Open vs Enclosed Motorcycle Trailer: Which to Rent

You've got a motorcycle to move. Maybe it's a track weekend a few states away, a rally across the country, or a cross-town transport after buying a bike off Craigslist. Either way, you've got two trailer options: open or enclosed. Both get the job done. Which one you rent depends on your ride, your distance, and how much you care about road debris and weather. Here's a straight breakdown so you can pick the right one and get moving.

New to renting a bike trailer? Our motorcycle trailer rental guide covers costs, trailer types, and how to load and secure your bike. This article zooms in on the one decision most riders get stuck on: open versus enclosed.

Open vs Enclosed Motorcycle Trailer: The Core Difference

An open motorcycle trailer is a flat or channel-deck bumper-pull with wheel chocks, tie-down tracks, and sometimes a rear loading ramp. Your bike sits exposed to the elements. Wind, rain, bugs, road debris, and prying eyes can all reach it. Open trailers are lighter, cheaper to rent, and dead simple to load since you can see everything while you work.

An enclosed trailer is a box-on-wheels with a side ramp or rear ramp door. Your motorcycle rides inside a weatherproof shell. Road grime, rain, and highway stones don't touch it. The tradeoff is weight, height clearance (watch low-hanging branches and parking structures), and a slightly higher rental price. Enclosed trailers also lock, which matters if you're leaving the bike unattended overnight.

When to Choose an Open Motorcycle Trailer

Open trailers make sense in most short-haul and good-weather situations. Here's when to go open:

• Short distance: Anything under 200 miles in clear weather. Road debris and UV exposure are a non-issue for a few hours.
• Budget-sensitive: Open trailers rent for $40–$80/day from local owners on BigLoads. Enclosed units run $80–$140+.
• Track bikes and project bikes: If the bike is already scratched and purpose-built, open exposure adds no real risk.
• Multiple bikes: A wider open deck can fit two bikes side by side. Enclosed trailers of the same price point are usually single-bike width.
• Easy loading access: Open decks let you walk all the way around while strapping down. No tight spaces, no awkward door angles.

For most local hauls, an open trailer is the smarter and cheaper pick. Browse open motorcycle trailers near you by searching on BigLoads for your area.

When to Choose an Enclosed Motorcycle Trailer

Enclosed makes sense anytime you're asking more of the trailer or the stakes are higher:

• Long highway hauls: 500+ miles of highway means 6–8 hours of stone chips, bug splatter, and potential weather. An enclosed trailer keeps the finish clean.
• Collector, custom, or show bikes: You don't put a $40k custom build on an open deck for a 10-hour drive. The enclosed shell is cheap insurance on a valuable bike.
• Overnight stops: An enclosed trailer locks. A bike strapped to an open deck at a truck stop at 2am is an invitation.
• Bad weather likely: If there's any chance of rain, an enclosed unit keeps the bike and your gear dry.
• Year-round cold-climate riding: Some owners salt-protect their bikes during transport. That's only possible inside an enclosed trailer.

If you're planning a rally trip, long-distance bike delivery, or moving a rare machine, the extra daily cost of an enclosed trailer is worth it. Find an enclosed motorcycle trailer to rent near you from a local owner on BigLoads — prices are typically well below national equipment rental chains because you're dealing direct.

Rental Price Comparison: Open vs Enclosed

Based on real BigLoads listings, here's what you can expect to pay when renting from a local owner:

• Open motorcycle trailer: $40–$80/day. Light duty, bumper-pull, wheel chocks included. Multi-day rates often discounted.
• Enclosed single-car/bike trailer (small): $80–$120/day. V-nose or square-nose, side ramp, interior tie-down rings, lockable.
• Enclosed cargo trailer (larger): $100–$160/day. More headroom, rear ramp, fits two bikes or a bike plus gear.

Peer-to-peer rental from a BigLoads owner consistently beats Home Depot, U-Haul, or equipment rental chain pricing by 20–40% for comparable trailers. You also get to talk directly to the owner about load specifics, hook-up type (ball size, wiring), and any quirks — something you won't get at a counter.

What to Check Before You Rent Either Type

Whether you go open or enclosed, run through this checklist before you hook up and go:

• Ball size and hitch class: Motorcycle trailers are almost always 1-7/8” or 2” ball bumper-pull. Confirm with the owner.
• Wiring connector: 4-flat or 7-pin RV? Most motorcycle trailers use 4-flat. Have an adapter in your kit.
• Tie-down anchor points: Look for D-rings or E-track inside (enclosed) or on the deck (open). Confirm there are enough for your strapping plan.
• Loading ramp included: Open trailers sometimes don't have a ramp. If your bike won't push-up by hand, ask before you book.
• Tow vehicle capacity: A lightweight motorcycle trailer adds 1,000–2,500 lbs loaded. Most SUVs and trucks handle this fine, but verify your hitch rating.

For state-by-state rules on trailer lighting, weight limits, and towing laws, check our trailer towing laws by state guide before your trip. Laws on brake requirements and safety chain placement vary by state and trailer weight.

How to Rent a Motorcycle Trailer Near You

Renting from a local owner through BigLoads takes less time than driving to a rental counter:

1. Search your area. Go to BigLoads and filter for motorcycle trailers near your location.
2. Compare open vs enclosed. Use the trip length and bike value criteria above to pick your type.
3. Message the owner. BigLoads is free to message — no booking fee, no middleman. Lock in your dates, discuss the hook-up specs, and confirm pickup.
4. Inspect on pickup. Check lights, safety chains, ramp condition, and tie-down anchor points before you load the bike.
5. Load smart, strap tight. Use four straps minimum on a bumper-pull: two soft loops to the bars or triple tree, two rear hooks to the swingarm or frame. Compress the suspension slightly.

Ready to go? Browse motorcycle trailers to rent on BigLoads. You will find open, enclosed, single-bike, and multi-bike options from local owners across the country.

Own a Motorcycle Trailer? List It and Earn

If you have an open deck or enclosed trailer sitting in the driveway between your own hauls, renting it out on BigLoads earns you real money with no overhead. BigLoads is free to list on, and you control your own schedule, pricing, and who you rent to. Most trailer owners earn $300–$800/month renting out a trailer they'd otherwise use 8–10 days a year. Message inquiries come straight to you — no platform cut on the communication, no mandatory booking system.