Choosing the Best Enclosed Trailer for Landscaping Equipment

When buying an enclosed trailer for landscaping equipment, prioritize trailer size, payload capacity, and construction materials to match your equipment and work needs. These factors determine durability, safety, and long-term value.

1. Ramp — the most critical feature

Look for a robust, low-profile ramp that creates a smooth, continuous loading surface. Avoid ramps with hinged wooden flaps that break or require extra handling.
Superior ramps use a tapered, ground-contact edge that forms a “knife-edge” transition into the ramp, eliminating bumps that can jam or scrape mower decks.
Performance Trailers (Flanders, NJ) offers a patented triple-taper steel ramp: knife-edge ground contact, seamless hinge transition, and steel-plated top edge to prevent deck scraping and reduce wood damage.

2. Frame & build quality

Choose reinforced framing and a heavy-duty tongue that ties into crossmembers for increased rigidity.
Performance Trailers’ Pro-Spec LPD (Landscape Professional Design) models use 12″ on-center floor crossmembers and 16″ wall/roof framing, with continuous improvements informed by field use.

3. Floor materials

Prefer ¾” Wolmanized plywood for landscaper use — better impact resistance and moisture performance than OSB. Treated plywood resists mold and rot from grass clippings and wet loads.

4. Wall materials

Standard: ⅜” plywood for a smooth, impact-resistant surface. Upgrade to ¾” where extra durability is needed and weight allows.

5. GVWR, weight & payload

GVWR is set by manufacturer based on frame and axle ratings. Payload = GVWR − tare (empty) weight.
Know total weight of mowers, fuel, tools, and supplies, and choose a trailer with sufficient payload and margin for future growth.

6. Axle types & suspension

Straight axles with leaf springs are proven, repairable, and cost-effective.
Torsion/Torflex axles give a smoother ride but are non-serviceable and require full replacement if damaged. Heavy-duty torsion axles are more resilient.

7. Size planning

Allow for future equipment. Enclosed trailers commonly range in 2-ft increments (8’–34′ bumper pull; up to 53′ gooseneck). Popular landscape sizes: 7×14, 7×16, 8.5×16, 8.5×18, 8.5×20–24.

8. Tow vehicle limits

Always verify your tow vehicle’s rated towing capacity so a fully loaded trailer stays within safe limits.

9. Materials: steel vs. aluminum

Steel frames are durable for heavy commercial use but require proper undercoating to prevent rust.
Aluminum is lighter and corrosion-resistant but can be more expensive and prone to stress cracking under heavy commercial loads.

10. Floor & frame reinforcement

Reinforced flooring and frame crossmembers prevent concentrated load damage from heavy equipment.

11. Ramps, gates & access

Prefer fold-down or removable ramps engineered for equipment weight. A well-designed ramp improves loading speed and reduces equipment damage.

12. Tie-downs & equipment security

Look for multiple rated tie-down points (D-rings, E-track). Performance Trailers offers additional D-rings and E-track floor/wall options and patented SnapRack organizational racks.

13. Organization & storage

Add tool racks, adjustable shelving, and storage boxes to secure trimmers, blowers, and accessories and maximize usable space.

14. Brakes

Heavy loads require reliable brakes. Performance Trailers’ tandem-axle LPD models include electric brakes on all wheels.

15. Lights & safety

Ensure DOT-compliant exterior LED lighting plus auxiliary loading lights and rear flashers for roadside loading. Performance Trailers adds ramp-activated flashers and backup/loading lights for added safety.

16. Security features

Consider lockable hasps, hitch locks, and enclosed trailers to deter theft. Performance Trailers LPD models include Vice Lock hasps on cam bar latches for extra security.

17. Used trailer inspection checklist

Inspect frame for rust, check axles and suspension, examine tires and bearings, verify ramp integrity, and test lights and brakes.