Enclosed Trailer Size Guide: What Fits in Each Common Rental Dimension

Choosing the right enclosed trailer starts with two questions: how much floor space does the load need, and will the tallest and widest pieces clear the door? Enclosed trailer sizes are listed by floor dimensions — width × length — and say nothing about interior height or door clearance, which are often the constraints that actually determine whether something fits. This guide covers the five most common rental size classes from 5x8 to 8.5x24, what fits in each, the interior height and door dimensions that matter for specific loads and the tow vehicle each size requires.

Common Enclosed Trailer Sizes and What Each One Holds

5x8: the smallest common rental size

A 5x8 enclosed trailer has an interior of approximately 4'6"–5' wide × 8' long × 5'–6' tall, for roughly 180–240 cubic ft of cargo space. The rear door opening is typically 4–4.5 ft wide and 5–6 ft tall — enough for most household items carried on edge, but tight for wide furniture. Payload capacity runs approximately 1,500–2,500 lbs.

The 5x8 handles: a dorm room or studio apartment with minimal furniture; a single motorcycle in most configurations; a small ATV; a load of tools and equipment for a day job; or a single large appliance plus smaller items around it. It is not the right size for a full bedroom set, a king-size mattress (76 in wide — wider than the interior), a sectional sofa or any multi-room move.

• Interior: approximately 4'6"–5' W × 8' L × 5'–6' H — roughly 180–240 cubic ft
• Rear door: approximately 4–4.5 ft wide × 5–6 ft tall
• Payload: approximately 1,500–2,500 lbs
• Right for: dorm/studio move, single motorcycle, small ATV, tools and equipment, single large appliance
• Not for: full bedroom set, king mattress, sectional sofa, multi-room moves

6x12: the most popular rental size

A 6x12 enclosed trailer has an interior of approximately 5.5'–6' wide × 12' long × 5.5'–6.5' tall, for roughly 380–470 cubic ft. The rear door is typically 5–5.5 ft wide and 5.5–6 ft tall. Payload capacity runs approximately 2,500–3,500 lbs. The 6x12 is the most versatile and most commonly booked enclosed trailer rental size.

It handles a one-bedroom apartment move with standard furniture — queen mattress and frame, small sofa, dressers and kitchen appliances — though loading efficiency matters and large furniture in a one-bedroom may require a 7x14. A 6x12 also handles a single motorcycle with gear, an ATV or smaller UTV, and small business cargo deliveries. One specific check before booking: interior height varies significantly by model. Some 6x12 trailers have 5.5 ft of interior height, which won't clear a full-size refrigerator standing upright. Confirm the interior height from the listing when the load includes anything taller than 5 ft. For a complete breakdown of what fits in a 6x12, see our guide on how much fits in a 6x12 enclosed trailer.

• Interior: approximately 5.5'–6' W × 12' L × 5.5'–6.5' H — roughly 380–470 cubic ft
• Rear door: approximately 5–5.5 ft wide × 5.5–6 ft tall
• Payload: approximately 2,500–3,500 lbs
• Right for: one-bedroom apartment move, single motorcycle, ATV, small cargo delivery
• Height check: interior height varies by model — confirm before booking if the load includes tall appliances

7x14: the mid-size rental

A 7x14 enclosed trailer has an interior of approximately 6.5'–7' wide × 14' long × 6'–6.5' tall, for roughly 550–640 cubic ft. The wider floor accommodates a king-size mattress — 76 in wide — with 6–10 in of clearance on the sides. It handles a full two-bedroom apartment move with standard furniture, ATVs and side-by-side UTVs that are too wide for a 6x12 with room for gear alongside, and small commercial cargo loads. Payload capacity runs approximately 3,500–5,000 lbs.

The added 2 ft of length over a 6x12 provides meaningful additional stacking room on a light move. For a two-bedroom apartment, a 7x14 works comfortably with careful loading; for a two-bedroom with oversized furniture, size up to a 7x16. A capable half-ton truck handles a 7x14 at moderate loads; a 3/4-ton is more appropriate at full payload.

• Interior: approximately 6.5'–7' W × 14' L × 6'–6.5' H — roughly 550–640 cubic ft
• Payload: approximately 3,500–5,000 lbs
• Right for: two-bedroom apartment move, king mattress, wider ATV/UTV plus gear, small commercial cargo
• King mattress (76 in): fits in a 7-ft interior with 6–10 in of clearance — load flat, not on edge
• Tow vehicle: capable half-ton at moderate load; 3/4-ton at full payload

7x16 to 8x16: larger residential and light commercial

The 7x16 and 8x16 size class adds 2 ft of length over the 7x14, bringing interior cargo space to approximately 670–840 cubic ft. These sizes handle two-to-three-bedroom apartment moves comfortably, contractor cargo loads for a small crew, light landscaping equipment alongside gear and tool bags, and small business inventory hauls. The additional length is most useful for long items — ladders, lumber, long equipment — and for a more relaxed loading arrangement on a larger move.

Payload capacity typically runs 4,000–6,000 lbs. Most trailers in this size class require a brake controller; a 3/4-ton tow vehicle is the right choice at full payload.

• Interior: approximately 6.5'–8' W × 16' L × 6'–6.5' H — roughly 670–840 cubic ft
• Payload: approximately 4,000–6,000 lbs
• Right for: two-to-three-bedroom apartment move, contractor tools and cargo, small business inventory
• Advantage over 7x14: 2 more feet of floor length — useful for long items and a more relaxed loading arrangement
• Tow vehicle: 3/4-ton recommended at full payload; brake controller required

8.5x20 to 8.5x24: large moves and commercial loads

The 8.5x20 to 8.5x24 size class is the largest commonly available enclosed trailer rental, with interior cargo space of approximately 1,000–1,250 cubic ft — comparable to a small moving truck. These sizes handle three-to-four-bedroom home moves, commercial inventory hauls, equipment and tool loads for larger crews and regional delivery runs. Interior height in this size class often reaches 6.5–7 ft, making full-size refrigerators, tall wardrobes and large appliances easier to load upright.

The 8.5-ft exterior width is at the federal permit threshold — the trailer itself is legal-width on any road, but any load that extends beyond the trailer's sides is an oversize load requiring a permit. Payload capacity typically runs 5,000–7,000 lbs (GVWR 7,000–10,000 lbs). A 1-ton truck with a brake controller is the right tow vehicle for these trailers at significant loads.

• Interior: approximately 7.5'–8' W × 20'–24' L × 6.5'–7' H — roughly 1,000–1,250 cubic ft
• Payload: approximately 5,000–7,000 lbs (GVWR 7,000–10,000 lbs)
• Right for: three-to-four-bedroom home move, commercial inventory, larger crew equipment loads
• Interior height: 6.5–7 ft — accommodates full-size appliances and tall furniture upright
• Width note: 8.5 ft exterior is at the federal permit threshold — the trailer is legal; any load overhang is not
• Tow vehicle: 1-ton with brake controller; confirm GCWR covers the full combination

The Dimensions People Forget

Interior height — what the size listing doesn't tell you

Enclosed trailer sizes are listed by floor dimensions — width × length — and say nothing about how tall the interior is. Interior height matters for loading a refrigerator upright (typically 5.5–6 ft tall), loading a mattress or sofa through the door without a difficult angle, and being able to stand and work inside the trailer while loading without stooping.

Common interior heights by size class: 5x8 trailers often have 5–5.5 ft of interior height — expect to stoop; 6x12 models vary widely, from 5.5 ft to 6.5 ft depending on the specific trailer; 7x14 and larger typically provide 6–6.5 ft; 8.5x20 and above often reach 7 ft. Confirm the interior height from the specific listing before booking whenever the load includes anything taller than 5 ft.

• 5x8: approximately 5–5.5 ft — expect to stoop while loading
• 6x12: varies by model, 5.5 ft to 6.5 ft — confirm for appliances or tall furniture
• 7x14 and larger: typically 6–6.5 ft
• 8.5x20 and above: often 7 ft — full standing height for most adults
• Confirm from the listing: interior height is not standardized within size classes

Door dimensions — the bottleneck for loading

The rear ramp door is where every item enters the trailer, and its height and width are separate from the interior dimensions. The door opening is almost always smaller than the interior — typically 4–5.5 ft wide and 5–6.5 ft tall. A 3-cushion sofa at 84–90 in wide must be angled and maneuvered through the door opening; the door width is the constraint, not the interior width. A full-size refrigerator at 5.5–6 ft tall must clear the door height to load upright — on a trailer with a 5.5-ft door, the refrigerator must be tilted onto a dolly.

Confirm the rear door height and width from the listing for any load that is awkwardly large or that must remain upright during loading. Side cargo doors on larger trailers — 7x16 and above — provide an access point mid-load without requiring the entire cargo to be repositioned, which is useful for commercial runs where specific items need to be accessed at intermediate stops.

• Door is smaller than the interior — confirm door height and width separately
• Wide furniture (sofas 84+ in): must angle through the door opening — door width is the constraint
• Tall appliances (refrigerators 5.5–6 ft): must clear door height to load upright
• Side cargo doors: on 7x16 and larger models — allow mid-load access without full unloading

V-nose vs. flat front

A V-nose enclosed trailer has an angled front that tapers to a point. The exterior dimensions include the nose, but usable interior floor space starts behind the nose's widest point — the front 2–4 ft of the interior has angled corners that cut into available stacking space. A flat-front trailer gives full interior use all the way to the front wall.

V-nose trailers have better aerodynamics at highway speeds, reducing fuel consumption on longer hauls — a meaningful difference on a full day's drive across multiple states. For local moves and short hauls where fuel economy is less critical, the flat front provides more usable loading space at the same listed trailer length. At the same exterior dimensions, a V-nose trailer has slightly less usable interior floor space than a flat-front trailer of the same listed length.

• V-nose: angled front improves aerodynamics; reduces usable floor space at the front corners
• Flat front: full interior use to the front wall; slightly higher wind resistance at highway speed
• Same listed length: V-nose has less usable interior than flat front — account for this on tightly packed loads

How to Estimate Whether Your Load Fits

Estimating by cubic footage for household moves

Rough cubic footage by household size, assuming reasonably efficient loading: studio or dorm room with minimal furniture: 150–300 cubic ft; one-bedroom apartment with standard furniture: 400–600 cubic ft; two-bedroom apartment: 700–1,000 cubic ft; three-bedroom home: 1,000–1,500 cubic ft. Match those ranges to the trailer sizes above. A 6x12 at 380–470 cubic ft handles a one-bedroom move if the furniture isn't oversized; a 7x14 at 550–640 cubic ft handles most two-bedroom apartment moves with careful loading; an 8.5x20 or larger is the right size for a three-bedroom home.

When the estimate is close to the trailer's capacity, size up by one class. The cost difference between a 6x12 and a 7x14 for a day rental is typically modest. A second trip is not.

• Studio / dorm: 150–300 cubic ft → 5x8 to 6x12
• One-bedroom: 400–600 cubic ft → 6x12 to 7x14
• Two-bedroom: 700–1,000 cubic ft → 7x14 to 7x16
• Three-bedroom home: 1,000–1,500 cubic ft → 8.5x20 or larger
• Close call: size up — the incremental rental cost is small relative to a second trip

The weight limit check

For a typical household move, volume fills the trailer before weight becomes a concern — household goods are relatively light per cubic foot and a 3,500-lb payload on a 6x12 is rarely the binding constraint on a one-bedroom move. Weight becomes relevant for denser loads: tools and equipment, cases of product, bagged goods, books and files. A trailer loaded entirely with books and files can hit a 2,500-lb weight limit at half the visual fill level. Before booking, estimate the total load weight against the trailer's payload capacity — the GVWR on the listing minus the trailer's listed empty weight. For full guidance on reading payload and GVWR, see our post on GVWR and why it matters when renting a trailer.

• Household move: typically volume-limited — weight rarely hits before the trailer is visually full
• Dense loads (tools, books, equipment, bagged goods): may hit weight limit before the trailer looks full
• Check: estimated load weight vs. payload capacity on the specific listing before booking

Tow Vehicle Requirements by Size Class

Which truck for which trailer size

5x8: half-ton or capable midsize truck; Class III hitch; 2-in ball adequate for most trailers in this class.

6x12: half-ton with appropriate hitch; Class III–IV; confirm GVWR against the truck's tow rating and GCWR before booking at full payload.

7x14: capable half-ton at moderate load; 3/4-ton at full payload; Class IV hitch; 2-5/16-in ball likely required on higher-GVWR models.

7x16: 3/4-ton recommended; Class IV hitch; brake controller required on most trailers in this class; 2-5/16-in ball.

8.5x20 and above: 1-ton; Class IV or V hitch; brake controller required; confirm GCWR covers the tow vehicle weight plus loaded trailer weight.

For full guidance on tow ratings and GCWR, see our vehicle towing capacity guide. For hitch class and ball size guidance, see our post on what hitch you need to rent a trailer.

Quick Size-to-Use Reference

Dorm room or studio apartment with minimal furniture: 5x8 or 6x12.

One-bedroom apartment move with standard furniture: 6x12.

One-bedroom with oversized furniture (king bed, large sectional): 7x14.

Two-bedroom apartment move: 7x14 to 7x16.

Three-to-four-bedroom home move: 8.5x20 or 8.5x24.

Single motorcycle: 5x8 or 6x12.

ATV or narrower UTV: 6x12. Wider side-by-side UTV: 7x14.

Contractor tools and equipment for a small crew: 7x14 to 7x16.

Small business inventory or regional cargo delivery: 7x16 to 8.5x20.

Unsure between two sizes: size up — the incremental rental cost is modest and a second trip is not.

Insurance and Damage Protection

Before loading a rented enclosed trailer, confirm your auto insurance covers liability while towing and any damage to items being transported. Eligible rentals booked through Big Rentals include Basic Rental Protection at checkout, which can help limit your financial responsibility for certain damage or theft events during the rental period. For full details on deductibles, exclusions and renter responsibilities, review our FAQ and platform terms.

The Short Version

The right enclosed trailer size comes down to three numbers — floor area for volume, interior height for tall items and door clearance for the piece that's hardest to load — and one rule: when the estimate is close, size up. A 6x12 handles most one-bedroom moves and a single motorcycle; a 7x14 handles two-bedroom moves and wider ATVs; a 7x16 handles a larger move or a contractor crew's cargo; an 8.5x20 or larger matches a moving truck for a full home. Confirm interior height from the specific listing — it varies within size classes and matters for refrigerators and tall furniture. Confirm door dimensions for any piece that is awkward to angle through a smaller opening. For help loading and securing furniture once you have the right trailer, see our guide on how to secure furniture and appliances in an enclosed trailer.

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