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. You'll want a larger SUV or ute. Check your vehicle's owner's manual and compliance plate for what it can tow.
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 roughly:
- A queen bed frame + mattress + a few boxes
- The contents of a single bedroom
- A few flat-pack furniture boxes (e.g. IKEA haul)
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 load rating before booking. Every listing on TrailerConnect shows the trailer's size, and the trailer's compliance plate and its owner can tell you what it's rated to carry.
How much does box trailer hire cost?
On TrailerConnect, box trailers start from around $35 a day for a 6×4 or 7×4. Larger trailers generally cost more. Each owner sets their own price and the listing shows the current one. Hiring from a local owner can work out cheaper than a hire yard. Search by suburb to compare prices from local owners near you.
Towing a box trailer: what you need
- Tow bar: your vehicle needs one fitted. Tow ball sizes vary, so check what the trailer uses with its owner.
- 7-pin flat plug: common on Australian box trailers, though plug types vary. Check your vehicle has a matching socket.
- Towing capacity: check your vehicle's owner's manual and compliance plate, and check the trailer's compliance plate for its weights. A loaded box trailer gets heavy quickly.
- Brakes: there are rules about when a trailer needs brakes, and they differ between states. Check with your state road authority. If the trailer has electric brakes, your vehicle may need a brake controller fitted.
- Safety chains: there are rules about safety chains and how they're connected. Check with your state road authority.
Do I need insurance?
Cover differs between policies and insurers, so check with your own insurer before you hire. Ask what applies when you're towing a trailer you don't own, and what you'd be up for if something went wrong. Your insurer is the only one who can tell you where your policy stands.
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.