So, it looks like from reading cargo trailer specs that a 6 ft is 7'10" and 7, 8, or 8 1/2 cargo trailers are all 8'6". Is that what you've found, too? Did you go up or down in width and see an issue pulling behind your TC with either one width or the other? My thought is that longer would be slightly more difficult to make tighter turns and the same goes for more width.I'm thinking 8 ft would be a lot more room, but seem to only come in longer trailers. I'm also considering a car hauler just in case I ever want to haul a car. I'm not sure of the tradeoffs other than the car hauler is obviously heavier.

I have the 7 X 12 tandem axle, I can just see the outside of the fenders when towing, it was a little disconcerting when first pulling it, but used to it now. The brake controller will tell you when the trailer becomes disconnected :)I went with this size as it fits into standard parking stalls for storage.

Many manufacturers make narrow track trailers with the wheels tucked into the cargo box. You lose some interior space due to the wheel wells, but for my purposes it wasn't an issue. Having the extra wiggle room on the road was more important to me at the time.My trailer is about the same width and height as my TC loaded on the truck, so it makes for a nice slick rig going down the road.It's mostly looks, and just dumb chance that it worked out that way. Really, I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference. Get the trailer that fits your needs.

Cargo trailer size is kind of based on the platform they start with. Say for a 6x10, they start with a 6x10 rectangular bed frame, add a tongue and stick wheels under it (inside of or outside of the perimeter frame size. Adding walls narrows down the interior size somewhat, etc. So comparing 6x10 trailers is a plus or minus thing when it comes to true dimensions. Trailer manufacturers usually post actual dimensions so you can check critical items.

My trailer is narrower than the truck and every once in a while it freaks me out when checking the mirrors and not seeing it. :SBacking up is not that bad as I use a rear view camera, without the camera it would be a pain as by the time you see the trailer in the mirror it is already on an angle.

Photomike, boy do I understand your problem. I purposely just bought a trailer the same width as my truck. How about getting a couple of those magnetic ball posts that Harbor Freight sells but sticking them to the side of your trailer when maneuvering.

Width and Length with Cargo Trailers and TC? | Good Sam Community

AKSuperDually
Explorer
Jun 12, 2014
I know I ran out of weight long before I ran out of room or towing capacity. That's pretty frustrating.
DougE
Explorer
Jun 11, 2014
Like this!
Bedlam
Moderator
Jun 11, 2014
If you add a fold down bunk and portable toilet, it could be classified as a RV trailer instead of cargo. Adding a couple of windows to the sides would make it look much more like a trailer with living quarters (LQ) too...
2BLAZERS
Explorer
Jun 11, 2014
^^^ agree check state laws before doing anything.

In Oregon we have to run 'T' plates on trucks or pickups if the non-rv trailer has a GVW over 8K. My enclosed trailer is rated for 10.4K. So I run T plates on my truck and am licensed for combined weight up to 26K. This is even with a Truck Camper on my truck. Is 100% personal use. Is not commercial at all and I don't have to worry about weigh stations. It's just a money grab. And no politician wants to change it...

T- Plates in oregon cost $ 764 per year. A regular license would be $84 for to years....

Ironically I could buy a 21K fifth wheel toy hauler and not need T Plates since it is an RV trailer.
Bedlam
Moderator
Jun 11, 2014
My trailer is the same length but two steps up in the Interstate line giving me a heavier frame and higher capacity drop torsion axles (3500 lbs empty). In many states an enclosed trailer at 10K lbs or more capacity is considered commercial, so many manufacturers rate theirs just under that threshold. Until you start approaching the 30' trailers, you may not find higher capacities unless you special order a shorter one with heavier running gear.
AKSuperDually
Explorer
Jun 11, 2014
This is a 20' interstate, rated for 7.5K...it belongs to a non-profit we're a part of.

When we buy one for personal use, I think I'll go with 24' and a V front with a drive off ramp. I'd also like to see it be rated for at least 12K.

Coming up the Alcan a week ago, it was probably weighing around 8K lbs, and I had no trouble on the hills. Good brakes and an exhaust brake help a ton, along with a WDH.
Boatycall
Explorer
Jun 11, 2014
Photomike wrote:
My trailer is narrower than the truck and every once in a while it freaks me out when checking the mirrors and not seeing it. :S

Ditto...
I have a 20' car trailer that I haul my toys in. It is slightly narrower than the TC, and I have to be going around a slight turn to see it in the mirrors.
turboo
Explorer
Jun 11, 2014
heres a shot of our rig with our 14ft trailer
travelnutz
Explorer II
Jun 09, 2014
Photomike,

I put an extension spring (similar to and screen door return spring) sprayed with day glow orange paint sticking out from the trailer fenders on each side so I can always see exactly where the trailer is behind the TC. On our boat trailers and our enclosed 6 X 12 X 6 high vee nosed enclosed trailer which is 13-1/2' floor length to the vee nose point plus the tongue length, about 16' total. Outstanding when launching the boat and all you look at is the rear view mirrors to back precisely and also to the right depth as you can see how deep the trailer is in too.

Fender outside to fender outside width is 7'-11". Springs stick our another approx 11" on each side, total of approx 9"-9". Perfectly legal as I had them inspected by the state police and the commercial carrier enforcement division and OK'd. They don't stick out as far or any further than the break away rear view mirrors on OTR trucks and they are legal. They simply bend away if hitting anything at all. Even hitting a big bug bends them away. They're just held on with 2 simple cheap copper or plastic waterpipe one screw plumbing clamps. One trailer has them clamped on with 2 SS hose clamps from the boat alignment guide tubes. Some of them have been on for over 12 years now and I respray (bomb can) the bright orange day glow color every couple years when needed. How cheap and efficient is that?

Works perfect!
Rangerz
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014
I have a 16' x 8 1/2' Enclosed. I like it cause I can see it in the mirrors. No real difference in fuel mileage. Take it offroading and hunting and never had any problems due to length.