Standing in front of two trailers wondering which one to rent? You're not alone. The choice between open and enclosed trailers trips up first-time renters all the time.
Here's how to decide — based on what you're hauling, the weather forecast, and your budget.
The Quick Answer
Choose an open trailer if:
- You're hauling furniture, appliances, or yard waste
- Weather is clear (no rain forecast)
- You want the lower price
- You need easy top-loading access
Choose an enclosed trailer if:
- You're moving valuables, electronics, or delicate items
- Rain is in the forecast
- You want security (items hidden from view)
- You're moving boxes that could blow away
What's the Difference?
Open Trailers
Picture a flatbed with low sidewalls (about 18 inches tall) and a ramp gate. No roof, no walls above the sides.
Best for:
- Yard waste (branches, mulch, debris)
- Large furniture (couches, tables, mattresses)
- ATVs and motorcycles
- Construction materials (lumber, drywall)
- Appliances (if weather is clear)
Advantages:
- Cheaper ($15-18/hour vs. $18-20/hour)
- Easier to load from the top or sides
- Better for oddly-shaped items
- No height restrictions inside
Limitations:
- No weather protection
- Items visible to everyone
- Light items could blow away
- Need tarps for rain protection
Enclosed Trailers
A fully enclosed box with walls, a roof, and rear doors. Like a small moving truck you tow.
Best for:
- Moving boxes and household goods
- Electronics (TVs, computers)
- Furniture (when rain is forecast)
- Valuable items
- Long-distance moves
Advantages:
- Complete weather protection
- Security (items hidden from view)
- Lockable rear doors
- Protects from road debris
Limitations:
- Slightly more expensive
- Harder to load (rear door access only)
- Fixed interior height (~5 feet)
Price Comparison (Moovalot Houston)
| Rental Duration | Open 5x8 | Enclosed 5x8 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | $15 | $18 | +$3 |
| 2 hours | $27 | $33 | +$6 |
| 4 hours | $44 | $54 | +$10 |
| Full day | $85 | $100 | +$15 |
Decision Guide By Use Case
Apartment Move (Boxes + Furniture)
Recommendation: Enclosed if rain forecast, open if clear weather
Boxes need protection from rain. But if the forecast is dry, an open trailer saves you $10-15.
Furniture Pickup from Facebook Marketplace
Recommendation: Open trailer
Quick trip, large items, no need for weather protection on a short haul.
Yard Waste / Dump Run
Recommendation: Open trailer (always)
Dirt, branches, and debris don't need protection. Open trailers load faster from the top.
ATV or Motorcycle Transport
Recommendation: Open trailer
Vehicles don't need weather protection. Open trailers have better clearance for ramp loading.
Electronics Move (TVs, Computers)
Recommendation: Enclosed trailer (always)
Electronics + rain = disaster. Always use enclosed for valuables.
Moving Across Town (Full Household)
Recommendation: Enclosed trailer
More trips with protection beats fewer trips with risk of rain damage.
Weather Considerations
Check the Forecast First
Before you rent, check the hourly forecast for your rental window:
- 0% rain chance: Open trailer is fine
- 20-40% rain chance: Enclosed for valuables, open for yard waste
- 60%+ rain chance: Enclosed unless you're hauling debris
Houston Weather Tips
- Summer afternoons: Expect sudden thunderstorms (use enclosed for non-debris loads)
- Winter: Generally dry, open trailers work most days
- Spring: Most unpredictable — lean toward enclosed
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Renting Enclosed When You Don't Need It
If you're hauling yard waste or old furniture to the dump, you're paying $15 extra for protection you don't need.
Mistake #2: Using Open for Electronics
One unexpected rain shower ruins thousands of dollars in electronics. Not worth the $10 savings.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Security
Leaving valuables in an open trailer at a gas station? Enclosed trailers lock — open ones don't.
Can You Switch Mid-Rental?
With Moovalot's 24/7 model, you can return one trailer and grab another if weather changes. But it's easier to choose correctly upfront.
Still Not Sure?
Ask yourself:
- Will rain damage my items? → If yes, enclosed
- Are my items valuable/steal-able? → If yes, enclosed
- Is this yard waste or debris? → If yes, open
When in doubt, check the weather forecast and go enclosed if there's any rain risk.
Ready to rent? Find a Moovalot trailer near you — we have both open and enclosed 5x8 trailers available 24/7.