8.5×20 Enclosed Trailer Guide

An 8.5×20 enclosed trailer is one of the most versatile full-width trailer sizes available. It offers enough room for vehicles, motorcycles, equipment, tools, contractor setups, mobile businesses, and recreational use without stepping up to the additional length of an 8.5×24 or larger trailer.

For many buyers, the 8.5×20 is the point where an enclosed cargo trailer becomes much more than a basic hauler. With the right axle package, interior height, doors, tie-down system, electrical package, and upgrades, an 8.5×20 can be configured around a wide range of jobs. If you're still comparing sizes, our Enclosed Trailer Buyer's Guide is a good place to start.

At Southern Trailer Depot, we stock and custom-order 8.5×20 enclosed trailers in multiple configurations.

The most important rule: choose the trailer around what you need to haul—not size or appearance alone.

The 8.5-foot-wide body gives an 8.5×20 substantially more usable floor space than narrower enclosed trailers.

If you want a more compact, easier-to-maneuver option, see how a 7×16 enclosed trailer compares on size, weight, and typical uses.

Common uses include:

• Cars and smaller vehicles
• Motorcycles and ATVs
• Side-by-sides
• Lawn and landscaping equipment
• Construction equipment
• Tools and materials
• Contractor setups
• Mobile workshops
• Racing equipment
• Recreational gear
• Business inventory
• Moving and general cargo

However, trailer size alone does not determine whether your cargo will fit.

Before buying, compare the cargo with the trailer's:

• Interior length
• Interior width
• Interior height
• Rear opening width
• Rear opening height
• Fender-box location
• Ramp dimensions
• Header clearance
• Ramp angle

A vehicle can physically fit inside the trailer and still have difficulty getting through the rear opening.

The advertised 8.5×20 size is not the same thing as every usable interior measurement.

If you're hauling a vehicle or large equipment, measure the load before choosing the trailer.

Measure Your Cargo

Measure: Length → Width → Height → Ground Clearance

Then compare those measurements with: Interior Length → Interior Width → Rear Opening → Header Clearance → Ramp Angle

Pay particular attention to mirrors, spoilers, roof-mounted equipment and other components that may extend beyond the basic dimensions of the vehicle or equipment.

There isn't one universal empty weight for every 8.5×20 enclosed trailer.

Trailer weight can change considerably depending on:

• Frame construction
• Axle package
• Interior height
• Exterior material
• Flooring
• Wall construction
• Ramp construction
• Cabinets
• Finished interior
• Air conditioning
• Generator compartments
• Spare tires
• Winches
• Electrical systems
• Batteries
• E-Track
• Additional options

That is why the actual trailer identification/VIN label should be used when determining the specifications of a particular trailer. Our Enclosed Trailer Weight Chart shows how weight typically scales across common trailer sizes, and our Enclosed Trailer Construction Guide explains how wall, floor and roof materials affect the final weight.

Two 8.5×20 enclosed trailers can look almost identical and have very different hauling capabilities.

The important numbers are:

GVWR

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable loaded weight of the trailer as rated by the manufacturer. See our GVWR & Payload Guide for a complete explanation.

Empty Trailer Weight

The weight of the trailer before cargo is added.

Payload Capacity

A simplified calculation is:

GVWR − Empty Trailer Weight = Available Payload

Example

If a trailer has:

GVWR: 9,990 lbs
and an empty weight of:
3,200 lbs

the theoretical payload calculation would be:

9,990 − 3,200 = 6,790 lbs

This is only an example. Always use the actual ratings and weights for the specific trailer.

Also remember that permanently installed upgrades increase trailer weight and can reduce available payload.

Axle selection is one of the most important decisions when buying an 8.5×20 enclosed trailer.

Common configurations may include:

Tandem 3,500 lb Axles

Often appropriate for lighter cargo and general-purpose applications where the trailer's rated capacity meets the intended load.

Tandem 5,200 lb Axles

A popular upgrade when additional capacity and heavier-duty components are needed.

Tandem 7,000 lb Axles

Used on heavier-duty builds designed around substantially heavier loads. See our Trailer Axle Guide for a full breakdown of axle ratings, and our Trailer Brake Guide for how electric brakes and controllers factor into the decision.

An 8.5×20 enclosed trailer can be an excellent car-hauler size for the right vehicle.

Before ordering one for vehicle transport, check:

• Overall vehicle length
• Vehicle width
• Vehicle height
• Ground clearance
• Front overhang
• Rear opening dimensions
• Ramp angle
• Trailer payload
• Tie-down locations
• Door clearance after loading

One of the biggest issues with enclosed car hauling isn't getting the vehicle inside.

It's getting out of the vehicle after it's inside.

Consider an Escape Door for Vehicle Hauling

An escape door can dramatically improve accessibility when transporting a car. A properly positioned escape door can allow the driver's door to open through the side of the trailer after the vehicle has been loaded. This can be especially valuable with wider vehicles where there isn't enough room between the car and trailer wall to comfortably exit.

The position of the escape door should be planned around the vehicle being hauled. Measure the vehicle before ordering the trailer. Our Enclosed Trailer Door Guide covers ramp doors, barn doors, side doors and escape doors in more detail.

Ramp Angle and Low-Clearance Vehicles

Sports cars, race cars and other low-clearance vehicles require additional attention.

The transition from: Ground → Ramp Flap → Ramp Door → Trailer Floor can determine whether a vehicle loads without scraping.

Depending on the application, buyers may consider features designed to create a smoother loading transition.

Never assume a ramp door alone makes an enclosed trailer suitable for a low-clearance vehicle.

An 8.5×20 also provides enough room to create a serious mobile workspace.

A contractor configuration can include:

• Cabinets
• Shelving
• E-Track
• Tool storage
• Workbench
• Electrical outlets
• Interior lighting
• Finished walls
• Air conditioning
• Generator compartment
• Additional side doors
• Extended tongue
• Awning

The goal should be to design the interior around the workflow. Frequently used tools should remain accessible without unloading half of the trailer. See our Enclosed Trailer Construction Guide for more on wall, floor and cabinet options.

An E-Track system can provide flexible tie-down locations for vehicles, motorcycles, equipment and general cargo.

Placement matters.

Before installing E-Track, determine:

• What you will haul
• Where it will sit
• Where the tie-down points are located
• How the load will be positioned
• Whether the configuration may change later

For vehicle applications, plan the securement system around the actual vehicle rather than installing tracks simply because they look symmetrical.

A winch can make loading disabled vehicles, race cars and equipment considerably easier.

When planning a winch installation, consider:

• Winch capacity
• Mounting location
• Structural support
• Battery location
• Electrical requirements
• Cable or synthetic rope path
• Access to the winch controls

A winch should be selected and installed for the intended load and application.

The additional four feet of an 8.5×24 can be extremely useful—but only if you need it.

If an 8.5×20 comfortably handles your cargo and equipment, the shorter trailer may be easier to maneuver and store.

If your load is already close to filling an 8.5×20, consider the 8.5×24 enclosed trailers before purchasing.

An 8.5×20 can be configured around the job instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all trailer.

See our Trailer Upgrades page for the full list of options available across our inventory.

Choose upgrades around how the trailer will actually be used—not appearance alone.

Buying the right trailer also means confirming that the tow vehicle is properly equipped for the intended trailer and load.

Check the tow vehicle manufacturer's ratings and requirements, including applicable:

• Tow rating
• Hitch rating
• Payload
• Gross Combined Weight Rating
• Tongue-weight limits
• Brake-controller requirements

Do not determine towing capability from engine size or advertised horsepower alone.

The trailer, cargo, tow vehicle, hitch and equipment must work together as a complete system. If you're financing this purchase, our Enclosed Trailer Financing Guide covers what to expect before you buy.

MATCH THE TRAILER TO THE LOAD

Is an 8.5×20 Big Enough?

For many buyers, yes.

An 8.5×20 provides a useful balance between cargo capacity, maneuverability and overall trailer size.

It can be especially attractive for buyers who need substantially more room than a 7-foot-wide cargo trailer but don't necessarily need an 8.5×24, 8.5×26 or larger trailer.

However, if your planned load already uses nearly all of the available space, moving up one size can provide valuable room for future equipment and upgrades.

Buy for the load you expect to carry—not simply the load you're carrying today.

Southern Trailer Depot offers 8.5×20 enclosed cargo trailers for a wide range of applications, from general cargo and contractor trailers to car haulers and custom builds.

Whether you're looking for an in-stock trailer or want to configure one around a specific job, the important decisions go beyond exterior color.

Size + Weight + GVWR + Payload + Axles + Door Opening + Tow Vehicle + Options

Build the trailer around what you need it to do.

Southern Trailer Depot
Trailer Shoppers' Last Stop Since 2007

Need help choosing between an 8.5×20 and 8.5×24? Contact Southern Trailer Depot and we'll help you match the trailer to the load.