Enclosed vs Open Trailer Rentals: Which Is Better for Your Job?

April 10, 2023

Why People Compare Enclosed and Open Trailer Rentals

If you’re searching “enclosed vs open trailer rental”, you’re probably deciding between protection and convenience. Both trailer types are useful—but choosing the wrong one can make your job harder than it needs to be.

This guide breaks down when an enclosed trailer rental is the better choice, when an open trailer makes more sense, and how to decide based on what you’re hauling.

What Is an Enclosed Trailer Rental?

An enclosed trailer rental is a fully covered cargo trailer designed to protect your load from weather, road debris, and visibility.

Best Uses for Enclosed Trailer Rentals

  • Moving furniture and household items
  • Transporting tools and equipment
  • Hauling boxed or loose items
  • Jobs requiring weather protection or security

If protection and organization matter, enclosed trailers are usually the safer option.

What Is an Open Trailer Rental?

An open trailer rental—such as a deckover or flatbed—features an exposed deck with no walls or roof. This design offers flexibility and easier loading.

Best Uses for Open Trailer Rentals

  • Equipment and machinery
  • Oversized or wide materials
  • Palletized loads
  • Jobs where weather protection isn’t critical

Open trailers work best when access and size matter more than protection.

Enclosed vs Open Trailer: Key Differences

Understanding the trade-offs makes choosing easier.

Enclosed Trailer Rental

  • Protects from rain and wind
  • Keeps items out of sight
  • Better for loose or boxed cargo
  • Limited by interior dimensions

Open Trailer Rental

  • Easy side and top loading
  • Handles oversized loads
  • Faster loading with equipment
  • Requires securing the load

The right choice depends on what you’re hauling—not just convenience.

When an Enclosed Trailer Is the Better Choice

Choose an enclosed trailer rental when:

  • You’re moving furniture or personal items
  • Tools or equipment need protection
  • Weather conditions are unpredictable
  • Security matters during stops

Enclosed trailers help prevent damage and keep items organized.

When an Open Trailer Is the Better Choice

An open trailer rental works best when:

  • The load is oversized or tall
  • You’re hauling equipment or machinery
  • Materials are palletized
  • Fast loading and unloading is important

For construction and landscaping jobs, open trailers often save time.

Loading and Securing Differences

How you load matters just as much as which trailer you choose.

Enclosed Trailer Loading

  • Strap items to interior walls
  • Stack boxes evenly
  • Prevent shifting during transport

Open Trailer Loading

  • Use strong tie-downs or chains
  • Secure all sides
  • Double-check straps before driving

Both require preparation, but open trailers demand extra attention to securing the load.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Between Trailer Types

Avoid these common issues:

  • Choosing enclosed trailers for oversized loads
  • Forgetting weather exposure with open trailers
  • Underestimating load width or height
  • Prioritizing price over function

Choosing based on job requirements prevents delays and damage.

How to Decide Which Trailer You Need

Before booking, ask yourself:

  • Does my load need protection?
  • Will the load fit inside an enclosed trailer?
  • Do I need side or top loading access?
  • How heavy or wide is the load?

Answering these questions quickly points you toward the right trailer.

Match the Trailer to the Task

When comparing enclosed vs open trailer rentals, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Enclosed trailers protect and secure your load, while open trailers offer flexibility and space.

Choosing the right trailer for your job saves time, effort, and frustration.

Ready to book the right trailer?
Check availability and reserve the best trailer online for your project.