If you’ve never considered buying a trailer before, the various sizes available can be quite daunting. At Three Horses Trailer, we have a team of trailer experts ready to help you find the perfect fit. Whether you need to transport vehicles, construction materials, ATVs, or anything else, we offer a wide range of trailers that will suit your needs.
Moreover, we provide customization services, allowing you to design a trailer according to your specific requirements, from the choice of materials to the overall structure. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any assistance!
Towing Vehicle
Before determining the size of the trailer, it’s essential to understand the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your tow vehicle.
GVWR represents the maximum weight that your pickup truck, SUV, or CUV can safely carry, including passengers, fuel, liquids, and cargo. This value is set by the vehicle manufacturer during the design process and does not change.
The GVWR of a vehicle is shown on the vehicle’s Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the driver’s side door lock facing or the door latch post pillar. You can also find the GVWR of your vehicle by searching online using your car’s model or by asking the salesperson at the dealership. Both methods will provide you with the answer you need.
Consideration must also be given to the tongue weight, which pertains to the force a trailer exerts on the tow hitch when selecting a trailer. The tongue weight factors in as part of your cargo, meaning you won’t be able to load the full weight capacity of your vehicle with your belongings. A concrete illustration will aid in understanding this concept:
Imagine a robust heavy-duty truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 7,300 pounds, capable of carrying 1,300 pounds. However, if the tongue weight is measured at 200 pounds, the effective carrying capacity of the truck would diminish to 1,100 pounds.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is crucial to know the combined weight of all the belongings that need to be transported. Armed with this information, one can accurately determine the size of the trailer required to accommodate any weight beyond the vehicle’s limitations.
Trailer Sizes
Trailers come in various sizes, and each size is suitable for different types of cargo. Below are common trailer sizes and the cargo they are suitable for:
| Cargo trailer size | Weight limit (lbs.) | Home size | What it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft. x 8 ft. | 1,600 | Single bedroom or dorm room | Small personal items, boxes |
| 5 ft. x 8 ft. | 1,800 | Studio apartment | Twin beds, loveseats, small tables |
| 5 ft. x 10 ft. | 1,550 | 1- to 2-bedroom apartment | Queen-sized beds, couches, dining room furniture |
| 6 ft. x 12 ft. | 2,500 | 1- to 2-bedroom home | L-shaped couches, pianos, queen-sized beds |
| Utility trailer size | Weight limit (lbs.) | Home size | What it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft. x 7 ft. | 1,770 | Single room | Lawnmowers, tools |
| 5 ft. x 8 ft. | 1,890 | Single room | Twin beds, bulky furniture |
| 5 ft. x 9 ft. with ramp | 1,650 | 1–2 rooms | Queen-sized beds, bulky furniture, large tools |
| 6 ft.x 12 ft.& 6 ft. x 12 ft. with ramp | 2,670/2,110 | Several rooms | Queen-sized beds, ATVs, golf carts |