Enclosed bike trailers are becoming increasingly popular among cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. These fully covered utility trailers let you haul bikes (and more) securely behind your vehicle, protected from weather and prying eyes. They come in all shapes and sizes, from rugged off-road haulers to compact mini cargo trailers ideal for small cars. But is an enclosed bike trailer worth the investment for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Pros of Enclosed Bike Trailers

Enclosed bike trailers offer a wide range of benefits that make them an attractive option for cyclists who value protection, security, and flexibility.

Versatility

• Multi-Bike Transport: Enclosed trailers often have the capacity for multiple bikes, allowing them to carry many more bikes than the traditional hitch-mounted or rooftop bike rack, making them ideal for group rides or family outings.
• Ease of Loading: Whether your trailer comes with a loading ramp or you get one as an accessory, loading bikes, especially heavy ebikes is made easier and allows users to avoid lifting if they don't want to.

Protection from Elements

• Weather Resistance: An enclosed trailer shields your bikes from rain, snow, and sun, so you don’t arrive with road grime, rust, or sun-faded paint.
• Debris Protection: The solid walls act as a barrier against road debris and wind-blown grit.

Enhanced Security

• Theft Deterrence: By concealing your bikes from view, an enclosed bike trailer significantly reduces the risk of theft. Opportunistic thieves don’t typically bother to steal what they can’t see, and the trailer’s locked doors add an extra layer of security features.
• Secure Storage: Most enclosed models come with lockable latches. You can confidently leave the trailer unattended during road-trip pit stops, knowing your valuable bikes and gear are under lock and key.

Additional Storage

• Gear Transport: Beyond bikes, you have room for helmets, tools, and other equipment. This means all your riding gear travels together, protected from weather and loss.
• Multipurpose Use: When not hauling bikes, the cargo trailer can double as a mobile storage unit. For example, at events or campsites, you can use it to secure extra gear, or even at home, it can serve as overflow storage for equipment. You can even use it to move furniture, appliances, or other cargo when needed.

Durability and Longevity

• Rugged Build: Enclosed bike trailers are typically built with strong materials meant to withstand long-distance travel. They’re engineered for heavy loads and tough road conditions, so potholes and gravel roads are less of a worry.
• Long-Term Investment: By protecting your bikes and equipment from damage, an enclosed trailer can save you money in the long run. Fewer repairs or replacements for bikes exposed to the elements, and the trailer itself tends to last for years given its solid build.

With their rugged build and multi-use functionality, enclosed trailers can be a smart long-term investment for active riders and adventurers alike.

Cons of Enclosed Bike Trailers

While enclosed bike trailers offer impressive protection and versatility, there are a few trade-offs to consider before investing in one.

Cost

• Higher Initial Investment: Enclosed trailers generally cost more than open carriers or basic utility trailers due to the added materials and features. You’re paying for those walls, doors, and locking systems.
• Maintenance Expenses: Over time, you might incur costs for things like replacing tires, repacking wheel bearings, fixing light wiring, or resealing roof seams. It’s not outrageous, but it’s more than the virtually zero maintenance of a simple bike rack.

Weight and Fuel Efficiency

• Heavier Build: All that enclosure adds weight. Enclosed bike trailers weigh more and can create extra wind drag, which can reduce your towing vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Pulling a big box is inherently less aerodynamic than carrying bikes on a roof.

On the bright side, some newer designs are fairly lightweight; Let’s Go Aero’s LittleGiant trailer weighs only ~480 lbs and can be towed by many hybrid cars so lightweight options do exist. You can also check out our guide on trailers for hybrid cars for more tips.

• Towing Capacity: Be mindful that not every vehicle can tow a cargo trailer, especially when loaded with multiple bikes. Always confirm your vehicle’s towing limits. If you drive a compact or hybrid, you may be limited to the smaller enclosed models.

Storage and Maneuverability

• Space Requirements: When the adventure is over, you need somewhere to park that trailer. Enclosed trailers aren’t tiny – you’ll need garage or driveway space.
• Handling Challenges: Towing a larger, enclosed trailer can be intimidating if you’re not used to it. It may take some practice to feel comfortable taking corners and parking with a trailer in tow.

Accessibility

• Loading/Unloading: Getting bikes in and out of an enclosed trailer can be more effort than using an open carrier. You’ll typically use a loading ramp or lift the bikes through a door. This can be a two-person job for heavy e-bikes with out a ramp available.
• Interior Organization: To prevent your bikes and gear from shifting or bumping into each other in transit, you’ll need tie-downs, wheel chocks, or racks inside the trailer. Strapping everything securely is a must in that big empty space.

These challenges don’t outweigh the benefits for many users—but knowing what to expect can help you choose the right trailer and prepare for the added responsibilities of ownership.

Let’s Go Aero’s Enclosed Bike Trailer Solutions and Accessories

Let’s Go Aero has built a reputation around creative trailer engineering. Their enclosed trailer kits blend versatility and durability – for example, the LittleGiant trailer uses a pickup bed style design with modular add-ons for amazing flexibility. These designs aren’t your run-of-the-mill trailers; they’re made to adapt to different adventures, whether you’re hauling bikes today or camping gear tomorrow.

Let’s Go Aero’s Enclosed Bike Trailer Solutions and Accessories

Let’s Go Aero has built a reputation around creative trailer engineering. Their enclosed trailer kits blend versatility and durability – for example, the LittleGiant trailer uses a pickup bed style design with modular add-ons for amazing flexibility. These designs aren’t your run-of-the-mill trailers; they’re made to adapt to different adventures, whether you’re hauling bikes today or camping gear tomorrow.

The LittleGiant Trailer LittleGiant All‑Terrain Cargo & Utility Trailer is a rugged yet lightweight (~480 lb curb weight) cargo trailer with a spacious 86″ L × 54″ W × 24″ H solid-walled bed and 1,500 lb payload capacity. Its Class I+ tow rating and all-galvanized steel construction make it versatile for use behind everything from hybrids to heavy trucks—perfect for highway cruising, off-road adventures, or hauling gear in style. Combine it with the HexCap Hardshell Lid for the ultimate enclosed cargo space. Shop LittleGiant Now

The SpecOps AnyRoad Trailer A rugged, pickup-style cargo trailer with a 540 lb curb weight and an impressive 2,000 lb payload capacity (2,540 lb GVWR), ideal for heavy-duty hauls and off-road adventures. It boasts an 86″L × 54″W × 24″H solid-walled bed, 29″ light-truck radial tires, a torsion axle, 20″ ground clearance, and all-galvanized steel construction—perfect for hauling gear blazing across backcountry routes or highways. Like the LittleGiant you can pair with the HexCap Hardshell Lid to make a off-road ready enclosed trailer ready for bikes. Shop SpecOps Trailer

Gear Up Smarter: Making the Call on Enclosed Bike Trailers

Enclosed bike trailers offer serious benefits – they protect your bikes from foul weather and damage, secure them from theft, and provide extra room for gear. They’re like a garage on wheels for your bikes, doubling as storage and serving multiple uses. However, these cargo trailers also come with trade-offs: a higher cost, added weight (which impacts fuel economy), and the need for space and skill to tow them. Weighing the pros & cons, it really comes down to how often and how far you travel with your bikes, how many bikes you have and how much protection and capacity you truly need.

If you frequently travel with expensive bikes or a lot of gear, an enclosed bike trailer can be a game-changer for peace of mind and convenience. Just be sure your vehicle can handle towing one, and that you have a spot to park it. For occasional or solo riders with one bike, a simpler rack might do, but if you need more hauling power, take a look at Let’s Go Aero’s trailer product line – from the LittleGiant to Spec Ops – for well-engineered options that can make your adventures easier.