Cage Trailer vs Enclosed Trailer: Which Should You Hire?

Cage trailer: the all-rounder

A cage trailer has an open top with metal mesh or bar sides. It's the most versatile and most commonly hired trailer type in Australia. The open top means you can load bulky items from above — furniture, garden waste, mattresses — without needing to wrangle them through a door.

Best uses for a cage trailer

• Tip runs — garden waste, rubble, household rubbish
• Furniture moves — couches, mattresses, flat-pack boxes
• Building materials — timber, pipes, pavers
• General hauling where items don't need weather protection

Limitations

• Open top means items can get wet in rain
• No security — contents visible and accessible
• Wind can affect loose light items at highway speeds — always tie down properly

Enclosed trailer: the weatherproof option

An enclosed trailer has solid walls and a roof, with access through a rear door (sometimes side doors too). Everything inside stays dry and is hidden from view.

Best uses for an enclosed trailer

• Motorcycles and bicycles — protected from road debris and weather
• Fragile or valuable items — electronics, artwork, instruments
• Long-distance moves where overnight security matters
• Items that must stay dry — books, clothing, upholstered furniture

Limitations

• Loading through a rear door can be awkward for bulky items
• More expensive to hire than a comparable cage trailer
• Less commonly available — fewer listings overall

Quick comparison

The verdict

For most everyday jobs — moves, tip runs, garden clean-ups — a cage trailer is the right choice. It's cheaper, more available, and easier to load. Choose an enclosed trailer when you need weather protection, security, or you're transporting a motorcycle or something fragile.