Cargo trailers, enclosed car haulers, race trailers and custom builds available in Douglas, Georgia.
Serving Trailer Buyers Since 2007 | Financing and Rent-to-Own Options Available | Custom Trailers Available
An 8.5×24 enclosed trailer provides the space and flexibility needed for vehicles, equipment, tools, motorcycles, recreational machines and commercial cargo.
The 24-foot box offers substantially more usable floor space than smaller enclosed trailers while remaining practical for many properly equipped trucks and tow vehicles.
Southern Trailer Depot carries 8.5×24 enclosed cargo trailers, enclosed car haulers, race trailers and custom builds in Douglas, Georgia. Available configurations may include multiple axle packages, interior heights, exterior finishes, door arrangements and cargo-control options.
Whether you need a straightforward cargo trailer or a fully equipped race or contractor trailer, our team can help you compare the specifications that matter before you buy.
CURRENT 8.5×24 TRAILERS FOR SALE
Browse available 8.5×24 enclosed trailers at Southern Trailer Depot. Inventory may include cargo trailers, enclosed car haulers, race trailers, blackout packages and upgraded custom configurations.
Availability, specifications and pricing can change as trailers are sold or added. Select any trailer below to see its complete specifications, photographs, price and current status.
If you do not see the exact configuration you need, request a custom quote. Many sizes, colors, axle packages and upgrades can be ordered around the way you plan to use your trailer.
WHY BUY AN 8.5×24 ENCLOSED TRAILER?
The 8.5×24 is one of the most versatile sizes in the enclosed-trailer market.
It offers enough room for many vehicles and commercial applications without moving into the extra length and towing requirements of a 28-, 30- or 36-foot trailer.
An 8.5×24 may be a good fit for:
- Race cars
- Drag cars
- Classic vehicles
- Show cars
- Motorcycles
- Side-by-sides
- ATVs
- Golf carts
- Contractor tools
- Landscaping equipment
- Mobile workshops
- Vendor equipment
- Business inventory
- Moving and storage
- Custom recreational builds
The correct configuration depends on the weight and dimensions of the cargo, not trailer size alone.
Before purchasing, verify:
- Cargo dimensions
- Cargo weight
- Trailer empty weight
- Trailer GVWR
- Available payload
- Rear-door opening
- Interior height
- Axle configuration
- Tire and wheel ratings
- Tow-vehicle capacity
- Hitch capacity
- Required tie-down locations
8.5×24 TRAILER DIMENSIONS AT A GLANCE
These are general examples. Exact measurements and ratings vary by manufacturer and individual trailer.
NOMINAL TRAILER SIZE:
8.5 feet wide × 24 feet long
BOX LENGTH:
24 feet
NOMINAL EXTERIOR WIDTH:
Approximately 8 feet 6 inches
INTERIOR WIDTH:
Varies by wall construction, wheel-box design and manufacturer
COMMON INTERIOR HEIGHTS:
- 7 feet
- 7 feet 6 inches
- Additional-height configurations may be available
COMMON GVWR RANGE:
- Approximately 7,000 pounds on lighter configurations
- Approximately 9,990–10,400 pounds on many 5,200-pound axle configurations
- Higher manufacturer-rated GVWR packages may be available
CURRENT EMPTY-WEIGHT EXAMPLES:
Approximately 3,400–3,600 pounds before cargo
CURRENT PAYLOAD EXAMPLES:
Approximately 6,400–6,800 pounds on properly rated 10,000–10,400-pound configurations
COMMON COUPLER:
2-5/16-inch bumper-pull coupler
COMMON REAR DOOR:
Rear ramp door
COMMON BRAKE CONNECTION:
Electric trailer brakes with a 7-way electrical connection
IMPORTANT
These figures are examples, not guaranteed specifications. Always verify the VIN/data plate and individual listing before purchasing or loading a trailer.
8.5×24 CARGO TRAILER, CAR HAULER OR RACE TRAILER?
Not every 8.5×24 trailer is built the same way.
The best configuration depends on the cargo, required payload, loading method and equipment you plan to install.
8.5×24 ENCLOSED CARGO TRAILER
A general enclosed cargo configuration may work well for:
- Household items
- Business inventory
- Tools
- Motorcycles
- Recreational equipment
- Furniture
- Event equipment
- General commercial cargo
Popular features may include:
- Rear ramp door
- Side entry door
- Interior LED lighting
- Plywood walls
- Plywood flooring
- Roof vent
- Electric brakes
- V-nose
- Tie-down points
8.5×24 ENCLOSED CAR HAULER
An enclosed car-hauler configuration is designed around vehicle loading, weight and securement.
Important car-hauler considerations include:
- Vehicle width
- Vehicle length
- Vehicle weight
- Rear-door opening
- Ramp angle
- Interior wheel-box clearance
- Driver-side escape door
- Floor strength
- Tie-down locations
- Winch placement
- Trailer payload
- Tow-vehicle capacity
Popular car-hauler options may include:
- Escape door
- Extended tongue
- Ramp transition flap
- Floor E-Track
- D-rings
- Electric winch
- Winch plate
- Spread axles
- Rear loading lights
- Extra interior height
- Blackout trim
- Aluminum wheels
8.5×24 RACE TRAILER
A race-trailer build may add storage, electrical power and comfort features beyond a standard car hauler.
Popular race-trailer upgrades include:
- Finished walls and ceiling
- Insulation
- Rubber coin flooring
- Carpeted lower walls
- Overhead cabinets
- Built-in toolbox
- Wardrobe or closet
- Air conditioning
- 110-volt electrical package
- Interior and exterior receptacles
- 12-volt battery
- Interior LED lighting
- Exterior loading lights
- Bluetooth stereo
- Generator compartment
- Generator slide
- Electric tongue jack
- Electric awning
- Rear spoiler
Remember that cabinets, batteries, generators, air conditioners, tools, fuel and other installed equipment increase the trailer’s empty weight and reduce its available payload.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT AXLES AND GVWR
Axle capacity, GVWR and payload are related, but they are not interchangeable.
The trailer’s GVWR is the maximum loaded weight assigned by the manufacturer.
Payload is calculated using:
GVWR - EMPTY TRAILER WEIGHT = APPROXIMATE PAYLOAD
The weight of permanently installed options must be included in the trailer’s empty or loaded weight.
TANDEM 3,500-POUND AXLES
Two 3,500-pound axles provide 7,000 pounds of combined axle capacity.
This configuration may work for lighter cargo applications when the complete trailer is manufactured and rated appropriately.
Do not assume the trailer has a 7,000-pound GVWR or can carry 7,000 pounds of cargo. The trailer itself is part of the loaded weight.
TANDEM 5,200-POUND AXLES
Two 5,200-pound axles provide 10,400 pounds of combined axle capacity.
This is a common configuration for 8.5-wide cargo trailers, enclosed car haulers and race trailers.
Many current Southern Trailer Depot 8.5×24 examples have manufacturer-assigned GVWR ratings around 9,990–10,400 pounds.
TANDEM 7,000-POUND AXLES
Two 7,000-pound axles provide 14,000 pounds of combined axle capacity.
A heavier manufacturer-rated configuration may be appropriate for certain commercial, equipment or custom applications.
Installing larger axles does not automatically increase a trailer’s GVWR. The frame, coupler, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires and other components must all be designed and rated for the complete trailer.
IMPORTANT
Always use the manufacturer-assigned GVWR shown on the trailer’s VIN/data plate.
HOW MUCH CAN AN 8.5×24 TRAILER CARRY?
The answer depends on the trailer’s GVWR and actual empty weight.
EXAMPLE 1:
GVWR: 10,000 pounds
Empty weight: 3,400 pounds
Approximate payload: 6,600 pounds
EXAMPLE 2:
GVWR: 10,000 pounds
Empty weight: 3,600 pounds
Approximate payload: 6,400 pounds
These examples illustrate the calculation. The individual trailer’s listed empty weight, GVWR and payload must be verified before loading.
Cargo weight may include:
- Vehicle
- Tools
- Cabinets
- Generator
- Fuel
- Spare tires
- Parts
- Batteries
- Winch
- Interior finish
- Air conditioner
- Personal equipment
- Any additional cargo
A trailer can run out of payload before it runs out of physical floor space.
WILL YOUR VEHICLE FIT?
Do not assume every car, side-by-side or piece of equipment will fit because the trailer is labeled 8.5×24.
Measure the cargo before purchasing.
For a vehicle, measure:
- Overall length
- Overall width
- Height
- Ground clearance
- Front overhang
- Rear overhang
- Door position
- Tire width
- Wheelbase
- Vehicle weight
Then compare those measurements with:
- Usable interior length
- Usable interior width
- Distance between wheel boxes
- Rear-door opening width
- Rear-door opening height
- Ramp width
- Ramp angle
- Header clearance
- Escape-door location
- Interior height
LOW-CLEARANCE VEHICLES
Cars with low front splitters, exhaust systems or suspension may require a gentler loading transition.
Options that may help include:
- Extended ramp door
- Ramp transition flap
- Additional loading ramps
- Rear bogie wheels
- Raised trailer height where appropriate
- Careful approach-angle planning
The trailer manufacturer and dealer should confirm whether a proposed configuration is appropriate for the vehicle.
POPULAR 8.5×24 TRAILER OPTIONS
An 8.5×24 trailer can be configured for anything from basic cargo hauling to a finished mobile workspace.
EXTERIOR AND APPEARANCE OPTIONS
- .080 PolyCore exterior
- Semi-screwless exterior
- Blackout package
- Aluminum wheels
- Split exterior colors
- ATP or diamond-plate accents
- Extended tongue
- Front cast corners
- Rear spoiler
- Exterior loading lights
- Electric awning
- Additional trailer height
LOADING AND CARGO-CONTROL OPTIONS
- Ramp transition flap
- Floor E-Track
- Wall E-Track
- D-rings
- Recessed tie-downs
- Electric winch
- Winch plate
- Spare tire
- Spare-tire compartment
- Drop-down stabilizer jacks
- Rear bogie wheels
- Wide rear opening
- Steel transition plate
VEHICLE-HAULING OPTIONS
- Driver-side escape door
- Removable escape-door wheel box
- Spread axles
- Torsion axles
- 5,200-pound axle package
- 7,000-pound axle package
- Extended tongue
- Additional interior height
- Rear spoiler and loading lights
- Floor E-Track
- Winch and battery package
INTERIOR OPTIONS
- Insulated walls and ceiling
- Finished walls
- Finished ceiling
- Rubber coin flooring
- RTP flooring
- Carpeted lower walls
- Overhead cabinets
- Base cabinets
- Built-in toolbox
- Wardrobe
- Closet
- Workbench
- Shelving
- Interior partitions
ELECTRICAL AND COMFORT OPTIONS
- 110-volt electrical package
- 12-volt electrical package
- Interior receptacles
- Exterior receptacles
- LED lighting
- Air conditioning
- Air-conditioner brace and wiring
- MaxxAir or roof vent
- Bluetooth stereo
- Television preparation
- Battery package
- Generator compartment
- Generator slide
- Electric tongue jack
Not every option is available from every manufacturer or on every trailer configuration.
STANDARD AXLES VS. SPREAD AXLES
A standard tandem-axle configuration places the axles close together.
A spread-axle configuration increases the distance between the axles and may provide a distinctive appearance and different towing characteristics.
Potential spread-axle considerations include:
- Different weight distribution
- Increased tire scrub during tight turns
- Additional stress during sharp maneuvering
- Different wheel-well positioning
- Different appearance
- Potential effects on vehicle-door clearance
Neither setup is automatically better for every buyer.
Choose the axle configuration based on:
- Trailer design
- Cargo
- Loading position
- Road use
- Turning requirements
- Manufacturer specifications
- Serviceability
LEAF-SPRING VS. TORSION AXLES
LEAF-SPRING SUSPENSION
Leaf-spring suspension is common on enclosed trailers.
Potential advantages include:
- Proven design
- Widely available service components
- Straightforward maintenance
- Equalization between tandem axles
TORSION-AXLE SUSPENSION
Torsion axles use rubber cords inside the axle assembly to provide suspension movement.
Potential advantages include:
- Independent wheel movement
- Smooth ride characteristics
- Fewer exposed suspension components
- Clean exterior appearance
The right suspension depends on trailer design, road conditions, load requirements and buyer preference.
CAN YOUR TRUCK TOW AN 8.5×24 TRAILER?
An 8.5×24 trailer should be matched to the tow vehicle using loaded weights—not the trailer’s empty weight alone.
Verify:
- Tow rating
- Gross Combined Weight Rating
- Tow-vehicle payload
- Receiver rating
- Ball-mount rating
- Hitch-ball rating
- Trailer coupler rating
- Loaded trailer weight
- Tongue weight
- Brake-controller compatibility
- 7-way electrical connection
The tow vehicle must be able to handle the trailer after the vehicle, tools, equipment, cabinets, fuel and other cargo have been loaded.
An empty trailer weight of approximately 3,400–3,600 pounds does not mean the tow vehicle only needs to handle that amount. A loaded 8.5×24 trailer may weigh considerably more.
IMPORTANT
Never exceed the tow vehicle, hitch, trailer or component manufacturer’s ratings.
FINANCING AND RENT-TO-OWN OPTIONS
Southern Trailer Depot offers multiple ways to purchase qualifying trailers.
TRADITIONAL TRAILER FINANCING
Financing may be available for qualified buyers with flexible payment and term options.
Approval, down payment, interest rate and monthly payment depend on the applicant, lender and trailer.
RENT-TO-OWN
Rent-to-own may be available on qualifying 8.5×24 trailers.
This option may provide:
- No traditional credit check
- Flexible monthly installments
- A clear path toward ownership
- An alternative to traditional trailer financing
Program availability, initial payment, term, monthly payment and eligibility requirements vary.
COMMON 8.5×24 BUYING MISTAKES
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Choosing a trailer based only on price
- Assuming every 8.5×24 has the same specifications
- Confusing axle capacity with payload
- Failing to weigh the cargo
- Ignoring the trailer’s empty weight
- Not measuring the rear-door opening
- Assuming a vehicle door will align with the escape door
- Overlooking wheel-box clearance
- Choosing too little interior height
- Forgetting the weight of installed options
- Buying too little GVWR for future needs
- Failing to verify tow-vehicle capacity
- Not planning tie-down locations
- Ignoring ramp angle and ground clearance
- Assuming inventory photos represent every available unit
PRO TIP
Build the trailer around the heaviest and largest cargo you realistically expect to haul—not only what you need to move today.
BEFORE YOU BUY AN 8.5×24 TRAILER
- Cargo length, width, height and weight
- Required payload capacity
- Trailer GVWR
- Empty trailer weight
- Axle ratings
- Tire and wheel ratings
- Interior dimensions
- Rear-door opening dimensions
- Interior height
- Ramp width and angle
- Escape-door location
- Tie-down requirements
- Winch requirements
- Tow-vehicle capacity
- Hitch and coupler ratings
- Brake-controller compatibility
- Electrical connection
- Required cabinets and equipment
- Financing or rent-to-own terms
- Current trailer availability
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS AN 8.5×24 BIG ENOUGH TO HAUL A CAR?
Many 8.5×24 enclosed car haulers can carry cars, but fit depends on the vehicle’s length, width, height, ground clearance and weight. Verify the usable interior, rear-door opening, wheel boxes, escape-door position, payload and ramp angle before purchasing.
HOW MUCH DOES AN 8.5×24 ENCLOSED TRAILER WEIGH?
Current Southern Trailer Depot examples are approximately 3,400–3,600 pounds empty. The actual weight depends on the frame, axles, interior height, flooring, cabinets, electrical equipment and other options.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN AN 8.5×24 TRAILER CARRY?
Payload equals the trailer’s GVWR minus its empty weight. Current 10,000–10,400-pound examples may provide approximately 6,400–6,800 pounds of payload, but the individual trailer’s data plate and specifications must be verified.
WHAT AXLES SHOULD AN 8.5×24 HAVE?
The right axle package depends on the trailer and cargo. Lighter configurations may use tandem 3,500-pound axles. Many car-hauler and race-trailer configurations use tandem 5,200-pound axles. Heavier manufacturer-rated builds may use 7,000-pound axles.
DOES AN 8.5×24 TRAILER NEED ELECTRIC BRAKES?
Many 8.5×24 trailers are equipped with brakes on both axles. Brake requirements vary by trailer weight and jurisdiction. Verify the trailer equipment, tow-vehicle brake controller and requirements where the trailer will be operated.
WHAT SIZE BALL DOES AN 8.5×24 TRAILER USE?
Many 8.5×24 enclosed trailers use a 2-5/16-inch coupler. Always verify the individual trailer and use a hitch ball and towing components with the correct size and sufficient ratings.
CAN I ORDER AN 8.5×24 WITH AN ESCAPE DOOR?
Escape doors are available on many car-hauler and race-trailer configurations. The escape-door position should be planned around the vehicle’s wheelbase, door location and interior wheel boxes.
CAN AN 8.5×24 BE CUSTOM BUILT?
Yes. Depending on manufacturer availability, custom choices may include colors, axle packages, interior height, doors, windows, E-Track, winches, cabinets, electrical packages, air conditioning, generator compartments and finished interiors.
CAN I FINANCE AN 8.5×24 TRAILER?
Financing may be available for qualified buyers. Rent-to-own may also be available on qualifying trailers.
DO YOU HAVE 8.5×24 TRAILERS IN STOCK?
Southern Trailer Depot regularly carries 8.5×24 cargo trailers, car haulers and upgraded configurations. Inventory changes frequently, so check the live listings or call 1-888-403-1902 for current availability.
WHERE IS SOUTHERN TRAILER DEPOT LOCATED?
Southern Trailer Depot is located at:
25 Harvey Vickers Road
Douglas, Georgia 31535
We serve trailer buyers from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and beyond.
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TRAILER BRAKE GUIDE
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FIND YOUR 8.5×24 ENCLOSED TRAILER
An 8.5×24 enclosed trailer can be configured for general cargo, vehicles, racing, contracting, recreation or commercial use.
The right trailer is not determined by size alone. Payload, axle configuration, interior dimensions, door openings, cargo securement, towing capacity and installed equipment all matter.
Southern Trailer Depot can help you compare current inventory or plan a custom trailer around your vehicle, equipment, business and budget.
SOUTHERN TRAILER DEPOT
Trailer Shoppers’ Last Stop Since 2007
25 Harvey Vickers Road
Douglas, Georgia 31535
CALL: 1-888-403-1902
YOUR TRAILER. YOUR WAY.