Cargo Craft vs. Continental Cargo: Choosing the Right Enclosed Trailer
When you are in the market for a new enclosed trailer, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Whether you are hauling expensive motorcycles, setting up a mobile workshop, or transporting equipment for your business, you need a trailer that won’t let you down. Two names that frequently come up in the industry are Cargo Craft and Continental Cargo.
At Trailer Place, located in Wharton, TX (and moving to our new home in Rosenberg, TX in mid-2026), we have seen every type of trailer come through our lot. We choose to carry Cargo Craft trailers because we believe they offer a superior build that stands up to the rigors of Texas roads. While Continental Cargo is a well-known brand, there are specific structural and value-based reasons why Cargo Craft remains our top recommendation for our customers.
Build Quality & Materials: Why Cargo Craft Takes the Lead
The longevity of an enclosed trailer is determined by what’s under the skin. When comparing Cargo Craft vs. Continental Cargo, the difference often lies in the structural integrity of the frame and the quality of the materials used in the walls and flooring.
Cargo Craft is renowned for its “Elite” and “Ranger” series, which utilize heavy-duty square tubing frames. Unlike some competitors that rely on Z-post or hat-post wall studs, Cargo Craft frequently employs tube steel wall posts. This provides significantly more rigidity, preventing the “box” of the trailer from racking or twisting over time. Furthermore, Cargo Craft often features a triple-tube tongue design on their larger models, providing a much stronger connection point to your tow vehicle than a standard A-frame tongue.
Continental Cargo, a division of Forest River, produces trailers at a very high volume. While they offer a wide range of products, their entry-level models often utilize more cost-effective materials like OSB (Oriented Strand Board) for interiors rather than the high-grade plywood found in most Cargo Craft models. For the Texas hauler dealing with high humidity and heavy loads, plywood is the superior choice as it resists moisture and structural fatigue much better than OSB.
Features & Specs Side-by-Side
When you look at the specifications, the “standard” features on a Cargo Craft often outperform the “upgrades” on a Continental Cargo. Here is how they generally stack up:
- Frame Construction: Cargo Craft utilizes 16\” on-center wall and floor members on most professional-grade models. Continental Cargo often defaults to 24\” on-center on their budget lines, which can lead to floor sagging over time.
- Roofing: Cargo Craft uses a one-piece aluminum roof system to prevent leaks. Many mass-produced trailers use multi-piece roofs that rely heavily on sealant, which can fail after a few seasons in the sun.
- Axles: Both brands use reputable axle brands like Dexter, but Cargo Craft’s integration into their heavy-duty tube frames ensures better alignment and less tire wear.
- Interior: Cargo Craft typically features 3/8\” plywood walls and 3/4\” plywood floors. Continental Cargo’s entry-level models often use thinner materials or engineered wood products that lack the same impact resistance.
If you are looking for something even more specialized, such as an all-aluminum build, you might also consider our Alcom trailers, but for the best balance of strength and price, Cargo Craft’s steel-frame trailers are hard to beat.
Value & Pricing: Investing in Longevity
It is tempting to look only at the bottom-line price tag when shopping for enclosed cargo trailers. Continental Cargo often competes aggressively on price, but at Trailer Place, we argue that value is more important than the initial cost.
A Cargo Craft trailer holds its resale value exceptionally well. Because the frame is built with tube steel and the interior uses real plywood, these trailers look and perform better five years down the road. When you buy a Cargo Craft from Trailer Place, you are investing in a piece of equipment that won’t require constant structural repairs. Whether you are looking for a simple 5×10 or a massive car hauler trailer, the “cost per mile” is almost always lower with a Cargo Craft.
Warranty & Dealer Support: The Trailer Place Advantage
A trailer is only as good as the support behind it. While Continental Cargo has a large dealer network, the personalized service you receive at Trailer Place is unmatched. We don’t just sell you a trailer and send you on your way; we are your partners in hauling.
We offer competitive financing options to help you get the equipment you need today, and we provide nationwide shipping for those who can’t make it to our Wharton, TX location. As we prepare for our move to a larger facility in Rosenberg, TX in 2026, our commitment to stocking the best brands like Cargo Craft, Diamond C, and Iron Bull only grows stronger. When you buy from us, you get a manufacturer-backed warranty combined with a local dealer who will fight for you if an issue ever arises.
The Verdict: Cargo Craft Wins for the Serious Hauler
While Continental Cargo serves the entry-level market adequately, Cargo Craft is the clear winner for anyone who plans to use their trailer regularly. With superior tube-frame construction, better interior materials, and a reputation for durability, Cargo Craft trailers are built to handle the demands of the road.
At Trailer Place, we pride ourselves on carrying brands that we would use ourselves. From utility trailers to gooseneck trailers, we know quality when we see it. Cargo Craft delivers that quality consistently.
See Cargo Craft at Trailer Place
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Visit Trailer Place to browse our extensive inventory of Cargo Craft enclosed trailers. Our expert team is ready to help you find the perfect model for your needs, whether it’s for work, play, or anything in between.
Contact us today:
- Phone: (979) 532-1486
- Address: 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488
- Coming Soon: New location in Rosenberg, TX (Mid-2026)
Don’t settle for a trailer that’s “just okay.” Get a Cargo Craft from Trailer Place and haul with confidence!