When it comes to choosing between an open or enclosed trailer, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really comes down to what you’re hauling, how often you’re hauling it, and how much protection the cargo needs along the way. For some, an open trailer offers a perfect balance of simplicity, value, and ease of use. For others, only the security and shelter of an enclosed trailer will do. At Cheshire Trailers, we have spent years helping customers weigh up these decisions, and the truth is, both trailer types come with distinct advantages.
Open trailers are the workhorses of the trailer world. They’re lighter, more affordable, and often easier to use. With no walls or roof, they’re brilliantly versatile for carrying bulkier items, whether it’s lawnmowers, fence panels, machinery, or loose materials like sand and soil. Access is easy, with the ability to load and unload from any side, and because they’ve got fewer moving parts, there’s less to maintain. It also means less strain on the tow vehicle and better fuel economy.
But with that open design comes compromise because the load is fully exposed to the rain, the sun, road spray, and everything in between. Depending on what you’re transporting, that might not matter. But if the cargo is more sensitive or valuable, such as tools, furniture, or anything electrical, that lack of protection can become a problem. Theft is also a consideration. Even with chains and locks, open trailers can leave equipment vulnerable, especially if they’re left parked overnight or in public areas.
Enclosed trailers, by contrast, offer a level of protection and peace of mind. A roof over the cargo and lockable doors effectively turn a trailer into a mobile storage unit, shielding the contents from both the weather and from prying eyes. That’s why enclosed trailers are often the go-to choice for tradespeople carrying expensive tools, or for people transporting valuable items like motorcycles or classic cars. Although the initial investment is higher, the long-term protection they offer can justify the cost – especially if it means avoiding damage, theft, or unnecessary wear and tear.
However, that protection comes with a trade-off. Enclosed trailers are heavier and need a suitable tow vehicle to manage the extra weight. Fuel consumption tends to rise, and manoeuvring in tighter spaces can be more of a challenge. They’re also more complex, which means more upkeep. But for many, especially those using their trailer as a mobile workshop or regular transport, those are minor inconveniences compared with the benefits.
Ultimately, it depends on priorities. If cost, simplicity, and ease of use are top of the list – and you’re transporting gear that’s built to cope with the elements – an open trailer may be the smarter choice. But if security, protection, and long-term value are more important, then an enclosed trailer could be well worth the investment.
At Cheshire Trailers, the team knows exactly how important that decision is. With over 15 years of experience, a purpose-built workshop in Allostock, and a team of NTTA-trained trailer mechanics, we’re on hand to help you decide what’s going to work best for you in practice – whether it’s open or enclosed.
