If you're shopping for a new enclosed trailer, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you invest in a quality product that lasts. Finding the right trailer at the right price is our priority. With over 30 years of experience, Aaron Zbierski has curated a portfolio of brands he trusts, and he is selective about the options offered to customers. When it comes to enclosed cargo trailers that deliver on quality and durability, we proudly offer Southland Trailers and Cross Trailers.
This guide will walk you through the most important components to inspect, from the roof down to the axles, so you can make an informed decision.
1. The Roof: Your First Priority
One of the first and most critical design choices is the roof. We consider a one-piece roof to be a mandatory feature, and most of the industry agrees, as the majority of reputable manufacturers incorporate it into their designs.
Most one-piece roofs are made of aluminum. Their primary advantage is that they are far less likely to leak. If a leak does occur, water runs down a sidewall rather than dripping into the middle of your cargo compartment.
Once you've confirmed the trailer has a one-piece roof, it's important to identify how it is attached. Many brands don’t use a bonding agent in the center. Instead, they may place luan plywood between the roof and the roof bows to reduce vibration during travel. This can be less than ideal, as the roof may rub against the metal bows, eventually forming holes that allow water in. This issue is common on trailers that see frequent use.
Crucially, avoid any trailer where the roof has been screwed down. Screws create tension points, and any flexing of the frame will cause the roof to crack at the screw. For a great example of a properly secured roof, look at the Royal Cargo line from Southland Trailers, which uses a bonded, one-piece design for maximum durability.
2. Siding: Screwless vs. Screwed
The next major item to consider is the trailer's siding. We recommend that customers look for screwless siding. It typically keeps water out longer and provides a smooth, clean surface that is easier to apply a decal wrap to—a key focus if you're advertising a business.
Other benefits of screwless siding include less warping, often called "oil canning." Oil canning can be caused by thermal expansion, frame flex, and air pressure changes during travel. While screwed siding is more prone to this, a screwless design helps maintain a sleek appearance longer.
If you buy a trailer with screwed sides, expect to see spider cracking around the screws over time, especially if the trailer is used heavily in adverse weather. The screws create tension points, causing panels to bend and warp. If the warping is bad enough expect cracks around the screws and more noticeable uneven warping.B
While the choice of siding is not as critical as a one-piece roof, it will affect the trailer's longevity if your cargo must stay protected from the elements.
3. Siding Thickness
If you opt for a more cost-effective trailer with screwed sides, pay close attention to the side panel thickness. The industry standard is .030 aluminum, but some budget trailers will use thinner .024 aluminum. If the siding is thinner than .030, all the previously mentioned problems will be significantly worse, and the risk of puncturing the paneling increases.
Quick Tip: To check the siding thickness, place a credit card flat against the edge of an aluminum panel. If you can drag your fingernail smoothly from the card onto the panel, the siding is thinner than .030. If your fingernail catches the edge of the aluminum, the panel is the standard .030 thickness.
4. Frame Construction: The Trailer's Backbone
Next, focus on the frame. We believe a full tube frame is the preferable construction method, as it typically offers the greatest strength without adding excessive weight. An excellent example is Southland's High-Strength Steel full tube construction; the steel is both lighter and stronger than traditional options. This means that even if the GVWR matches another trailer, the empty weight is often less, allowing for more cargo capacity.
Tube frames tend to be more durable than C-channel or I-beam options. Be wary of frames made from thin, stamped steel rather than traditional beams, as these can be prone to structural failure.
Most enclosed trailer frames are steel due to its cost and availability. It is also easier to find welders for repairs and modifications compared to aluminum. While aluminum is a great, corrosion-resistant material, it is more expensive. In our experience, the high cost of aluminum and the difficulty of finding qualified welders for repairs often outweigh the benefits, especially when compared to brands that apply a quality protective undercoating to their steel frames, such as Cross Trailers and Southland.
5. Axles: Torsion vs. Spring Suspension
Once you've decided on the frame, consider the axles. One of the most common questions we get is about torsion axles. Their main selling point is superior ride quality, which is true—as long as the trailer is loaded.
However, a major downside is parts availability. Torsion axles frequently must be built to order, which can take weeks. Even experienced technicians can have trouble sourcing the correct replacement parts, which is a significant problem if OEM parts are unavailable. Torsion axles are also considerably more expensive than their spring suspension counterparts, for which parts are widely available. At Jayhawk, we keep a large stock of common spring axle sizes and can often sell you a replacement the same day. For this reason, we typically order trailers with spring suspension unless a customer specifically requests otherwise.
6. Understanding Load Capacity (GVWR vs. Payload)
When selecting a trailer, ensure its cargo capacity matches—or preferably exceeds—your needs. Many users confuse Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) with Payload Capacity.
- GVWR is the maximum total weight of the trailer and its cargo combined.
- Payload Capacity is the maximum weight of the cargo you can carry.
To calculate payload capacity, subtract the trailer's empty weight (or dry weight) from its GVWR. We also recommend getting a slightly larger trailer than you think you need, as we find that enclosed trailers tend to accumulate more equipment over time.
7. Popular Upgrades and Customizations
If your budget allows for upgrades, consider these popular options:
- Translucent Roof: Allows natural light and reflects heat, which is very helpful if you work inside your trailer or if you heat your trailer. These roofs are often more resistant to hail and impacts than standard aluminum.
- Nudo Poly or Rubber Coated Flooring: These water-resistant floors are excellent for wet environments and are popular with snowmobile users, as they prevent water tracked in from damaging the subfloor.
- Aluminum Composite Panels: These panels use a polymer core between aluminum plating, which prevents warping entirely and maintains a clean, high-end appearance for longer. We recommend ordering this with a stone guard, as these panels are not as resistant to dents from rocks kicked up by your vehicle.
- Thicker Siding: For heavy-duty applications, you can order a unit with .040 or .050 aluminum siding. The increased thickness primarily helps with dent resistance. Cross Trailers offers .030, .040, .050, and aluminum composite panels.
8. Special Considerations for Colorado Buyers
Living in Colorado presents unique challenges. Snow load, which is damage caused by the weight of accumulated snow on the roof, is typically not covered by warranty. Too much snow can damage the roof, leading to leaks and dents.
Furthermore, paint is almost never a warranty item. Road salt and moisture are tough on any vehicle, which is why you should consider brands like Cross Trailers or Southland that apply an undercoating to their frames to fight corrosion.
The Final Inspection: Always Look Before You Buy
Always inspect a trailer in person before you buy it. In the trailer world, it's common for customers to pre-purchase a unit without ever seeing a new example. Even if the price seems right, you need to know what you're buying to compare it fairly to your other options. A trailer on the lot gives you a real-world look at the build quality—don't assume a special order will be better.
If you're ever in the area, please come take a look! We have many options to fit any need or budget.
- For the budget-conscious buyer, check out our Beta Series trailers from Cross Trailers.
- For a solid workhorse that maintains excellent quality, we suggest looking at our Southland offerings.
- For a premium, feature-rich trailer, we recommend Cross’s Alpha Series.
You can view our Cross inventory Here
And you can see our Southland Inventory Here
If you have any more questions, reach out to Cale@jayhawktrailers.com. (you can also reach us at Sales@jayhawktrailers.com)