Open trailer or closed hauler – what’s best for towing your toys? 

Yeah, yeah, we know: on the surface, this seems like a no brainer. Hiding your off-road gear from both the weather elements and prying eyes of hoodlums. Still, there’s a case to be made for the open hauler.

Leading that argument is, of course, price. Utility trailers and open toy tagalongs are many leagues cheaper than their enclosed brothers, thanks to the significantly smaller amount of materials and engineering that go into them. One look at the sticker price of an closed trailer is enough to give most of us a heart attack.

They’re lighter, too, allowing them to be hauled by smaller vehicles. Not everyone has a diesel-powered 4×4 heavy duty pickup that’s able to tow a house off its foundation. Lightweight trailers also provide for easier access when tying down your gear and ATV/UTV … but that’s a double edged sword.

Bringing us to, of course, the chief advantage of an enclosed hauler. It might be a bit of a squeeze getting in around that side-by-side, especially widebody 72-inch units like the RZR XP Turbo S, but that inconvenience pales in comparison filling out insurance forms after someone robs your rig right off the trailer. Closed-in units also offer space for gear, meaning those items also aren’t left out in the open – whether its on the trailer or in the pickup bed – and in sight of prying eyes.

The more expensive units also, arguably, are easier to tow. Speaking from experience, small trailers have a mind of their own, especially when trying to navigate through a path in reverse. Hands up if you’ve ever suddenly found your utility trailer or unladen tow dolly make a beeline for the ditch the instant you selected reverse gear. One … three … ten … yeah, as have I.

Do the benefits of a close trailer make up for its big price tag? Vote below.