What is a box trailer?
A box trailer is a flat-bed trailer with solid fixed sides — usually steel or aluminium — forming a rectangular box shape. Unlike cage trailers (which have mesh sides), box trailers have solid panels that help contain smaller items and protect loads from wind. They're one of the most common trailer types in Australia and work well for everyday hauling, moving house, and general transport.
Common box trailer sizes
- 6×4 foot — the smallest common size. Fine for a few boxes or garden waste. Suits most cars.
- 7×4 or 7×5 foot — popular mid-size. Good for a bedroom or small office worth of furniture.
- 8×5 or 8×6 foot — larger loads, partial home moves. Starting to require a more capable tow vehicle.
- 10×5 or 10×6 foot — full home moves or bulky equipment. Usually requires an SUV or ute with 2,000+ kg towing capacity.
For most suburban moves — clearing a room, shifting furniture, a trip to the tip — a 7×4 or 8×5 box trailer is the sweet spot. It fits most roads, most driveways, and most tow vehicles.
Box trailer vs cage trailer — which should I hire?
Both are versatile but suited to slightly different jobs:
- Box trailer — solid sides contain smaller items better and keep loads protected from wind. Harder to load over the sides (you have to go through the rear gate). Better for boxes, furniture, and household items.
- Cage trailer — mesh sides let you throw items in from any angle. Great for garden waste, rubbish, and anything bulky or irregular. Some cages have a drop-down rear ramp which makes loading large items easier.
If you're moving boxes and furniture: box trailer. If you're doing a tip run or clearing the yard: cage trailer.
What can you fit in a box trailer?
A standard 8×5 box trailer can carry approximately:
- A queen bed frame + mattress + a few boxes
- The contents of a single bedroom
- 4–6 flat-pack furniture boxes (e.g. IKEA haul)
- Approx. 1.5 cubic metres of load at full height
For a full house move, you'll likely need multiple trips or a larger trailer (10×5 or 10×6). Check the trailer's listed dimensions and payload before booking — every listing on TrailerConnect shows the trailer's size and maximum load weight.
How much does box trailer hire cost?
On TrailerConnect, box trailers typically start from $35–$50/day for a 6×4 or 7×4. Larger 8×5 or 10×5 trailers run $55–$90/day depending on condition and location. Prices are set by individual owners — no inflated hire company markups. Search by suburb to compare prices from local owners near you.
Towing a box trailer — what you need
- Tow bar — required. Most Australian trailers use a 50mm tow ball.
- 7-pin flat plug — standard on most Australian box trailers. Check your vehicle has a matching socket.
- Towing capacity — check your vehicle's manual. A loaded 8×5 box trailer can weigh 600–900kg. A 10×5 can exceed 1,500kg loaded. Your car must legally be rated to tow the loaded weight.
- Electric brakes — required for trailers over 750kg GTM. If the trailer has electric brakes, your vehicle needs a brake controller fitted.
- Safety chains — mandatory on all Australian public roads.
Do I need insurance?
All renters on TrailerConnect must hold comprehensive vehicle insurance that covers towed trailers. This is typically included in most comprehensive car insurance policies — check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm before you hire. Renters without appropriate insurance should not proceed with a booking.
Find a box trailer near you
Search available box trailers at trailerconnect.com.au/hire/box-trailer. Filter by suburb to find the closest available trailer. Many listings have Instant Book — confirm immediately without waiting for owner approval. Browse by city if you want to compare options across your area.