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 |  | Cargo Trailer: $1,000-$15,000+ |  | Car Trailer: $6,000-$20,000+ |  | Travel Trailer: $8,000-$65,000 |
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Enclosed trailers can vary from cargo boxes on wheels to large, luxurious travel trailers with all the comforts of home. Enclosed trailers are towed by one of three types of hitches -- a standard bumper-pull with a ball mounted on the rear of the tow vehicle; a gooseneck with a front extension that hooks to a ball mounted in a pickup truck bed; or a fifth wheel with front extension that connects to a king pin connection (like on a semi-truck) in a pickup truck bed. Trailers may have one, two or three axles. Single axle trailers are less expensive, have a tight turning radius and are easy to maneuver by hand, but are less stable when towed and hard to control if a tire goes flat. Dual (tandem) axle or tri-axle trailers typically cost more but can pull heavier weights, tow more smoothly (less sway), have better traction on uneven surfaces and are easier to control with a flat tire.
Typical costs: | - An enclosed cargo trailer (a rectangular box with a roof and four sides, mounted on one or two axles) costs $1,000-$4,000 for a single-axle trailer up to 7'x14' and 4'-7' tall. Expect to pay $3,000-$15,000 or more for a dual-axle enclosed cargo trailer depending on size, materials and options. These are typically bumper-pull trailers.
- Enclosed car trailers (solid sides and roof, usually with a rear that folds down as a ramp) sell for $6,000-$20,000 or more, depending on size, capacity, type of hitch (bumper pull or gooseneck) and materials (steel or aluminum). Options include rear stabilizer jacks, interior lights, ratchet-type tie-down straps, a winch or vents.
- Conventional travel trailers can cost $8,000-$65,000, but average $15,000-$30,000. These are non-motorized, hard-sided RVs, 10'-40' long or longer, and may have one open area inside or several separate rooms. These are typically bumper-pull trailers.
- Fifth wheel (5th wheel) trailers can cost $13,000-$100,000, depending on size (21'-40' long) and features like slide-outs to expand the living space, a separate master bedroom and bath, full-sized appliances, an electric fireplace and more. These specialized travel trailers have a raised front extension with a fifth wheel hitch.
- Toy hauler trailers can cost $12,000-$80,000 or more, depending on size (14'-40' or longer) and amenities. Sometimes called a sports utility recreational vehicle,a toy hauler is typically either a conventional travel trailer or a fifth wheel with living quarters in the front and a cargo/garage area in the rear for hauling motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs or other "toys."
- Prices for used trailers vary significantly. New trailers typically depreciate 15%-20% when they leave the dealership and roughly 10% each additional year, according to traileroutlet.com.
Related articles: Cargo Trailer, Fifth-Wheel RV, Toy Hauler RV, Trailer Hitch, Towing Equipment
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What should be included: | - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides tips[1] for selecting a tow vehicle.
- The American Boating Association charts towing laws by state[2] .
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists safety tips[3] .
Additional costs: | - Extended side view mirrors may be required, at $4-$50 for models that clamp onto the existing side mirrors, or $150-$450 for permanently installed towing mirrors.
- Installing a standard ball trailer hitch on a tow vehicle can cost $200-$500 or more; installing a gooseneck hitch can cost $400-$800 or more; and a fifth-wheel hitch costs $400-$1,500. A spare tire typically costs $20-$200 or more, and a bolt-on spare tire carrier adds $15-$100 or more.
- An electronic trailer brake controller typically costs $40-$200 from auto parts stores, trailer dealers or online retailers like Amazon[4] . Installation and wiring on older vehicles (not pre-wired) can add $100-$200 or more.
- A breakaway system to stop a towed trailer or vehicle if it gets loose typically costs $10-$40 and includes a battery, switch and wiring. They're available from trailer or boat dealers, or from online retailers like Amazon[5] .
- Towing a trailer can reduce the tow vehicle's fuel efficiency by a few miles per gallon or in half or more.
Shopping for an enclosed trailer: | - Price for enclosed cargo or car trailers are typically negotiable. TrailerShopper.com provides tips[6] for choosing the right trailer. For used cargo or car trailers, research current prices on eBay[7] and craigslist[8] and online sites that specialize in trailers.
- For RVs like travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers and toy hauler trailers, prices vary considerably depending on options, size and retailer, and dealer prices are typically negotiable. Search for local dealers through the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association[9] or GoRVing.com[10] .
- For used RV trailers, NadaGuides.com provides a tool[11] to estimate prices.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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External Resources: | - www.nhtsa.gov/cars/problems/equipment/towing/selecting.htm
- www.americanboating.org/towing.asp
- www.nhtsa.org/
- www.amazon.com/gp/search/rh=n:15737671,k:electronic+trailer+brake+controller&keywords=e...
- www.amazon.com/s/url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=trailer+breakaway+kit&x=0&y=0
- www.trailershopper.com/articles/trailer-buying-tips.html
- www.ebay.com/sch/?_nkw=cargo+Trailer&_sacat=See-All-Categories&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l...
- www.craigslist.org/about/sites/
- www.rvda.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Dealer_Info&template=/DealerSearch/Custom/dealer_s...
- www.gorving.com/where-to-find/dealers
- www.nadaguides.com/RVs
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