Camping is one of the most popular hobbies for thousands of people all around the United States, but getting your gear around from campground to campground can be a pain.
A camping utility trailer can be useful in transporting your extra camping gear and accessories since they usually have features that make the loading and unloading process a breeze.
Keep reading for our 5 best camping utility trailers, along with a guide on how to choose the trailer that fits your camping needs.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Carry-On Trailer 6ft. x 10ft. Enclosed Cargo Trailer
Best Deck Option
Carry-On Trailer 5X8GW Trailer
Best ATV Option
Yutrax Steel Camping Utility Trailer
Best Overall
Carry-On Trailer 6ft. x 10ft. Enclosed Cargo Trailer
It’s our top pick, so you know it’s going to be from Carry-On, a leading manufacturer known for their sturdy builds (done in the United States!) and convenient features. And the 6′ x 10′ Enclosed Cargo Trailer is no exception.
This trailer will hold all of your gear while keeping it dry and secure from theft or vandalism while on the road or away from your site. Aluminum walls and steel framing ensure this camping utility trailer will be stable for all of your adventures for years to come.
The trademarked Galvalume roof will out-last its galvanized competitors while remaining rust-resistant. This Carry-On trailer is also equipped with LED lighting as well as wired DOT lights.
Pros
- Enclosed to protect gear from the elements or theft.
- 2,030 lb. load capacity.
- Galvalume® roof.
Cons
- Only available in-store.
- No rear ramp door.
- Pricier than other options on our list.
Best Deck Option
Carry-On Trailer 5X8GW Trailer
The Carry-On camping utility trailer is fantastic for keeping all your camping and outdoor gear accessible while traveling or at the campsite.
This trailer offers a plenty of space to store and transport equipment, camping gear, and supplies. With a rear drop gate, you can load and unload everything with ease.
Carry-On equipped this trailer with safety chains, DOT lights, a 4-way electrical connector, on an iron and steel constructed frame.
This trailer also features an 8′ x 5′ treated wood deck for a long-lasting surface, even in the elements.
With a 2,215-pound payload capacity and a 3,500-pound Dexter axle with durable 15″ tires, this trailer is engineered to carry your cargo off-road and gain better traction at low speeds.
Pros
- Drop gate for easy loading and unloading.
- 2,215-pound payload capacity.
- Has plenty of space for all your camping supplies.
Cons
- Not enclosed.
Best ATV Option
Yutrax Steel Camping Utility Trailer
The Yutrax steel camping utility trailer features heavy-duty all-steel construction with rugged steel mesh and is designed with rough terrain in mind, making it great for off-roading your gear.
This trailer is perfect for you if you’re looking to haul your additional camping gear to even the most remote spot. Its removable side rails and tailgate make loading and unloading on arrival quick and easy!
Featuring large off-road flotation tires with sealed bearings that require no maintenance and aggressive tread to provide stability, this utility trailer is well-suited for trails and other rough terrain.
With a powder-coated finish that resists rust and corrosion, this trailer is designed to last for years to come.
Pros
- Very sturdy build.
- Removable sidewalls for easy loading and unloading.
- The payload capacity is up to 1,500 pounds.
Cons
- Some reviewers report damaged packaging and dents or other damage to the trailer upon delivery.
Karavan Dovetail Camping Utility Trailer
The Karavan Dovetail camping utility trailer is equipped with SwayControl and QuietTow engineering that makes for excellent road performance.
Reliability is built into this utility trailer with smart lighting and wheel bearing systems, as well as a 17-step powder-coating finish that offers long-lasting protection for durability and rust resistance.
QuietTow components offer less noise via lockable tensioner latches and nylon bushing springs and the cables coil out of the way when not in use. The high-reliability short-free lighting system is fully grounded and all plug wiring on this trailer is concealed.
This trailer features treated 2 inches by 6 inches deck boards to protect the trailer floor against decay and termite damage. It’s also engineered with a sure-lube wheel bearing grease system that allows for quick and easy maintenance.
The welded tubular steel frame makes for a payload capacity of 1,856 pounds.
Pros
- The ramp prevents scraping when loading heavy equipment like an ATV.
- Made from rust-free powder-coated steel.
- 1,856-pound payload capacity.
Cons
- No walls for extra stability or to prevent theft.
Camping Utility Trailer Buyer’s Guide
It’s important to know what you’re looking for when you start shopping around for a camping utility trailer for all your camping needs.
Types of Utility Trailers
Enclosed
Enclosed utility trailers have become more popular for campers who need additional space to haul their supplies and gear.
These types of trailers are specifically designed to securely transport nearly anything, including but not limited to, camping gear.
An enclosed trailer is a great option for protection against harsh weather conditions affecting your cargo and protection against theft. It also ensures that your camping gear gets to the campsite safely and remains intact during the drive.
Open-Air
Open-air utility trailers are the most commonly used to transport an assortment of gear and can even be used to haul an ATV along on your camping trip with you.
An open-air trailer generally has an open and flatbed with no walls or roof, so they’re ideal for hauling many different things, including camping gear. These trailers are very easy to load and unload.
These trailers allow you to transport just about anything you’d want to take along with you on a camping trip, including jet skis and kayaks.
Factors to Consider
Before deciding on a specific camping utility trailer there are some factors you should consider such as construction, road legality and off-road capabilities, and more. Let’s talk about some of the things you should consider while shopping for these trailers.
Construction
Utility trailers are made using two core materials: steel and aluminum. Both of these materials have their own pros and cons, so you’ll want to consider what you’re using your trailer for and compare how each material performs against the other.
Steel
Steel has been used for constructing camping utility trailers for many years.
Galvanized steel is most commonly used for these trailers because it has better rust and corrosion resistance than untreated steel. It also lasts longer than aluminum and it’s much easier to weld. Galvanized steel is easy to make repairs to and new welds hold strong.
Steel is heavier than aluminum, however, so trailers made using steel are generally more expensive than trailers made using aluminum.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another material used when making utility trailers because it’s lightweight and has a natural resistance to corrosion. Manufacturers prefer it because it’s more pliable and soft than steel.
Aluminum alloy is commonly used because it’s stronger, lighter, and offers more resistance to corrosion than pure aluminum.
Road Legality
Since different states have different laws and regulations in place for utility trailers, it’s important to research the laws about the size and category of the trailer you want before making a final decision.
Off-Roading Capabilities
Since the purpose of the trailer is to haul camping gear, you’ll need a camping utility trailer with off-roading capabilities.
The trailer you choose will need to have larger-sized wheels than standard trailer tires. Independent suspension is another great feature when you’re off-roading on camping trails and other uneven surfaces in the wilderness.
Size/Weight
It’s important to check your vehicle’s towing capabilities before you settle on a certain model because this factor will eliminate some options immediately.
Size and length should also be considered because you’ll need a trailer that is easy to maneuver in tight spaces like campgrounds or off-road trails.
The weight capacity is an important consideration if you have a lot of gear or heavy equipment to haul along with you on your camping expedition.
Storage Space
Since the purpose of the utility trailer is to haul and store your additional camping gear, storage space is an important consideration when searching for the best one for your needs.
To figure out how much storage space you need, make a list of all the items you are taking along with you and where each item will be stored to optimize space.
Easy Camping With a Utility Trailer
Whether you need a small trailer for your extra gear and accessories or a large, open-air trailer to transport your ATV along on your camping trip, we’ve got you covered. We hope this buying guide has helped you decide which camping utility trailer best fits your needs.
For more helpful information about camping check out our Top 25 Tips for Tent Camping.
- About the Author
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Brittany Tedford is a post-apocalyptic fiction author, an aspiring English teacher, and a writer for Apple Pie Media.
She currently lives in a small town in Northern Mississippi with her two children Anna and Eli, and her two cats Salem and Leo.
With a bachelor’s in Creative Writing and English and a master’s in the same discipline, Brittany is passionate about learning how to live off the land for camping trips, which is why she loves writing for Beyond The Tent. From the best camping gear to camping survival tips and tricks, to finding the perfect campground, there is so much information to share with others!
Brittany can be reached at writerbeefreelancecontent@gmail.com