage. If your load isn’t protected, you’re taking a risk every time you hit the road.

I’ve seen CNC controllers fried from just one downpour. Wooden furniture? Warps fast if left in wet weather. And painted pieces—especially custom finishes—can lose their color or peel in the sun.

Here are a few examples of what exposure can ruin:

• CNC electronics and control panels
• Freshly painted items
• Carved wood or mold parts
• Upholstered goods or interior decor pieces

Replacing that gear isn’t cheap. And the lost time hurts, too.

Theft Risk Comparison

Theft is another cost many people forget to factor in.

Open trailers make your tools and machines easy to see. And easy to grab.

I once parked an open trailer at a job site for 20 minutes. When I came back, the toolboxes were gone. I never made that mistake again.

With an enclosed trailer, you can:

• Lock all doors
• Use alarms or GPS trackers
• Keep valuable tools out of sight

It’s not foolproof, but it’s a big step up from leaving your gear exposed.

Maintenance and Wear

Now let’s talk upkeep.

Open trailers are easier to clean. There’s less to worry about—just keep the deck and tires in good shape.

But they’re also more exposed: rain, road salt, sun. Over time, rust and wear add up.

Enclosed trailers stay cleaner inside. But you’ll need to check:

• Roof seals
• Door hinges
• Locks and latches

It’s more surface area, and more things that can wear out.

So ask yourself this: are you saving money now just to spend more later?

Understanding the full cost of protection helps you make a smarter, longer-lasting choice.

7. Cost Comparison

Price isn’t just about what you pay upfront but how well the trailer holds up over time and what you might get back if you sell it later.

Let’s break down the numbers so you can see the real difference between open and enclosed trailers:

Note: Prices and depreciation rates can vary based on factors like brand, condition, and market demand. It’s advisable to research current market trends and consult with local dealers for the most accurate information.

Conclusion

Choosing between open and enclosed trailers isn’t just about features but also how you work, protect your tools, and grow your business.

I’ve been there. Stuck, unsure, comparing prices, but once I chose the trailer that matched my workflow, everything felt easier.

You’ve got the information and seen the differences now. What would it mean to have a trailer that fits you perfectly?

Let’s find out.

Contact us today and let’s build the setup that keeps your work moving forward.