You might already know that enclosed car trailers come in all shapes and sizes…
But which one is right for you, exactly?
Well, you’re in for a treat because we’re going to show you everything you need to know about choosing the best enclosed car hauler trailer.
Some features are proven must-haves.
Some are nice-to-haves.
Others are straight-up marketing hype.
But they’re all covered here.
And I recently analyzed dozens of enclosed trailers to bring you the most up-to-date information for 2025.
Let’s dive right in.
First, why is choosing the right enclosed car hauler trailer so important?
Simple:
Your enclosed trailer is more than just a transport solution – it’s an investment in protecting your vehicle. In fact, a study by the National Automobile Dealers Association found that enclosed transport can help maintain vehicle value up to 25% better than open transport.
Here’s why this matters:
Weather protection isn’t just about keeping rain off your car. Elements like UV rays, road debris, and environmental contaminants can all impact your vehicle’s condition. That’s where an aluminum enclosed car hauler comes in.
The best part?
Today’s lightweight enclosed car trailers are engineered to provide maximum protection while being easier to tow than ever before.
But there’s a catch:
Not all enclosed car hauler trailers for sale are created equal. And choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake.
That’s exactly why we created this guide.
Key Considerations When Buying an Enclosed Car Trailer
Let’s be honest:
Choosing an enclosed car hauler trailer can be overwhelming.
But after analyzing hundreds of enclosed trailers and speaking with industry experts, we’ve discovered that it really comes down to three main factors:
Let me break this down:
1. Trailer Size and Vehicle Compatibility
Here’s something crazy:
Most people focus only on trailer length when sizing their enclosed car hauler trailer.
Big mistake.
You actually need to consider three crucial measurements:
- Interior Length: This determines if your car will fit front-to-back (duh). But here’s the kicker: you need at least 2 feet of extra space for safe loading and unloading.
- Interior Width: Most enclosed trailers come in 8.5′ width. But some exotic cars need wider options. (Pro tip: measure your car with the doors fully open to make sure you can actually get out!)
- Interior Height: This is the one most people forget about. Low-profile cars might only need 6.5′ interior height, but lifted vehicles could need 7.5′ or more.
2. Weight Capacity and Towing Requirements
This is important:
Every enclosed car hauler comes with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
But here’s the thing:
The GVWR needs to cover BOTH your car’s weight AND the trailer’s weight.
Let me give you an example:
Let’s say you have a lightweight enclosed car trailer that weighs 2,700 lbs, and your car weighs 4,500 lbs.
You’d need a minimum GVWR of 7,200 lbs (plus some buffer for gear and accessories).
3. Material and Construction Quality
Here’s the deal:
When it comes to trailer materials, you’ve got two main choices:
- Aluminum enclosed car haulers: Lighter weight, won’t rust, but typically more expensive
- Steel: Cheaper upfront, but heavier and can rust over time
But check this out:
Modern aluminum enclosed car haulers aren’t just lighter – they’re actually more durable than ever before.
In fact, data shows that aluminum trailers typically last 20% longer than steel ones when properly maintained.
Bottom Line: Don’t just focus on one factor when choosing your enclosed trailer. All three of these considerations work together to determine if a trailer will work for your needs.
Now that you know what to look for, let me show you some specific features that set the best enclosed car hauler trailers apart from the rest.
Features to Look For in an Enclosed Car Trailer
Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about features.
Not just any features.
But the ones that actually matter.
After analyzing dozens of trailers (and talking to hundreds of owners), we’ve found that these are the features that make the biggest difference:
1. Escape Doors: A Game-Changer for Loading
Here’s something interesting:
An enclosed car trailer with escape door isn’t just a luxury – it’s practically essential for modern cars.
Why?
Because crawling out of your car window is SO 1995.
Check this out:
The latest escape door designs actually let you open up virtually half the side of the trailer. This means:
- You can actually open your car door (imagine that!)
- No more gymnastics trying to squeeze out
- Way easier loading and unloading
In fact, data shows that escape doors reduce loading time by up to 50%.
2. Integrated Tie-Down Systems
Let me be clear about something:
Your tie-down system is NOT the place to cut corners.
The best enclosed car hauler trailers come with built-in track systems that:
- Let you adjust tie-down points anywhere along the track
- Feature stainless steel rings (way more durable than cheap alternatives)
- Are permanently secured to the floor
Here’s why this matters:
A proper tie-down system isn’t just about keeping your car from moving – it’s about preventing thousands in potential damage.
3. Lightweight Construction
This is crazy:
A lightweight enclosed car trailer can weigh up to 25% less than traditional models.
But here’s the really interesting part:
Modern aluminum enclosed car haulers are actually stronger than their heavier predecessors.
Check out these benefits:
- Better fuel efficiency (some owners report saving up to 2-3 MPG)
- Easier towing with standard trucks and SUVs
- Higher payload capacity for your actual car
Bottom Line: These features aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re the difference between loving your trailer and regretting your purchase.
In the next section, we’ll show you exactly how to evaluate these features when shopping.
Comparing Enclosed Car Trailers on the Market
Here’s the deal:
Not all enclosed car hauler trailers are created equal.
After analyzing dozens of models and collecting real user feedback, we’ve narrowed down the top choices for 2024.
Let me break this down for you:
1. JIMGLO Enclosed Car Trailer: The Best Choice
JIMGLO’s enclosed car hauler isn’t just another aluminum trailer – it’s completely revolutionizing how car enthusiasts transport their vehicles.
Here’s why:
- Revolutionary Side-Opening Design: Nearly half the trailer’s side opens up (goodbye, window gymnastics!)
- Space-Age Construction: Their composite panels are 25% lighter than traditional materials
- Low Profile Loading: A 4-foot beaver tail means even the lowest cars can load easily
Ford actually chose JIMGLO Trailer to transport their iconic GT supercars. That’s pretty impressive considering Ford could have picked any manufacturer they wanted.
2. FeatherLite Enclosed Trailer
FeatherLite makes solid trailers.
Their key features include:
- All-aluminum construction
- Standard 8.5′ width interior
- Decent warranty coverage
But there’s a catch:
Their standard escape door design isn’t as innovative as JIMGLO’s half-side opening system.
3. ATC Enclosed Trailer
ATC is known for their premium builds.
Here’s what they offer:
- Climate-controlled options
- Advanced security features
- High-end finishes
However:
Their enclosed car hauler trailers for sale typically weigh more than JIMGLO’s models, which can affect your towing efficiency.
Here’s a quick comparison chart:
| Feature | JIMGLO | FeatherLite | ATC |
| Side Opening | 50% of trailer | Standard door | Standard door |
| Weight (20′ model) | ~2,700 lbs | ~3,200 lbs | ~3,400 lbs |
| Composite Panels | Yes | No | No |
| Low Profile Loading | Standard | Optional | Optional |
Bottom Line: While all three manufacturers make quality aluminum enclosed car haulers, JIMGLO stands out for their innovative design and lightweight construction.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Enclosed Car Trailer
Picking the best enclosed car trailer isn’t just about having a fancy way to move your car. It’s about making your life easier (and keeping your car safer).
Let me show you exactly what I mean:
1. Enhanced Protection for High-Value Vehicles
Here’s something crazy:
A single rock chip can cost up to $1,500 to repair on some exotic cars.
But that’s just the beginning.
The right enclosed trailer protects your car from:
- Weather damage (rain, snow, hail, UV rays)
- Road debris (rocks, salt, construction materials)
- Potential theft (because nobody can see what you’re hauling)
In fact, insurance data shows that enclosed transport reduces the risk of transport damage by up to 90% compared to open trailers.
2. Improved Towing Efficiency and Maneuverability
Today’s lightweight enclosed car trailer designs have changed the game completely.
Here’s what the data shows:
- Modern aluminum enclosed car haulers can weigh 25% less than older models
- Lighter weight means better fuel economy (some owners report 2-3 MPG improvement)
- Less strain on your towing vehicle’s transmission and brakes
These lightweight trailers are actually stronger than their heavier predecessors, thanks to advanced materials and engineering.
3. Versatility for a Range of Vehicles
The best enclosed car trailer isn’t just for one type of vehicle.
Modern designs can handle:
- Exotic supercars with ultra-low ground clearance
- Wide-body luxury vehicles
- Classic cars that need extra protection
- Even lifted trucks (with the right height options)
Some new aluminum enclosed car haulers can even be customized based on your specific vehicle’s needs.
Bottom Line: The right enclosed trailer isn’t just an expense – it’s an investment that pays off in better protection, easier towing, and more versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enclosed Car Trailers
Here are the top questions about enclosed car hauler trailers for sale:
1. What size enclosed car trailer do I need for my vehicle?
Here’s a simple formula:
Take your car’s length and add 4 feet (minimum) for safe loading and unloading.
But there’s more to it:
– Width: Standard 8.5′ width works for most cars
– Height: Add at least 12″ to your vehicle’s highest point
– Length: Common sizes are 18′, 20′, 22′, 24′ and 26′
Pro tip: Measure your car with the doors fully open if you’re getting an enclosed car trailer with escape door.
2. Are aluminum trailers better than steel for enclosed car haulers?
The short answer: Yes.
Here’s why aluminum enclosed car haulers are superior:
– 25% lighter than steel
– Won’t rust
– Better fuel efficiency
– Higher resale value
But there’s a catch:
Quality aluminum trailers cost more upfront. However, the long-term benefits usually outweigh the initial investment.
3. How do escape doors improve the functionality of enclosed trailers?
This is interesting:
Modern escape doors can open up nearly half the trailer’s side.
Here’s why that matters:
– No more climbing through windows
– Easy entry/exit for low cars
– Faster loading and unloading
– Better accessibility for maintenance
4. Can enclosed car trailers be customized for specific needs?
The answer is a resounding yes.
In fact, the best enclosed car hauler trailer manufacturers offer:
– Custom heights for lifted vehicles
– Extra width for wide-body cars
– Special ramp angles for low cars
– Custom interior configurations
Making the Decision Today
Choosing the right enclosed car hauler doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s what really matters:
- Get the size right for your vehicle
- Choose aluminum for better longevity
- Make sure it has an escape door
- Consider your specific needs for customization
The best enclosed car trailer is the one that fits your specific needs and vehicle requirements. Want to see these features in action?
Check out our line of aluminum enclosed car haulers on our page JIMGLO Enclosed Car Trailers. We offer free quotes and can help you customize the perfect trailer for your needs.
