Buying the Best Utility Trailer – Top 5 Picks [2021 EDITION]
A utility trailer does more than just haul your items; it perfectly maintains their form and ensures your equipment arrives in tip-top shape.
Whether it is transporting that heavy generator from your garage to your business or moving a piece of furniture that would otherwise not fit in your vehicle, utility trailers are the ideal solution to all manner of hauling needs.
So which is the best utility trailer on the market today? We answer that very question with our top 5 review round-up. For our findings at a glance, check out the table below. For in-depth information on each of our picks, plus a dedicated buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Top 5 Best Utility Trailers
Utility Trailer Buyer’s Guide
When setting out to buy a utility trailer there are a few things that you need to consider before making your final choice.
Let’s take a closer look at what those are:
The Towing Vehicle
One of the most important areas to clarify is the capacity of your towing vehicle. Whether the utility trailer is to be towed with your car, a 4×4, or maybe an ATV, you should always check any potential compatibility problems and make sure that you will not overload the engine.
The important stat to look for when determining your vehicle’s towing capacity is to check the gross combined weight rating (GCWR).
This is basically the maximum towing capacity weight and you will be able to find this by looking at the manufacturing details online, or by consulting the owner’s manual.
You will also need to fit a hitch to your towing vehicle. Hitches are categorized by class. A hitch with a high class will provide greater towing capacity.
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However, it could be that your vehicle can only take a specific hitch (you should make sure it matches your vehicle’s towing capacity), or a certain trailer type. Knowing these details before you start your search for a utility trailer will save you a lot of wasted time.
Other considerations include braking and electrics. If the trailer you wish to buy does not have brakes, your towing vehicle will have to take the extra weight and still brake safely and efficiently.
- What vehicle will you be using
- What is the vehicle’s towing capacity?
- Does the vehicle have a hitch? (If not, you need to buy one with a class that matches or exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity)
- What is the height of the hitch point?
- Want needs to happen for braking, electrics, and hydraulic mechanisms to work safely and efficiently?
Buying the best utility trailer for your needs
This question is personal and will vary from person to person. However, there are various considerations that will help you narrow down your choice.
For instance, what type of equipment will you be towing? Will an open trailer work, or will you require the use of a fully enclosed towing solution?
How heavy will your average tows be? If large, bulky equipment is being carried, you will obviously need a high-capacity trailer and may even want to think about a tandem axle, (however this may take you out of the realm of the utility trailer into something larger).
Will you need ramps to load up the equipment? Maybe you need a hydraulic lift system so that cargo can be emptied?
If you decide that a fully enclosed trailer is required, is the loading door large enough for you to use?
The questions covered in the towing vehicle also come into play; will your chosen trailer require braking and electrics? What is the hitch size and overall towing capacity?
You need to sit down and make sure that all of these issues are clearly answered in your head, before you part with your money. Only then will you be able to buy the most appropriate utility trailer for your needs.
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What to look for when buying a utility trailer
Now it’s time to look at the specific features you will find on a utility trailer, as well as the build quality you should aim for.
Let’s take a closer look…
Build quality and the frame
Paying more upfront to buy something that will adequately meet your needs is highly recommended. Wasting time on a cheap build option will only cause headaches in the future.
The key issue here is the way and with what materials the frame has been constructed. Steel is clearly the go-to choice for most manufacturers; it is strong, durable, and cost-effective.
However, there are three main techniques used to shape the steel that you will find in consumer-grade utility trailers.
One of the strongest types is box tubing. It resists flexing and twisting better than other types of steel shape and is more durable as a result. Channel Iron and Angle Iron steel shapes are also used, however, these are more likely to flex under strain, which over time will weaken weld joints as well as other stress points on the frame.
The bottom line is to choose the strongest steel frame utility trailer your budget will allow. Read the reviews as well as the small print on the specifications to help determine this.
Length of the tongue
The tongue is the part of the trailer that extends from the carrying section towards the hitch of the tow vehicle.
It worth considering the tongue length of the trailer as this will impact on overall stability. A trailer with a longer tongue will be easier to control via the towing vehicle; essentially the maneuverability is better and you will find it easier to reverse.
On a shorter tongue more of the weight is held on the ball and hitch (up to 15% of the trailer weight), this means a greater concentration of weight being exerted on the rear of your car.
Axle configuration
We have already mentioned the double axle build above; this is a worthy addition if large and heavy loads are to be carried.
You should also lookout for an axle that is attached to a suspension system. These are recommended over cheaper utility trailers where the axle is merely welded to the frame.
The spindles should be well lubricated, and this is an area you will need to keep maintained throughout the life of the trailer.
Wheels & Tires
The wheels are an important factor that should not be overlooked. They should also equate to the overall capacity of the trailer. (You should ensure that the wheels and tires are rated at a combined capacity equal or more than the GVWR of the trailer.)
The tires should be hard-wearing, with thick sidewalls and plenty of tread.
Overall Fit and Finish
The overall fit and finish of the trailer will help guide you towards the quality throughout. Sloppy finishing touches such as exposed sharp corners, lackluster paintwork or components not fitting as snugly as they should be enough to get the alarm bells ringing.
If the manufacturer is unable to complete these issues badly there is little chance that overall build quality is any better.
Utility Trailer Reviews
We have tried to have a broad approach in our selected utility trailers so that different needs are covered.
As we have already mentioned, you should work within the limits of your budget to pick out and purchase the most ideal utility trailer that best suits your requirements.
Based on the above rating criteria, 5 high-quality utility trailers have been identified and chosen for review.
1. TOP PICK: The Yutrax tx158 black/red trail warrior x2 atv utility trailer
Yutrax has released a popular ATV utility trailer with the TX 158. Let’s take a look at why this is our number one pick for 2021.
For a start, the high-quality construction is characterized by a durable frame made from steel, strong wheel bearings and most importantly adequately-sized floatation tires that aid the trailer’s stability even when it passes through rough and uneven terrain.
Another great feature is the tilting bed. This works to effectively maximize unloading performance.
The generous dimensions also help overall loading efficiency; the impressive 60 (l) x 31 (w) x 20(h) size which also comes with rails will contain a wide variety of equipment.
The Yutrax Warrior utility trailer has a maximum carrying capacity of 1250 lbs which can be adjusted owing to the detachable rails and tailgate.
It comes equipped with 2 wheels and a single axle. The floatation tires have a dimension of 18 x 9 x 8 inches.
- Easy loading as inspired by its Removable tailgate and rails
- Tilting bed for dumping loads
- heavy-duty Durable steel frame
- Removable tailgate and rails
- Flotation tires which boost the stability of the Yutrax ATV trailer particularly when on uneven or rough terrain
- It requires assembly that takes up between 30 and 45 minutes of your time
Bottom Line
If you are a camper or even a hunter, this is the ideal fit for you. Its robust steel build, considerable carrying capacity, and subsequent speed provisions make this a wonderful product worth trying out.
Moreover, for it to give you a continued long time of service, greasing its bearings on a frequent basis is the only significant action you will need to undertake.
Overall an affordable trailer that has been designed and built to last; our number one utility trailer for 2020 for good reason.
2. The Ironton heavy-duty trailer kit – 5ft. X 8ft., 5.30-12in. Tires
Boasting a 1715 lb maximum payload and an ensuing 1980 lb maximum gross weight of the vehicle, Ironton heavy-duty utility trailer more than drags its own weight!
This 5ft by 8ft trailer is particularly designed to accommodate heavier cargo and is surprisingly wider in comparison to typical trailers.
It is equipped with exclusive fenders that safeguard your luggage from rocks and debris and wide and large tires (12 inches) that boost its stability on the road no matter the state of the terrain. Moreover, it is fully equipped to perfectly suit your needs.
How? First, it comes with an axle kit, a complete light set characterized by wiring, a 2inch coupler, protective fenders, safety chains, and a towbar all designed to safeguard your luggage and smoothen your driving experience.
For anyone worried about road safety and regulations, you will be pleased to note that Ironton meets all DOT requirements and road specifications and will be up and running to a 45mph maximum speed right after assembly.
- Deck area that can be tailored to accommodate large loads.
- Meets DOT requirements and fulfills every road-ready specification.
- Equipped with fenders for safeguarding the loads against debris and rock.
- Accompanied by light kit and safety chains that means you can immediately be on transit.
- Wiring harness and 2.inch coupler that links to your car to guarantee trailer safety while in transit.
- Requires assembly
Bottom Line
Hit the road with no worries about the safety or the state of your load with the Ironton heavy duty utility trailer.
While it is perfectly normal to worry about the quality, reliability or even the safety of your trailer, this 5ft x 8 ft trailer leaves no stone unturned when it comes to guaranteeing quality and safety.
Fully equipped with all the relevant components and boasting a large and wide carrying capacity, this is the ideal fit for all your hauling tasks. It meets all road safety requirements and is DOT certified so you can rest assured you are going for the right trailer.
3. BEST BUDGET: The northern industrial utility trailer – 40in. X 48in
Whatever exclusive need that you have that requires hauling and safe movement, this utility trailer will certainly help.
It is a great transport solution that is designed specifically for hauling dirt, machinery, and even mulch. Besides coming in with a full road-ready kit with fenders included, it is quick to assemble type of equipment that requires no particular expertise.
It is characterized by a steel frame coated with red-powder which houses its rear lights and orange-colored side markers.
With its fenders, you are certain of safety for your cargo against both debris and rock.
Moreover, safety chains together with lighting characterized by wiring harness link perfectly to your car ensuring the safety of your trailer on road notwithstanding whether any weather conditions such as rain or time of the day such as night time.
It is further boosted by the presence of signals (both turn and tail), safety chains, slippery springs, high-speed tires and wheels, and side running lights.
- Easy assembly
- Clear and concise instructions
- Lightweight
- Pulls perfectly devoid of swaying
- Comes equipped with high-speed easy-rolling wheels
- Complete wiring
- Slippery springs that inspire a smooth ride
- Its bearings and wheels assembly mandates for lengthy buffing and polishing.
Bottom Line
Aside from offering a solution to your hauling woes, this is well-equipped with fenders to guarantee the safety of your luggage.
Moreover, if you are concerned about the experience during the course of your journey, then the slippery springs and high-speed easy-rolling wheels will instantly change your mindset.
Overall, it is a quality piece of hauling machinery.
4. The North Star trailer sports utility trailer kit – 4FT. X 6FT
When shopping for a utility trailer, small size is probably among the things that would instantly turn your attention away from the models available.
Nonetheless, for North Star utility trailer, small size is not a drawback but an actual advantage to its overall functionality.
This trailer doubles as a typical ATV trailer and also facilitates the hauling of long loads. Aside from its standard deck dimensions measuring 50 by 75inches, this small trailer boasts a black powder-coat type of finish.
It is equipped with ramps and characteristic lights for safety and indication.
Similar to a host of other utility trailers, it is equipped with fenders that boost the safety of your load and prevent it from being damaged by debris and rocks.
Moreover, it also comes with a spare tire which for convenience is welded at its bottom to free up space for its jack and a subsequent gas can.
- Doubles as both a trailer (ATV) and also allows carrying of long loads
- Equipped with fenders for load protection
- Comes with a spare tire located underneath the trailer
- It has no rakes
- Assembly is required
Bottom Line
Small is the new large’ and there is no better way to prove this than to own the Northstar utility trailer.
Despite many viewing its size as a drawback, it has been designed to double as a typical ATV trailer and facilitate the hauling of long loads, a feat that overshadows many of its larger counterparts.
If you are looking for a slightly smaller trailer that can perfectly help you execute your task, don’t hesitate to divert your funds and resources to this amazing small-sized utility trailer.
5. BEST PREMIUM: The 1600ut ATV wagon trailer
If you are keen on the number of items hitting the market on a daily basis, then you know that most of these items rarely completely fulfill all their stated promises; but this is not the case with the 1600UT wagon ATV trailer.
A product of Bosski, this wagon trailer is among the best rated ATV utility trailers the market has to offer.
It comes equipped with an exclusive ram lift system (electric powered) that easily empties its contents of its 1.10 lb load capacity provision.
These 2 noteworthy characteristics are among the numerous key factors that make it a top-selling trailer.
Its bed is conveniently spacious and large with dimensions of 73(l) x 45(w) x 12 (h) inches made of dense, durable, and heavy materials.
This particular trailer boasts a total of four wheels and an ensuing independent suspension all of which combine to make it a convenient and reliable machine.
It is further enhanced by fairly large (25 inches) tires that boost the stability of the wagon even when it passes along rocky, rough, and uneven terrains.
What’s more, besides coming with exclusive heavy-duty axles that are designed to accommodate and manage great and heavy loads, it is also equipped with distinctively designed brakes (electric) that offer an exceptional stopping power that will allow you to have full control while driving.
On arriving at your destination, simply press a button located near your driver’s seat in order to power the ram lift system and leave everything to take its course.
Moreover, it is also important to highlight that the 1600ut trailer is inclusive of a useful light brake and tail kit.
- Equipped with heavy-duty axles that provide you with an 1100 lb carrying capacity.
- Equipped with electric brakes that boost safety and offer you full control especially where the load is great.
- Accompanied by a tail/brake light for safety.
- Made from durable and heavy material that boosts its lifetime.
- Exclusive ram lift system that eases the unloading of luggage.
- Quite Expensive
Bottom Line
Take full control of your vehicle plus the wagon with the exclusively designed brakes (electric) that afford you with exceptional stopping power.
Moreover, ease your unloading job with the specialized ram lift system that allows you to unload your luggage and items by the simple pressing of a button.
And if you are worried about the weight of your luggage, this trailer has got your back with its 1.10 lb carrying capacity. So for anyone asking why they need to purchase this top-seller trailer and not any other, now you know why!
Wrapping it Up
If the idea of purchasing a utility trailer for purpose of hauling and moving various items along with your home, business, or off-road is ringing in your mind, then you need to go for the best ones available.
With the market flocked with a wide-ranging array of makes and models, it can be quite a daunting task to single out one good trailer.
Nevertheless, this review of the top five available trailers on the market and a list of considerations you need to take should help lead you to the ideal fit for you.