Aluma vs. Cargo Craft Enclosed Trailers: Which Is Right for You?

Shopping for an enclosed trailer and trying to decide between Aluma and Cargo Craft? Both are excellent brands, but they take very different approaches to trailer construction. Aluma builds fully welded aluminum enclosed trailers; Cargo Craft uses traditional galvanneal steel framing. At Trailer Place in Wharton, TX, we stock and sell both — here’s our honest breakdown to help you choose.

Brand Overviews

Aluma Enclosed Trailers

Material: All-aluminum frame and skin — fully welded construction
Weight advantage: Significantly lighter than comparable steel models (often 400–700 lbs lighter)
Popular sizes: 7×14, 7×16, 8×20, 8×24 and custom lengths
GVWR range: 7,000–9,990 lbs depending on configuration
Key feature: Corrosion-proof — no rust, no painting needed
Best for: Long-haul users, coast/humid environments, contractors who want to protect payload capacity

Cargo Craft Enclosed Trailers

Material: Galvanneal steel frame with aluminum skin options
Value proposition: More affordable upfront price point for comparable interior space
Popular sizes: 6×10, 7×14, 7×16, 8.5×20, 8.5×24
GVWR range: 3,500–14,000 lbs across the lineup
Key feature: Wide range of widths and heights; excellent starter and mid-grade options
Best for: Contractors, weekend haulers, mobile businesses on a budget

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Aluma	Cargo Craft
Frame material	All aluminum (welded)	Galvanneal steel
Skin material	Aluminum	Aluminum (most models)
Rust resistance	Excellent (corrosion-proof)	Good (galvanneal coating)
Weight savings	400–700 lbs lighter	Standard weight
Price (7×16)	Higher upfront (~$8,500–$10,500)	More affordable (~$6,500–$8,500)
GVWR range	7,000–9,990 lbs	3,500–14,000 lbs
Warranty	Strong structural warranty	Standard manufacturer warranty
Resale value	Higher (aluminum holds value)	Good for price paid

Model Deep-Dive

Aluma 7×16 SE Enclosed Trailer

The Aluma 7×16 SE is a workhorse for contractors and mobile businesses. At roughly 1,450 lbs empty, it leaves well over 5,000 lbs of usable payload on a 7,000 lb GVWR trailer. The fully welded aluminum frame means zero rust worries in Texas’s humid Gulf Coast climate. Interior height of 6.5′ makes it easy to work inside. Popular with mobile mechanics, landscapers, and event rental companies.

Cargo Craft 7×16 Enclosed Trailer

Cargo Craft’s 7×16 model offers excellent value for money. The galvanneal steel frame is treated for corrosion resistance and pairs with an aluminum exterior skin. At roughly 1,900 lbs empty on a 7,000 lb GVWR model, it still leaves ample payload capacity. Interior options include multiple door configurations, ventilation packages, and E-track for cargo management. Great for first-time enclosed trailer buyers or contractors who don’t need the aluminum premium.

Aluma 8.5×20 vs Cargo Craft 8.5×20

In the larger format, the weight difference becomes even more significant. Aluma’s 8.5×20 comes in around 2,400 lbs; the Cargo Craft 8.5×20 is closer to 2,900–3,100 lbs. That 500+ lb difference is meaningful if your tow vehicle is payload-sensitive (most half-ton and 3/4-ton trucks are). The Aluma also appreciates in value better over time.

Choose Aluma If…

You have a payload-limited tow vehicle (half-ton truck or crossover)
You live or work in a humid or coastal environment where rust is a concern
You plan to keep the trailer 5+ years and want strong resale value
You haul frequently — the fuel savings from lighter weight add up fast
You can justify the higher upfront cost for long-term value

Choose Cargo Craft If…

You’re budget-conscious and want more trailer for less money upfront
You need a very large GVWR trailer (up to 14,000 lbs) that Aluma doesn’t offer in enclosed
You’re a weekend hauler who won’t put extreme miles on the trailer
You need a starter enclosed trailer for a growing business
Your tow vehicle has ample payload capacity and weight isn’t a concern

What About Financing?

Both Aluma and Cargo Craft enclosed trailers are available with financing options through Trailer Place, including programs for buyers with less-than-perfect credit. With payments as low as $150–$250/month depending on down payment and term, either trailer fits most business budgets. See our trailer financing guide for details.

Talk to Our Team

Still not sure which brand is right for your needs? Our team at Trailer Place in Wharton, TX has hands-on experience with both Aluma and Cargo Craft enclosed trailers. We’ll help you match your tow vehicle’s payload, your budget, and your use case to the right trailer.

📞 Call us at (979) 532-1486 — we’re happy to walk you through the options and check current inventory. We also offer nationwide shipping if you’re outside the Houston / Wharton area.