Choosing the
Right Trailer Size

Whether you’re hauling gravel, gear, or your dream tiny home, one thing’s for sure: size matters. Choosing the right trailer size ensures safety, efficiency, and fewer headaches for you in the future—especially the kind that shows up halfway through loading when you realize your cargo doesn’t fit.

At Arrow Trail, we offer trailers for just about every kind of hauling scenario. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of trailer sizes, how to choose the right one, and what to consider before you tow.

Trailer Size & Type Recommendations by What You’re Hauling

Tip 1: Know Your Load—Size and Weight Matter

Before choosing a trailer, you need to know what you’re hauling. This includes:

Physical Dimensions

How long, wide, and tall is the cargo? A zero-turn mower has different space requirements than a pallet of bricks, even if they weigh about the same.

Weight

How heavy is the load? Some materials are bulky but light (think hay bales), while others can be more compact but dense (like heavy machinery). Your trailer needs to be able to handle both the volume and the weight.

Pro Tip: If you’re on the fence, go slightly larger. A bit of extra space now can save you from having to upgrade later.

Tip 2: Understanding Trailer Sizes—What the Numbers Mean

Trailer sizes often appear in a format like 82×16 or 102×24, but what do those numbers really tell you?

What the Numbers Mean

The first number refers to the trailer’s width in inches, so an 82″ wide trailer is roughly 6.8 feet wide. The second number is the length of the trailer deck in feet, so a 16-foot trailer has a 16-foot long usable bed space — not including any extras like toolboxes, tongue length, or ramps.

Slide-In Ramps and Overall Length

You might also see trailers listed with features like “slide-in ramps.” These ramps store neatly underneath the trailer deck when not in use, keeping things clean and streamlined. However, even though they don’t change the deck length, they still add to the trailer’s overall footprint when pulled out and in use — which is important to keep in mind for storage, parking, or tight loading zones. So, for example, an 82×16 trailer with slide-in ramps will still be longer than 16 feet when those ramps are fully extended.

GVWR and Load Capacity

In addition to the dimensions, trailers are also rated by something called GVWR—or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This number represents the maximum combined weight of the trailer plus the cargo it’s carrying. So if a trailer has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs, and the trailer itself weighs 2,500 lbs, that leaves you with a load capacity of 7,500 lbs.

Why It All Matters

Understanding the relationship between GVWR, trailer weight, and cargo weight is essential for safe towing. Overloading your trailer beyond its rated capacity can strain the axles, reduce braking performance, and increase the risk of accidents — not to mention cause wear and tear on your tow vehicle.

If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to go slightly above what you think you’ll need. A little extra margin means better stability, improved safety, and peace of mind when you’re on the road.

Tip 3: Match the Trailer Size to the Trailer Type

Not all trailers are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the types we offer at Arrow Trail, and the typical trailer sizes that go with them:

Dump Trailers

Great for hauling loose material like dirt, gravel, or debris. These trailers use hydraulic lifts to unload quickly and cleanly.

Sizes We Offer: 86″ wide, 12′ to 16′ long

GVWR: 14,000 lbs

Load Capacity: 11,320 lbs

Best For: Construction, landscaping, cleanups

Consider: Weight rating matters more than length—these trailers are built to handle heavy loads.

Flat Deck Trailers

Open and versatile. Ideal for building materials, large equipment, or odd-shaped items that don’t need sidewalls.

Sizes We Offer: 102″ wide, 20′ to 40′ long

GVWR: 14,000 to 20,000 lbs

Load Capacity: 7,900 to 17,640 lbs

Best For: Pallets, lumber, farm equipment

Consider: Side-access loading makes these incredibly flexible

Tilt Deck Trailers

These tilt to the ground for easy loading—especially helpful when moving wheeled equipment like ATVs, skid steers, or small tractors.

Sizes We Offer: 77” to 102″ wide, 12’ to 24′ long

GVWR: 3,500 to 14,000 lbs

Load Capacity: 2,400 to 12,030 lbs

Best For: Equipment that rolls or drives on

Consider: No ramps required—which means one less thing to forget or trip over

Car Hauler Trailers

Specifically designed to move vehicles securely and safely.

Sizes We Offer: 82” to 102” wide, 16′ to 20′ long

GVWR: 6,994 to 14,000 lbs

Load Capacity: 5,450 to 11,420 lbs

Best For: Sedans, SUVs, trucks

Consider: Know your vehicle’s wheelbase and curb weight—a snug fit is good, but too snug? Not so much.

Tiny Home Trailers

Built to be the foundation of your tiny home. These trailers need to be structurally sound enough to hold the weight of the walls, flooring, and everything else.

Sizes We Offer: 96″ wide, 18′ to 40′ long

GVWR:

Load Capacity: 9,980 to 13,270 lbs

Best For: You guessed it—Tiny homes!

Consider: You’re not just hauling with this one—you’re living on it!

Equipment Trailers

Heavy-duty trailers meant for construction, farming, or industrial use.

Sizes We Offer: 83” wide, 20′ to 24′ long

GVWR:

Load Capacity: 11,420 lbs

Best For: Tractors, excavators, skid steers

Consider: Look at both deck size and weight rating.

Tip 4: Check Your Towing Capacity

Even the perfect trailer won’t do you much good if your vehicle can’t handle it. Before you settle on a trailer size, it’s essential to check your vehicle’s towing capacity. This includes not just the weight of the trailer itself, but the total weight once it’s fully loaded. 

For example, a light-duty truck might handle between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds, while a heavy-duty pickup can manage loads well over 10,000 pounds. It’s not just about what the engine can pull—your hitch, axles, brakes, and transmission all play a role in how safely you can tow. Consult your vehicle’s manual or the manufacturer’s specs to get the right numbers, and don’t guess. Overloading your vehicle can lead to mechanical issues, unsafe driving conditions, and added wear and tear you’ll feel later—both on the road and in your wallet.

Tip 5: Storage Space

Once your trailer is off the road, you’ll need a place to keep it—and that’s where storage space becomes just as important as towing capacity. While many trailer sizes can fit in a standard driveway or garage, it’s worth pulling out the tape measure before you commit.

A typical garage door is about 7 feet high and 9 feet wide for a single bay, while two-car garage doors usually open up to around 16 to 18 feet wide. Trailer lengths can vary widely, and features like slide-in ramps, tongue jacks, or toolboxes may add extra length that needs to be accounted for. If you’re short on space, knowing these dimensions ahead of time can save you the hassle of figuring it out after the delivery day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right trailer size?

To choose the right trailer size, consider what you’re hauling, how much it weighs, and how frequently you’ll be towing. Match your cargo’s dimensions and weight to the trailer’s deck size and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). When in doubt, it’s safer to go slightly larger to allow room for future needs.

Will a 16 ft trailer haul a car?

Yes, a 16 ft trailer can haul many standard-sized cars, but it depends on the length and wheelbase of the specific vehicle. Most sedans, small SUVs, and compact trucks will fit on a 16-foot car hauler, especially if the trailer is 82″ to 83″ wide. However, for larger vehicles like full-size trucks, long-wheelbase SUVs, or extended cab models, you may need a longer trailer, such as an 18 to 20-ft model, to ensure proper weight distribution and safety during transport. Always compare your vehicle’s overall length to the usable deck space of the trailer—and make sure the trailer’s GVWR can safely support the vehicle’s weight.

Will my trailer fit in a standard garage?

Some trailer sizes can fit in a standard garage, but it depends on the width, length, and height—especially if the trailer has a ramp or high side rails. A typical single garage door is around 7 feet tall and 9 feet wide. Check both your trailer dimensions and your garage clearance before storing it indoors.

What’s the most common trailer size?

Common trailer sizes vary by use, but popular sizes include 82×16, 83×20, and 102×24, depending on the type (car hauler, flat deck, equipment trailer, etc.). The right size for you depends on what you’re hauling and what kind of towing vehicle you’re using.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right trailer size isn’t just a one-time decision—it’s an investment in how efficiently and safely you can get the job done, now and in the future. Whether you’re planning to grow your business, take on bigger projects, or just avoid having to upgrade a year or two from now, choosing a trailer with a bit of extra capacity can give you the flexibility you didn’t know you needed.

At Arrow Trail, we’re here to make that decision easier. We’ll help you find the right trailer not just based on size, but on how you plan to use it, how often you’ll be towing, and what kind of vehicle you’re working with. Our lineup covers everything from heavy-duty equipment haulers to the foundation for your tiny home—and everything in between.

With a network of trusted Arrow Trail dealers located across the country, expert help is always nearby. If you’re ready to take the next step, find a dealer near you and let us help you choose a trailer that fits your needs today—and still makes sense tomorrow.

Need Help Finding Your Trailer Size?

We’ve got you. Whether you’re just browsing or ready to roll, our team is happy to answer questions and help you find the trailer that fits your job and your budget.