There are many different types of trailers. There are dump, tilt, equipment, landscaping, car hauler, gooseneck, and cargo (also called enclosed) trailers. And every kind of trailer can be used differently.
How Many Types of Trailers are There?
Types of trailers range in size, weight, and use. For example, an enclosed trailer might be used to transport items that need to be protected from the elements during transport while an equipment trailer might be used to haul tractors and implements.
Below is a list of different types of trailers.
Dump Trailers
Dump trailers are typically constructed with a heavier duty frame than most cargo trailers. This is necessary to support loads of dirt, gravel, and other aggregate or debris these types of trailers usually haul.
Some of the best dump trailers might include a roll-down tarp for covering a load and preventing it from blowing out of the trailer. They may also include a toolbox, a heavier-duty jack stand, and a spare tire mount.
There are also different brands of trailers. A few include Kaufman, Big Tex, PJ, MaxxD, and Diamond C.
Tilt Trailers
Tilt trailers are built with a tilting bed mechanism. This can be found on car haulers, equipment trailers, and dump trailers.
The best tilt trailers make it easier to load and unload certain cargo or equipment. With a ramp that tilts to meet the ground, vehicles can be driven onto these types of trailers, and heavy cargo can be rolled or carried on more easily.
Equipment Trailers
An equipment trailer is any trailer capable of transporting equipment. They are similar to a standard utility trailer. However, most equipment trailers have beefed-up frames and other components to accommodate heavier loads.
These trailers typically come in two types – flatbed and deckover. The differences between a flatbed and deckover trailer mostly come down to the width and height of the deck or bed of the trailer.
Equipment trailers can be used by heavy equipment operators to haul heavy equipment. These types of trailers are typically used to haul small tractors, various equipment, and even automobiles. They are equipped with heavy-duty tie-downs, hardwood plank floors, and winches.
Utility Trailers
The best utility trailer is a simpler design than cargo trailers. They are one of the most common types of trailers and are typically constructed on the same heavy-duty steel tube frame.
Utility trailers also have various drop leaf spring axle configurations – such as tandem axle utility trailers – for carrying loads of different weights.
However, because they are not enclosed, these types of trailers are not lined with plywood. They also do not have an aluminum skin for protection or overhead lights or vents.
Some do offer a ramp or gate on the back for loading and containing cargo. Most also have a low steel tube frame wall around the perimeter of the trailer.
These trailers also come with all required lighting for road operation. They also come with a jack stand and foot as well as safety chains for towing.
Landscaping Trailers
Landscaping trailers are typically constructed on the same heavy-duty steel tube frame as other types of utility trailers but are usually built for more heavy-duty payloads such as small lawn tractors and other equipment.
Landscaping trailers may have various mounts for equipment like weedeaters and edgers. They may also come in a dual-axle configuration and have various drop leaf spring axle configurations for carrying loads of different weights.
The best landscaping trailer offers a ramp or gate on the back for loading and containing landscaping equipment or debris. Most also have a low steel tube frame wall around the perimeter of the trailer.
Like some other types of trailers, landscaping trailers also come with all required lighting for road operation. They also come with a jack stand and foot as well as safety chains for towing.
Car Hauler Trailers
Car hauler trailers are similar to equipment trailers. Some have tilt beds, some have front shields to protect the automobiles they are hauling, and so on.
The best car hauler trailer also typically has convenient hooks and other features for securing a load specifically for cars and trucks.
Gooseneck Trailers
Goosenecks are used for hauling serious payloads. When the weight of the load exceeds what is allowed to tow from the bumper, a gooseneck trailer is the next step up.
The best gooseneck trailer is built even heavier than equipment trailers. These types of trailers often have a payload capacity of over 12,000 pounds and are capable of hauling heavy equipment long distances.
Cargo Trailers
Cargo trailers are also called enclosed trailers. These types of trailers are typically constructed on a steel tube frame sitting on one or more drop leaf spring axels. The walls are also usually made from steel tubing for the frame.
The interior of types of trailers is covered by plywood. Some trailers include interior lighting and most enclosed trailers come with locks and a roof vent.
The exterior is typically sheathed in aluminum. Most will have a heavy-duty ramp door for loading and unloading and have all required safety lighting for use on public roads and highways.
They will also have a jack with a stand foot for holding the tongue of the trailer level when not connected to a towing vehicle. Cargo trailers will have safety chains for use while being towed that help prevent the trailer from disconnecting completely from the towing vehicle in the event of a hitch or coupler failure.
Cargo trailers are one of the most popular types of trailers to rent in a rent to own trailer program.