When you are shopping for an enclosed cargo trailer in Texas, two brands come up again and again: Cargo Craft and Pace American. Both are popular, both are widely available, and both cover a broad range of sizes and configurations. But they are not the same trailer. If you are trying to decide between them, this guide breaks down the real differences so you can buy with confidence.
At Trailer Place in Wharton, TX, we carry Cargo Craft enclosed trailers and have helped hundreds of Texas contractors, business owners, and hobbyists find the right enclosed trailer for their needs. Here is what we know about both brands.
Cargo Craft Enclosed Trailers: Built for Working Texans
Cargo Craft is a Texas-based manufacturer that builds enclosed trailers specifically for heavy use in demanding conditions. Their trailers are known for thicker aluminum skin, stronger tube framing, and upgraded standard features compared to budget-tier enclosed brands.
Key Cargo Craft Features
- Frame: 6-inch main frame with 16-inch on-center crossmembers (some models 24-inch)
- Skin: .030 aluminum exterior on most models; .040 on heavier builds
- Floor: 3/4-inch moisture-resistant plywood standard
- Roof: Radius or flat roof options; interior height up to 84 inches
- Axles: 3,500 lb to 7,000 lb Dexter axles depending on model
- GVWR range: 2,990 lb to 14,000 lb
- Sizes: 5×8 to 8.5×28
- Standard features: LED lighting, side vents, rear ramp door, ATP stone guard, E-track available
Cargo Craft’s best-known models are the Elite and Expedition series. The Elite is a solid mid-range option for contractors and business owners. The Expedition steps up to heavier frames and better insulation — ideal for mobile workshops, concession setups, or serious equipment hauling.
Pace American Enclosed Trailers: Volume Brand with Wide Availability
Pace American (often just called “Pace”) is one of the largest enclosed trailer manufacturers in the country. They build a huge volume of trailers in the budget-to-mid range and have strong dealer networks across Texas and the South.
Key Pace American Features
- Frame: Tube frame; entry models use 24-inch on-center crossmembers
- Skin: .024 aluminum on base models; .030 on Journey/Pursuit series
- Floor: 3/4-inch plywood on most models
- Roof: Radius roof standard; interior height 72-78 inches on most models
- Axles: 2,000 lb to 7,000 lb axles depending on series
- GVWR range: 2,990 lb to 10,400 lb (most common configurations)
- Sizes: 5×8 to 8.5×24 in most markets
- Standard features: LED lighting, rear ramp or door, vents, spring loaded ramp assist on some models
Pace’s most popular lines are the Journey and Pursuit series. The Journey is their entry-level workhorse, widely used for moving, weekend hauling, and light contractor use. The Pursuit steps up with better skin thickness and frame specs.
Cargo Craft vs Pace: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Cargo Craft | Pace American |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior skin thickness | .030 – .040 | .024 – .030 |
| Crossmember spacing | 16″ OC (most models) | 24″ OC (entry); 16″ on higher trim |
| Max GVWR available | 14,000 lb | 10,400 lb (most markets) |
| Interior height | Up to 84″ | 72″-78″ typical |
| Base price range (7×14) | $6,500 – $8,200 | $5,200 – $7,000 |
| Target buyer | Commercial, heavy use | General use, occasional commercial |
| Available at Trailer Place | Yes | No |
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose Cargo Craft if you…
- Run a business and need the trailer to hold up under daily or weekly use
- Haul tools, equipment, or materials that are hard on floors and walls
- Need a taller interior (6’10” or 7′ standing height) for a workshop or concession build
- Want heavier-duty axles and higher GVWR options (10,000-14,000 lb range)
- Value closer crossmember spacing for better floor support under heavy loads
- Plan to add interior shelving, workbenches, or generator packages
Pace may work if you…
- Have a tight budget and primarily need a light-duty hauler
- Use it occasionally — weekends, moving, or seasonal needs
- Do not need high GVWR or heavy payloads
- Prioritize the lowest sticker price over long-term durability
For most Texas buyers doing real work — contractors, landscapers, mobile vendors, or anyone hauling significant weight regularly — Cargo Craft is the better long-term investment. The thicker skin, closer crossmembers, and higher GVWR options mean less wear, fewer repairs, and more years of service under Texas conditions.
Common Use Cases: Which Trailer Fits?
Mobile contractor or trades business: Cargo Craft Elite or Expedition in 7×16 or 8.5×20. You need the taller interior and heavier frame to handle tools, compressors, and daily loading.
Concession trailer build: Cargo Craft Expedition 8.5×20 or 8.5×24 with generator prep. The taller roofline and heavier construction hold up to the weight of kitchen equipment. See our guide to trailers for food truck operators.
Lawn care or landscaping: A 6×12 or 7×14 enclosed trailer is popular for protecting blowers, trimmers, and small equipment. Cargo Craft’s 7×14 in the 7,000 lb GVWR range handles standard landscaping loads well. See our guide for lawn care businesses.
Moving or storage: A 7×16 with rear ramp and side door works for one-time or occasional moves. Either brand handles this use case; Cargo Craft holds its value better if you plan to resell.
Auto transport (cars, motorcycles, ATVs): For car hauling, check out our enclosed cargo trailer inventory and compare with our car hauler options. Enclosed car haulers need extra GVWR margin — Cargo Craft’s 10,000-14,000 lb options cover most vehicles.
Also Worth Considering: Alcom Enclosed Trailers
If you want to compare more options, Alcom is another enclosed trailer brand we carry at Trailer Place. Alcom specializes in aluminum-framed enclosed trailers that are lighter than comparable steel-framed units. If weight savings are important — for a smaller tow vehicle or frequent long-haul trips — Alcom is worth a look alongside Cargo Craft.
For a deeper breakdown, see our post on Cargo Craft vs Alcom enclosed trailers.
Financing Available on All Enclosed Trailers
Trailer Place offers in-house financing on Cargo Craft and all other enclosed trailers we carry. We work with buyers at all credit levels — good credit, limited credit history, or if you are self-employed with non-traditional income. See our trailer financing guide for full details.
Ready to Buy? Talk to Our Team
Trailer Place is a family-owned dealership located at 2507 County Rd 231 in Wharton, TX (moving to Rosenberg, TX in mid-2026). We stock Cargo Craft, Alcom, and other top enclosed trailer brands. We also offer nationwide shipping if you are outside the Houston area.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 or browse our current enclosed cargo trailer inventory online. Our team can answer build questions, walk you through financing, and help you pick the right size and spec for your use case.
