Open vs. Enclosed Car Trailers: Which Should You Choose? 

When it comes to transporting your prized vehicle, deciding between an open car trailer and an enclosed car trailer isn’t just about preference—it’s about protecting your investment. Whether you’re hauling a classic hot rod, a track-ready race car, or a luxury car, this choice can make a big difference for your car’s safety and your wallet. 

Back in 1988, we faced the same decision while creating solutions for car enthusiasts. With decades of experience building both open vs. enclosed car trailers, we’ve learned what makes each option special. The decision usually comes down to two main factors: protection and cost-efficiency. 

Think about it—you’ve spent countless hours and money on your vehicle. The trailer you choose should match your car’s needs and your transportation goals. Some people need the full protection of an enclosed trailer, while others prefer the simplicity and easy access of an open design. 

What Are Open and Enclosed Car Trailers? 

Choosing the right trailer isn’t just about getting your car from one place to another—it’s about protecting your investment and making the process as easy as possible. 

Open Car Trailers: Simplicity and Efficiency 

The beauty of an open trailer is its simplicity.  An open car trailer focuses on what matters most: easy loading and reliable transport. With a simple, effective design, our aluminum-built open trailers offer: 

• A two-frame tilt-bed system that makes loading hassle-free. 

• Lightweight construction for better fuel efficiency. 

• Removable fenders for easy access to your car. 

• Pure mechanical operation—no electrical parts to worry about. 

• Full visibility while transporting your vehicle. 

Enclosed Car Trailers: Full Protection for Your Vehicle 

An enclosed car trailer is like a protective case for your prized vehicle. These trailers offer: 

• Full protection from harsh weather conditions. 

• Built-in security for valuable cars. 

• A temperature-controlled environment for delicate vehicles. 

• Extra space for tools and equipment. 

• Total privacy during transport. 

Our JIMGLO enclosed car trailers take protection to the next level. Features like composite wall construction provide top-notch insulation, while the innovative side-opening design allows nearly half the trailer to open, making it easy to access your car. 

The choice between open vs. enclosed trailers depends on your specific needs. Whether you want the simplicity and efficiency of an open trailer or the full protection of an enclosed one, your decision will shape how you transport, protect, and showcase your vehicle for years to come. 

Key Differences Between Open and Enclosed Car Trailers 

Open Car Trailer Pricing: 

• Starting price: $9,495 for standard models 

• Lower maintenance costs 

• Better fuel efficiency due to lighter weight 

• Cheaper insurance rates 

• Lower registration fees in most states 

Enclosed Car Trailer Pricing: 

• Starting price: $28,995 for standard models 

• Higher maintenance costs due to more components 

• Extra expenses for climate control systems 

• Higher insurance premiums 

• Increased registration fees because of heavier weight 

Protection and Security: Safeguarding Your Vehicle 

Open Car Trailer Features: 

• Basic protection from road debris 

• Visible security: you can keep an eye on your car 

• No weather protection 

• Limited theft prevention 

Enclosed Car Trailer Features: 

• Complete protection from weather 

• Temperature-controlled environment 

• Insulated walls with composite materials 

• Lockable doors for added security 

• Protection from vandalism 

• Hidden from public view 

Towing Ease: Weight and Maneuverability

Open Lightweight Car Trailer: 

• Empty weight: about 1,200 pounds 

• Can be towed by light-duty trucks or SUVs 

• Better fuel economy 

• Easier to park and back up 

• Clear visibility while towing 

Enclosed Aluminum Car Trailer: 

• Empty weight: about 2,700 pounds 

• Needs medium-duty tow vehicles 

• Higher fuel consumption 

• Harder to maneuver 

• Limited visibility while towing 

Pros and Cons of Open Car Trailers 

Advantages of Open Car Trailers 

Lightweight Construction: 

• Empty weight: 1,200 pounds 

• Made with aircraft-grade aluminum 

• Fuel-efficient towing with a pickup or SUV 

• Less wear on the tow vehicle 

• Lower operating costs 

Loading Features: 

• Single-lever tilt bed for easy operation 

• No ramps needed 

• Automatic leveling system 

• Removable fenders for simple car exit 

• Two-frame system for even weight distribution 

Cost Benefits: 

• Base price: $9,495 

• Lower maintenance costs 

• Better fuel efficiency 

• Minimal moving parts 

• Cheaper insurance premiums 

Limitations of Open Car Trailers 

Weather Exposure: 

• No protection from rain, snow, or sun 

• Exposed to road salt during winter 

• Vulnerable to wind-blown debris 

Security Considerations: 

• Car visible to everyone 

• Limited theft prevention 

• No lockable storage 

• No climate control 

How JIMGLO’s Aluminum Car Trailer Stands Out

Our lightweight aluminum car trailer addresses many common issues with open trailers: 

• Enhanced tie-down system for secure hauling 

• Even weight distribution for stability while towing 

• Simple mechanical design with fewer failure points 

• Wide deck for easier loading 

• Corrosion-resistant construction 

Every trailer comes with trade-offs between convenience and protection. Open car trailers shine in ease of use and cost savings but may require extra planning for weather and security. Enclosed car trailers, while more expensive, offer unmatched protection and security for your valuable vehicle. 

Pros and Cons of Enclosed Car Trailers 

Advantages of an Enclosed Car Trailer for Luxury Vehicles 

Complete Protection:

• Full weather shield with composite walls. 

• Temperature-controlled environment. 

• Protection from road debris. 

• Secure, lockable storage. 

• UV protection to preserve paint. 

Vehicle Security: 

• Hidden from public view. 

• Multiple locking mechanisms for added safety. 

• Protected storage for tools and equipment. 

• Anti-theft features for peace of mind. 

• Insurance benefits for high-value cars. 

Loading Features (JIMGLO Elite): 

• Half-side opening design for easy access. 

• Removable fenders to allow vehicle exit. 

• 4-foot beaver tail for a low approach angle. 

• Optional flip-out ramp extensions. 

• Versa-Track tie-down system for secure transport. 

Limitations of Enclosed Car Trailers 

Weight and Towing: 

• Empty weight: 2,700 pounds. 

• Requires a larger tow vehicle. 

• Higher fuel consumption. 

• More difficult to maneuver. 

• Increased tongue weight for towing. 

Cost Factors: 

• Starting price: $28,995. 

• Higher maintenance expenses. 

• Increased insurance premiums. 

• More complex mechanical systems to manage. 

• Higher registration fees due to weight class. 

How Our Enclosed Car Trailer for Luxury Vehicles Stands Out 

Our enclosed car trailer for luxury vehicles addresses many of these challenges with: 

• 25% weight reduction from older models. 

• Use of advanced composite materials for strength and durability. 

• A simplified loading system to make transport easier. 

• Improved aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency. 

• Reduced maintenance requirements for long-term savings. 

This weatherproof car trailer provides unmatched protection for high-value vehicles. While it requires a larger tow vehicle and higher operating costs, the advanced design ensures maximum safety and convenience for luxury vehicle owners. 

When to Choose an Open Car Trailer 

Perfect for Racing Enthusiasts and Show Cars 

The JIMGLO open car trailer for racing is the top choice for track day enthusiasts and competitive racers. Its lightweight open car trailer design makes loading and unloading quick and easy, saving valuable time on race day. Instead of struggling with complex loading systems, you can focus on the competition. 

Race teams love the trailer’s simple, mechanical operation. When you’re between heats or trying to make qualifying rounds, you don’t have time for hydraulic or electrical system failures. With JIMGLO’s single-lever tilt system, you can load your race car in under a minute. The two-frame design ensures perfect weight distribution for stable and safe highway travel to and from events. 

For Budget-Friendly and Local Use 

If you’re looking for affordable car trailers, open designs offer incredible value without sacrificing quality. Starting at just $9,495, they cost significantly less than enclosed trailers. The lightweight open car trailer design, weighing around 1,200 pounds, lets you tow with lighter-duty vehicles, saving money on fuel over time. Explore JIMGLO Open Car Trailers 

Local car show participants love these trailers for their practicality. The open design makes it easy to inspect your vehicle during transport, and the removable fenders allow you to showcase your car immediately upon arrival. Many customers say the clean, simple lines of our aluminum trailers perfectly complement their show cars. 

For regular weekend use or local events, the straightforward design of our trailers shines. You won’t pay for unnecessary features, but you’ll still get professional-grade construction and reliability backed by decades of engineering expertise. 

When to Choose an Enclosed Car Trailer 

Ideal for Long-Distance and All-Weather Towing 

Long trips require more than just a way to move your vehicle—they need the best enclosed car trailer to protect against changing weather. The JIMGLO enclosed car trailer acts as a shield against harsh elements, from hot desert heat to snowy mountain passes. Its composite wall construction keeps the inside environment stable, protecting your car’s finish from temperature changes and humidity during long trips. 

Professional transport companies use enclosed car trailers for coast-to-coast deliveries because they eliminate worries about weather. During multi-day trips, your vehicle stays clean and safe, arriving at its destination in the same condition it left. The secure car trailer design also protects against road debris and environmental damage, letting you travel through any weather with confidence. 

Best for High-Value and Vintage Vehicles 

The best enclosed car trailer does more than just transport—it preserves. Classic car collectors and luxury car owners know that protecting their valuable vehicles requires more than basic coverage. The climate-controlled interior prevents UV damage to expensive paint and preserves delicate vintage materials. 

For vehicles worth six or seven figures, investing in an enclosed car trailer makes financial sense. The climate-controlled space keeps moisture from damaging irreplaceable classic car parts. Plus, the private and secure design reduces risks of theft or vandalism during overnight stops. 

These trailers also offer more than just vehicle storage. Extra space for tools, spare parts, and show equipment ensures everything arrives together, organized and safe. The integrated Versa-Track tie-down system keeps your cargo secure, and the oversized side door makes loading and unloading easy. Learn More About JIMGLO Enclosed Trailers 

JIMGLO Trailers: The Best of Both Worlds 

Why Choose JIMGLO for Open Car Trailers? 

Our story started in 1988 with a big challenge: loading a ’69 Camaro drag car that was just 2 inches off the ground. Struggling with heavy ramps and tricky loading angles inspired us to create something better. That challenge led to the invention of the JIMGLO open car trailer, designed to be the best car trailer for low cars. 

The magic is in our two-frame system. This lightweight car trailer gets rid of the complicated parts of traditional designs. With just one lever, the bed tilts smoothly, making the perfect loading angle every time. As you drive your car on, the bed levels itself and locks in place—no ramps, no electrical parts to fail, and no complicated steps. 

JIMGLO Enclosed Trailers for Maximum Protection 

Protection and innovation come together in our JIMGLO Elite enclosed trailer. Its revolutionary side-opening design allows nearly half the trailer to open, giving you unmatched access. This game-changing feature makes loading your car easier than ever—no more squeezing through tight spaces or awkward exits. 

Every feature is designed with purpose. The composite wall construction provides excellent insulation and temperature control, while the Versa-Track tie-down system ensures your vehicle is secure. With advanced engineering, we’ve reduced the trailer’s weight by 25% compared to earlier models, making luxury transport easier and more practical. 

Each JIMGLO trailer is built to solve real-world problems, refined through decades of engineering experience. Our open car trailers bring simplicity and efficiency to weekend car enthusiasts and race teams. Our enclosed car trailers provide ultimate protection for luxury and classic vehicles. Both are crafted with solutions born from experience and perfected with innovation. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Making Your Choice: Next Steps 

Choosing between an enclosed and open lightweight aluminum car trailer depends on your needs. The JIMGLO Open Car Trailer offers unmatched simplicity and efficiency, making it perfect for regular transport, track days, and anyone who values a lightweight, ramp-free design. For those transporting valuable classics or traveling long distances, the enclosed car trailer provides ultimate protection. 

The JIMGLO lightweight aluminum trailer family reflects decades of innovation and real-world testing. Every feature is designed to solve challenges faced by car enthusiasts. From our revolutionary tilt-bed system to our durable composite wall construction, we’ve created solutions to make transporting your vehicle safer and easier. 

Ready to find your perfect trailer? Contact us today for: 

• Detailed specifications 

• Custom configuration options 

• Expert recommendations 

• Current pricing and availability 

Experience the JIMGLO difference – where innovation meets real-world functionality. Contact Us to Find the Right Trailer for Your Needs