If you’re a contractor in Texas — whether you’re in roofing, HVAC, landscaping, plumbing, or general construction — one of the biggest equipment decisions you’ll face is whether to haul your tools and materials in an enclosed trailer or an open trailer. Both have strong arguments in their favor, and the right choice depends on what you’re hauling, how often, and where you’re working. At Trailer Place in Wharton, TX, we stock both styles from top brands including Cargo Craft, Alcom, Diamond C, and Iron Bull. Here’s a full breakdown to help you choose.
Enclosed Trailer Overview
An enclosed cargo trailer is a fully enclosed box trailer — think of it as a moving storage unit you can tow behind your truck. It protects your tools and materials from weather, theft, and road debris. Many contractors use enclosed trailers as rolling tool rooms or even mobile workshops.
- Typical sizes: 6×10 to 8.5×24 (and larger custom builds)
- Common GVWR range: 3,500–14,000 lb
- Typical price range: $4,500–$18,000+
- Best for: Tools, power equipment, HVAC units, electrical supplies, catering/food trailer conversions
Open Trailer Overview
Open trailers — including utility trailers, flatbed trailers, and dump trailers — offer easy access, higher payload ratings for their size, and lower cost. You lose weather protection and security, but gain flexibility and load capacity. For contractors hauling bulk materials, oversize equipment, or loads that need to breathe (like fresh mulch or green waste), open wins hands-down.
- Typical sizes: 5×8 utility to 20 ft flatbed
- Common GVWR range: 2,000–14,000 lb
- Typical price range: $2,000–$12,000
- Best for: Landscaping materials, construction debris, bulk supplies, heavy equipment, vehicles
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Enclosed Trailer | Open Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Tool Security | Excellent (lockable) | Poor (tools exposed) |
| Weather Protection | Excellent | None |
| Payload Capacity | Moderate | Higher (less trailer weight) |
| Ease of Loading | Good (side door + rear ramp) | Excellent (open access all sides) |
| Bulk Material Hauling | Not ideal | Excellent |
| Upfront Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Fuel Economy Impact | More drag (enclosed box) | Less drag |
| Branding / Wrap Potential | Excellent (flat panels) | Limited |
| Long-term Storage Use | Can double as storage | No |
Popular Models at Trailer Place
Top Enclosed Trailer Options for Contractors
Cargo Craft 7×16 V-Nose Enclosed — One of the most popular contractor trailers we sell. The 7×16 V-nose layout gives you room for a riding mower, tool racks, and supply shelves in one unit. 7,000 lb GVWR, tandem axle, ramp door. Great for landscapers, HVAC, and general contractors. Starting around $8,500–$10,500.
Alcom 8.5×20 Enclosed — Alcom builds one of the most durable aluminum-frame enclosed trailers on the market. The 8.5×20 is popular with electricians and plumbers who need space for conduit, pipe, and power tools. Lighter than steel for better fuel economy and payload. Starting around $12,000–$15,000.
Top Open Trailer Options for Contractors
Utility Trailer 6×12 or 7×14 — The workhorse of small contractors. Easy to hook up, easy to load, and affordable. 3,500–7,000 lb GVWR options. Great for landscapers, painters, and property maintenance crews who don’t need enclosed security. Starting around $2,200–$4,500.
Diamond C 14 LP Dump Trailer — For contractors who move debris, dirt, gravel, or mulch, a dump trailer is unbeatable. The Diamond C 14 LP (14,000 lb GVWR) gives you hydraulic dumping with a tarp kit and heavy-duty frame. Starting around $12,000–$14,500. See our best trailers for construction crews guide for more options.
Choose an Enclosed Trailer If…
- You carry expensive power tools, generators, or HVAC equipment
- You often leave the trailer overnight at job sites or in a neighborhood
- You want to brand your business with a wrap on the trailer sides
- Your materials need protection from Texas heat, rain, or wind
- You want the trailer to double as a rolling storage unit or office
Choose an Open Trailer If…
- You haul bulk materials: mulch, rock, sand, dirt, debris
- You need to load and unload from multiple sides or overhead
- You’re on a tighter budget and need maximum payload for the dollar
- You haul oversize items that won’t fit inside an enclosed trailer
- You’re a roofer, tree service, or demolition contractor dealing with jagged materials
Many Contractors Own Both
It’s not uncommon for established contractors to have one enclosed trailer for tools/equipment and one open trailer (dump or utility) for materials. If budget allows, this setup gives you the best of both worlds. We offer financing options that can make buying two trailers more manageable than you might think.
Talk to a Trailer Expert
Not sure which type fits your trade? Call us at (979) 532-1486 — we help Texas contractors find the right trailer every day. Browse our full enclosed trailer inventory, utility trailer inventory, and dump trailer inventory online, or visit us at 2507 County Rd 231 in Wharton, TX. Nationwide shipping available.