Open Trailer or Enclosed Trailer?

Thanks for all the responses to my gooseneck vs. tag along (bumper pull) question. And because I'm just a greedy sponge for the collective knowledge and advice of the members of this site, here's my next question: How much harder is it to deal with hauling an enclosed trailer versus an open trailer? Whichever one I get will need to be at least 20' to accommodate 2 SXS's. I've had several open trailers, but have no experience with enclosed trailers. I'm running out of room in my barn, and with a new XP 900 coming it occurred to me that an enclosed trailer could double as a garage, and I could perhaps turn it into a makeshift camper (toyhauler) as well. I gotta think that enclosed trailers are harder to deal with on the road, though. How much harder? As always, your thoughts and opinions are much appreciated.

I have never had an enclosed trailer but it's on my list. I would imagine they use a little more gas to tow. On my last trip to Bergoo I only got 9 miles per gallon so how much worse could it get? I'm wanting at least a 24 foot V nose trailer to make into a hillbilly toy hauler. If you only ride local and have no need for a self made toy hauler I would stay with an open trailer.

I have an 28' enclosed trailer that I no longer use since I got the toyhauler. The enclosed trailer tows nicely, no difference between it and an open one except one can not look through the enclosed trail while backing and you have to use your mirrors.

On another note the enclose trailer offers you security and protection of being enclosed! Put your stuff into in & lock the doors.

I would say go with enclosed!
Enclosed trailer is definately on my x-mas list! Hopefully have one in near future!

Thanks everyone. That settles that! Anyone have a preference as far as brand? I've been looking online at Haulmark.

I bought an enclosed 7X16 ( should have done the 7X18) and added an RV type ac unit (13,500 btu+ the heat eliment) and can power it with the Yamaha 4500 generator. add some kobalt cabinets and i have everything in there but the shower unit and thats just because i havent had time to install it. i have the coleman hot water unit so it will be warm-hot water. It's tight with everything in there untill the RZR-S is pulled out. Cot, sleeping bags, blankets, coffee pot, grill, microwave,toaster and the list goes on and on. ballpark about 8-9 grand in it but way less than a toyhauler albeit not as comfortable but i like it. I use the 9' where the RZR rides as the sleeping area.

https://s1140.photobucket.com/albums/n565/jetdriverx/kobalt%20cabinets/

Great Googly Moogly wrote:

Thanks everyone. That settles that! Anyone have a preference as far as brand? I've been looking online at Haulmark.

I guess depends on how much you want to spend.I would research how different brands are constructed and built and like most things I'm sure you get what you pay for.I would look for a deal on a used one.I hate buying new and taking that depreciation I like to let someone else lose more money than me

I hear that, Bobby. And thanks for the pics, Jet. I'm gonna get a BIG enclosed trailer with enough extra pace and gradually turn it into a homemade toyhauler as my time and funds permit.

Bobby D wrote:

Great Googly Moogly wrote:

Thanks everyone. That settles that! Anyone have a preference as far as brand? I've been looking online at Haulmark.

I guess depends on how much you want to spend.I would research how different brands are constructed and built and like most things I'm sure you get what you pay for.I would look for a deal on a used one.I hate buying new and taking that depreciation I like to let someone else lose more money than me

and bobby, after the deal you got on the RZR and the Jeep, you are darn good at it.

Great Googly Moogly wrote:

Thanks everyone. That settles that! Anyone have a preference as far as brand? I've been looking online at Haulmark.

GGM. I have started the same thing. I bought an enclosed for my Teryx and I am adding to the trailer as I go. I have started laying mine out as combo cargo\toyhauler. The hard part for me was finding a trailer with a rear door tall enough to get the roll bar to pass through. I found an extended roof with a dove tail works great for me. I have a ramp door and undecided if I would do that again. Seems like I am always unloading in gravel and I have pock marked the door. I can never remember to carry something to put under the door. The rubber bumpers just dont get it. I also wish I would have found a vee nose and a door with an rv style latch but I couldnt find everything I wanted without ordering new. Mine is a Homesteader. I am planning on using e track board sockets. http://www.easternmarine.com/series-e-or-a-track-locking-wood-beam-socket I can use them to put a bunk over top the teryx bed if it is backed in. Insulation and wiring will be in the near future. Good luck with yours

Thanks, wvtechnician. Good info!

GGM I have both My toy hauler is a full size will load a car,and open the doors on the rex. On the enclosed Make sure it is wide enough to get out of your sxs. Seen people have to crawl out and let air out of tires. Also depends on what you need. Can but a new open for a grand. And if you buy inclosed the $$$ can add up fast trying to Make a toy hauler. Look around used can save a wad. Georgia seems to be where the deals are at. I will ask my bud where he got his,saved almost 5000. Always check e-bay

So far I have built 3 of these , a 6x10 , 6x12 , now a 8x16 , all wired , all had ac , all have stereo's and ramp doors . Neuromax on the site and I ( which he has a build on there somewhere ( I know he has pics )) ... I am going to post where I built mine and will suggest a few things ... There is a lot of time put into insulating , wiring a enclosed then making a nice interior wall , I highly suggest finding one that has all that done so you can get to the fun stuff , but it you plan to camp in it at all it needs to be insulated ( for heat and cooling ) . I have found that the cabinets that is in the front of most enclsoed work the best , so we build mine just like those , you can allways use more storage , but you will carry more junk than you really need if you fill it with cabinets ... Building your own cabinets is lighter than premade cabinets , you get more of your space , it will be exactly what you need ... Shower or no shower ... you think you want a shower , toilet , tanks , water heater , furnace , grill ETC ... if so then buy a toyhauler cause its better put together and easier to maintain ... I suggest a large water tank , sink ( good bar sink ) , water heater like Jet menioned above and make a outside shower , bathouse is much simpler , porta pot in the trailer for the women and children , if not step out to pee or go to the bath house to poop... YOU really do not want all that to clean up ... Awning on the side ( hell ya ) cause you will want the shade , and who wants to sit in a trailer when it raining ... Beds ... Well then can be built , we have a good lead for you on custom built foam beds ( Militay grade ) , you need them to mount to the wall and I show in my build what I did ... Notin less than 30 RV connect , this will allow you to camp at campgrounds and not just were we ride , I camp in state parks ... As far as the size of a trailer , stick with standards and the resale is better , 16ft , 20 ft , 24 ft 30 ft ..... go full width of 8.5 , by the time you build beds in side you need the space , plus it will help with resale when you are done ... Hardest decision for me was paint the floor , coat it , or vinal floor , or just leave it wood ... that one bugged me ... Also , there is only a few amp draw difference between a 15,500 BTU AC and a 13500 BTU a huge differnce in who cold they get .....

So I suggest you buikd , I have enjoyed what I built , but wish I had done min of a 20 ft for one machine , 24 ft for 2 machines .. Sharing cuts the cost of riding in half , but you have to share you space ...

https://wvsxsriders.forumotion.com/t943-new-cookie-hauler?highlight=cookie+hauler

Two great websites for used trailers:

http://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.CatSearch&mycat=94I&rowCount=10&StartRow=1

http://www.crankyape.com/default.asp?pg=DisItems&Cat=10

What a wealth of information and advice! Many thanks Punder, Pit Dog, and Purn. I'm thinking 24' without shower or toilet. Just like you said, Punder, I figured that if I go that far I might as well just buy a toyhauler, and I'm not sure a factory manufactured toyhauler even exists that will hold 2 SXS's (and even if it does I'm not going to spend that much money!).

The old guy I got my toy hauler has a 5th wheel 40 ft toy hauler for sale I thank it';s a 04 about 12 grand.

Great Googly Moogly wrote:

What a wealth of information and advice! Many thanks Punder, Pit Dog, and Purn. I'm thinking 24' without shower or toilet. Just like you said, Punder, I figured that if I go that far I might as well just buy a toyhauler, and I'm not sure a factory manufactured toyhauler even exists that will hold 2 SXS's (and even if it does I'm not going to spend that much money!).

I had a 18', got rid of that and got a 22'. Can haul 2 machines, sleep at least 5.

And the way we are making them , its still a enclosed trailer that you can store the machine in ... My 16ft I can get the RZR and a ATV , but it is full from end to end side to side ... But if you have the truck to pull , get the most space you can afford to pull , insure , and maintain ... You should have no clearence issue with the RZR unless you go big with tires and lift ... Mostly I wanted 6ft interior becasue I am 6 ' 1" ... Width is what you will debate a lot over cause you can get a 7 of 7 1/2 much cheaper , but you will cuss yourself later for doing it if you get doors on the RZR , it sounds easy to climb in an out of a RZR in a trailer , but I can walk up , open the door , sit down and drive out ( I',m 350+ lbs ) .. I think your car haulers resale better , noting wrong with a older trailer as long as it looks good , everything works , and no sign of leaks ( let your nose lead you , if you smell strong mildew walk away , look for rot in the wood underneath , lots of oil or gas spills on the floor as these can have a perment odor even after you paint .. Just keep it simple and you will be much Happier , cause you can always add ... When you do the electrical , you want outside outlets ... they make you life much simpler , lights , grills , frying pans , or a small refridge ... outside speakers are a nice touch ... 12 volt lighting help when your setting up ( no forgetting the flashlight ) ETC...

What size opening do I need for a rzr s. Drop down door. In the market to get one just to store my rzr in..

When I was looking at enclosed trailers for a Rzr before I went with Arctic Cat, you will need to add 6" to the height of the standard trailers to accommodate to Rzr's cage.