When it comes to transporting equipment, vehicles, or materials across Iowa, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to invest in an open or enclosed trailer. Each option comes with its own advantages, ideal uses, and price points—and choosing the right type can make all the difference for your hauling efficiency, safety, and long-term value.
At Wright-Way Trailers in Cedar Rapids, we’ve helped Iowans make the right trailer choice for decades. From farmers and landscapers to construction companies and weekend adventurers, we understand what matters most: durability, dependability, and performance.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between open and enclosed trailers, the pros and cons of each, and expert tips to help you decide which one is right for you.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the pros and cons, it’s important to understand the fundamental difference:
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Open trailers have no roof or sides (or partial sides), allowing for easy loading and unloading.
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Enclosed trailers are fully covered units, providing complete protection from the elements and added security.
The right choice depends largely on what you’re hauling, how often you haul, and where you’ll be traveling.
1. Cargo Protection: How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Iowa’s weather can be unpredictable—hot summers, cold winters, and plenty of rain and snow.
If you’re transporting items sensitive to weather, such as furniture, motorcycles, or equipment with electrical components, an enclosed trailer offers essential protection.
Enclosed trailers shield your cargo from:
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Rain and snow
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Road debris
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UV rays
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Theft and vandalism
However, if you’re hauling durable materials like lawn mowers, landscaping tools, or building supplies, an open trailer might be a better fit. These loads can withstand the elements and don’t require full enclosure.
Statistic: According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, over 65% of commercial buyers in the Midwest choose enclosed trailers for year-round hauling due to Iowa’s variable climate conditions.
2. Price and Budget Considerations
Budget plays a major role in deciding between open and enclosed trailers.
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Open trailers are typically 20–40% less expensive than enclosed ones.
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Enclosed trailers, while more costly upfront, provide greater long-term value for those who need protection and security.
If you’re starting a small landscaping or handyman business, an open trailer can get you up and running quickly. But for business owners planning to haul expensive tools, machinery, or products, the investment in an enclosed trailer often pays for itself through better protection and reduced maintenance costs.
At Wright-Way Trailers, our experts can help you compare models side-by-side so you can make an informed choice based on your budget and long-term goals.
3. Weight, Towing, and Fuel Efficiency
Open trailers are lighter, which means:
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Easier towing for smaller vehicles
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Better fuel efficiency
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Lower overall wear on your tow vehicle
Enclosed trailers, on the other hand, add extra weight due to their walls and roof. This may slightly reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy and require a higher towing capacity.
If you frequently travel long distances, consider how the trailer’s weight might affect gas mileage and handling—especially on Iowa’s highways and rolling country roads.
Pro Tip: Wright-Way Trailers offers a wide selection of lightweight aluminum models for both open and enclosed configurations, helping you balance strength with efficiency.
4. Loading and Accessibility
Open trailers offer unmatched ease of access. You can load and unload from any side, making them ideal for quick trips or frequent stops—especially for contractors, farmers, or landscapers.
Enclosed trailers require you to load through rear or side doors. While this adds protection, it can slightly slow down the process if you’re loading multiple items throughout the day.
If speed and convenience are priorities, open trailers shine. But if you value organization and protection, enclosed trailers win the day.
5. Security: Protecting What You Haul
Security is one of the main reasons many Iowa residents choose enclosed trailers. With lockable doors and hidden contents, enclosed units deter theft and vandalism—important when hauling high-value cargo like motorcycles, tools, or commercial equipment.
Open trailers, while more visible and accessible, can still be secured with chains, locks, and wheel clamps, but they inherently offer less theft protection.
If you regularly leave your trailer parked overnight or in public areas, an enclosed trailer provides peace of mind that’s hard to match.
6. Maintenance and Longevity
Open trailers are exposed to the elements year-round. This means regular cleaning and occasional repainting or rust prevention are key to extending their lifespan.
Enclosed trailers, while better protected, require interior maintenance such as checking seals, doors, and flooring. Both types benefit from routine inspections of:
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Tires and brakes
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Hitch components
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Electrical connections
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Lighting systems
At Wright-Way Trailers, our service department provides professional maintenance and repairs to keep your investment in top shape, no matter the type.
7. Storage and Parking Space
An often-overlooked factor is where you’ll store your trailer.
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Open trailers can be stored outdoors with minimal concern for airflow or space constraints.
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Enclosed trailers are bulkier and taller, requiring more storage room or covered space.
If you have limited driveway or garage space, make sure to measure both your trailer and the available area before purchasing.
8. Branding and Business Image
For Iowa businesses—especially contractors, landscapers, or delivery companies—an enclosed trailer provides a perfect opportunity to showcase your brand. With smooth exterior panels, it can be wrapped with your logo, contact info, and services, turning every haul into free advertising.
An open trailer doesn’t offer that same branding potential but can still reflect professionalism when kept clean and well-maintained.
If your trailer doubles as a mobile billboard, enclosed is the clear choice.
9. Resale Value and Long-Term Investment
In general, enclosed trailers retain higher resale value because they protect their structure and cargo from the elements. They’re also in higher demand among contractors and hobbyists looking for secure storage solutions.
That said, well-maintained open trailers can still fetch excellent resale prices, especially aluminum models that resist rust and corrosion.
At Wright-Way Trailers, we’ve seen both types hold value well—especially when regularly serviced and stored properly.
10. Your Specific Use Case: Which Trailer Fits Your Needs?
Here’s a quick breakdown of which type suits different needs across Iowa:
| Use Case | Recommended Trailer | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaping & lawn care | Open | Easy to load mowers, tools, and debris |
| Construction or handyman | Enclosed | Protects tools and allows branding |
| Motorcycle or ATV transport | Enclosed | Keeps equipment secure and clean |
| Farm or livestock hauling | Open | Quick loading, easy cleaning |
| Moving furniture or appliances | Enclosed | Weather protection |
| Recreational hauling | Either | Depends on cargo type and frequency |
Your best choice depends on your priorities—whether that’s affordability, protection, or convenience.
Testimony: A Local Customer’s Experience
"I wasn’t sure whether to buy an open or enclosed trailer, so I stopped by Wright-Way Trailers in Cedar Rapids. The team took the time to understand my business and walked me through all the options. I ended up buying an enclosed trailer for my construction company, and it’s been a game-changer—no more worrying about tools getting wet or stolen. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the process so easy!"
— Mark D., Cedar Rapids, IA
This level of care and local expertise is why customers continue to trust Wright-Way Trailers year after year.
Expert Insight: Iowa’s Unique Hauling Conditions
From gravel farm roads to city streets, Iowa’s conditions demand trailers that can handle it all. Open trailers are popular among agricultural users because they’re easy to clean after hauling hay, equipment, or soil. Meanwhile, enclosed trailers are preferred for urban contractors who need secure, mobile storage units for tools and materials.
Statistic: Data from the Iowa Department of Transportation shows that over 70% of trailer owners use their trailers for both personal and business needs, highlighting the importance of versatility and durability in every purchase.
Choosing the right model isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability for all your hauling needs.
The Wright-Way Difference
When you buy from Wright-Way Trailers, you’re not just getting a trailer—you’re gaining a partner who understands Iowa’s roads, weather, and industries. We proudly carry trusted brands like Aluma, H&H, Big Tex, and more, offering both open and enclosed options to fit every need and budget.
Our team can help you compare:
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Aluminum vs. steel frames
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Single vs. tandem axles
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Weight capacities and braking systems
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Custom configurations for unique applications
Whether you’re in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, or Des Moines, we make it easy to find the right trailer—built to handle Iowa’s toughest conditions.
Final Thoughts: Choosing What’s Best for You
Both open and enclosed trailers have their place in Iowa’s diverse hauling landscape.
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Choose an open trailer if you value affordability, easy loading, and lower towing weight.
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Choose an enclosed trailer if you need protection, security, and branding opportunities.
If you’re still unsure, visit Wright-Way Trailers—our experts will guide you through the decision-making process to match your exact needs.
Contact Wright-Way Trailers Today
Ready to explore your options?
Call Wright-Way Trailers at (319) 393-4544 or stop by our Cedar Rapids location to browse our full lineup of open and enclosed trailers. We’re proud to help Iowans haul safely, efficiently, and the Wright-Way—every time.