Trailer sizes at a glance
In Australia, trailer dimensions are typically quoted as length × width in feet or metres. The most common sizes for cage and box trailers are 6×4, 7×4, 8×5, and 10×5. Here's what each size is good for. Load limits vary from trailer to trailer, so check the trailer's compliance plate, ask the owner, and check what your vehicle can tow in its owner's manual.
6×4 trailer (approx 1.8m × 1.2m)
The smallest common trailer size. Good for:
- Small tip runs (one load of green waste or rubbish)
- Moving small furniture: one or two armchairs, a small bookcase
- Carrying bags of soil, mulch, or sand (limited payload)
7×4 trailer (approx 2.1m × 1.2m)
Slightly larger, still easy to manoeuvre. Good for:
- Medium tip runs
- One to two pieces of flat-pack furniture
- Small motorbikes or ride-on mowers
8×5 trailer (approx 2.4m × 1.5m)
A popular hire size in Australia. Good for:
- Bedroom or lounge room moves
- Large tip runs
- Fridge, washing machine, couch: most household appliances and furniture
- Ride-on mowers and small ATVs
The 8×5 hits the sweet spot of capacity and tow-ability.
10×5 or 10×6 trailer (approx 3m × 1.5m+)
Large trailer for big jobs. Good for:
- Full household moves
- Large garden clean-ups
- Carrying multiple large items in one trip
Check what your vehicle can tow in the owner's manual before you book one of these.
Choosing by job type
| Job | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| Small tip run | 6×4 or 7×4 |
| Bedroom furniture move | 8×5 |
| Full house move | 10×5 or 10×6 |
| Single motorbike | 6×4 enclosed or 7×4 |
| Car transport | Dedicated car trailer |
| Building materials | 8×5 flat-top or cage |
A tip on height
For cage trailers, the cage height matters too. Cage heights vary, so check the listing or ask the owner. If you're loading bulky, light items (furniture, packing boxes), a higher cage keeps items contained. For heavy, dense loads like soil or rubble, lower sides are often easier to load over.