Is an enclosed trailer or a cage trailer the right choice?

If you use a trailer for work, for carrying plant and other equipment, for moving furniture, for carrying camping gear or for towing long distances, you might be trying to decide whether an enclosed trailer or a cage trailer will best suit your needs.

At Basic Trailers we design and build a range of enclosed and box caged trailers at our Adelaide workshop in a variety of sizes, and our team can help you make the right choice depending on the work you do, the loads you carry, and the sort of distances you travel when transporting all types of equipment and stock.

In the meantime, in this guide we explore the benefits of each type to help you make the perfect selection for your needs — enclosed trailer or cage trailer?

Why should I buy an enclosed trailer?

Our quality enclosed trailers are available in single and tandem axle models, and can be used in a wide variety of applications.

One of the key benefits of enclosed trailers is that they give you greater security than a box trailer. They are extremely strong and tough, and all access points can be securely locked. This means that when you are parked up overnight or for extended periods of time, you won't have to constantly unload and then reload your trailer.

If you're using your trailer for business, saving time in this way can also save you money, as you're not losing earning time packing and re-packing cargo at the start and end of each working day.

Enclosed trailers protect your gear and give you peace of mind

With an enclosed trailer, you don't have to be concerned about tools, bikes or other kit that you're transporting being exposed to the elements. For instance, when you are on the road there's no worries about debris, fumes or insects harming your cargo. Likewise, you won't shed your load as you tow, even when you're on unsealed roads in regional Australia, worksites or rough terrain.

When you are parked up, you're protected against the elements, so rain and hail, trees and birds are not going to be able to damage what you've got onboard. This means that enclosed trailers can function as mobile storage units.

An enclosed trailer also gives you plenty of options when it comes to customisation, especially in terms of how you organise the internal and external storage. We can work with you to custom design and install shelves, tool racks, hooks and other features, ensuring your trailer is organised how you want it, as well as racks on the roof or side for carrying outsized kit and materials, like ladders and pipes.

You can load an enclosed trailer with ease

We design and manufacture enclosed trailers either with rear tailgates or with barn doors (two door that open outwards).

The tailgates on our enclosed trailers also act as a ramp, making it easy to load and unload plant, motorbikes, quad bikes and other vehicles.

Barn doors are a good choice if you use your enclosed trailer for work, as they can be utilised for additional rack and storage space. Barn doors can also be a good option if you need to operate regularly in places where space is tight, and a tailgate ramp isn't always feasible.

Whatever sort of configuration you choose, it's important to ensure that cargo is distributed evenly, with heavier items placed near the axle.

Why should I buy a box cage trailer?

A cage trailer also can also deliver a number of benefits, depending on your needs and the sort of loads you carry.

Generally speaking, cage trailers are lighter to tow and easier to manoeuvre, meaning there is less wear and tear on your vehicle. Box cage trailers are also easier to manoeuvre and park, either at home or at work, as you are more easily able to see over the top of a cage trailer than an enclosed trailer.

There can also be more versatility with a box cage trailer in terms of what you can carry. For instance, the loads in a cage trailer can extend well above the sides (although there are regulations that you need to follow about this), and so provided the load is secured, you can carry items that are wider or longer than the trailer, which you can't do with an enclosed trailer.

You can also carry garden or green waste more efficiently with a cage trailer, provided you cover it and ensure the load is secure. A cage trailer is also easier to clean up afterwards when you've been carrying lawn cuttings and other garden waste.

Other considerations when choosing between an enclosed trailer and a cage trailer

There are some other factors you need to take into consideration when choosing between an enclosed trailer and cage trailer.

The axle configuration and overall cargo capacity matters when it comes to the overall value for money your trailer delivers. Single axle trailers are easier are suitable for lighter loads, while tandem axle trailers offer higher capacity and more stability when towing at higher speeds or on country roads.

However, it's important to remember that cargo weight should not exceed the vehicle's towing capacity.

Speak to our Adelaide trailer specialists

If you're looking to buy an enclosed trailer in South Australia, or are thinking of a cage trailer but want to find out more, then contact the specialists at Basic Trailers. Our sales team will be happy to discuss our full range of enclosed trailers and cage trailers, your specific work or project needs to help you make the right choice. 

All of our trailers for sale comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and are renowned for their quality, durability and value for money, all of which is backed up by a 12-month guarantee. 

Contact Basic Trailers on 1300 770 770, email us or drop in to our trailer workshop at Pooraka, and we will be happy to discuss the options with you.