Types of Utility and Flatbed Trailers: How to Choose

The size, weight and shape of your load and the maneuverability you need dictate the best trailer for the job.

November 21, 2023

How to Choose

Article Updated on: November 12, 2026

Need to transport construction or landscaping equipment, a UTV or motorcycle, building materials or other heavy, bulky or oddly shaped items? If you have a towing vehicle at your disposal, a trailer is the go-to solution. But among the different types of trailers available, including the multiple types of flatbed and utility trailers, which is the right one for your hauling application?

What are utility and flatbed trailers?

Utility and flatbed trailers are towable platforms used to haul equipment, materials and other cargo behind a truck or SUV. Flatbed trailers have an open deck with no sides, suited for large or irregularly shaped loads, while utility trailers may include low rails or sides to help secure cargo. Operators choose between the two types based on load size, shape and how the cargo needs to be loaded and secured.

How do I choose the right trailer for my project?

The size and weight of your load is the biggest factor in determining the best trailer for your needs. Choose a trailer that’s large enough to accommodate the loads you plan to haul, with sufficient payload capacity to handle their weight without damaging the trailer. Remember that you’ll need to stay within the towing capacity of your vehicle and trailer hitch.

In addition to different sizes and load capacities, trailers come in different types. What you’re towing and the most convenient way to load and unload the cargo dictate the ideal trailer type to use. Trailer prices vary based on their size and type, with specialty trailers generally costing more, so also consider your budget.

What are the 6 types of trailers and their uses?

Here are six of the most common types of trailers and their typical uses.

Trailer Type	Best Used For	Key Features	Average Payload Capacity
Standard flatbed trailer	Large or irregularly shaped loads	Open single-level deck and optional ramp	8,000 to 24,000 pounds
Tilt trailer	Powered equipment and vehicles	Tilting deck eliminates the need for a ramp	5,000 to 13,000 pounds
Dump trailer	Bulk materials like soil, gravel and debris	Hydraulic lift tips the bed for unloading	4,000 to 12,000 pounds
Drop deck trailer	Tall or heavy loads needing clearance	Short upper deck plus longer lower deck	5,000 to 12,000 pounds
Gooseneck trailer	The heaviest loads, like excavators	Tongue extends over the truck bed	9,000 to 18,000 pounds
Standard utility trailer	General hauling with contained cargo	Open or closed sides with low rails	1,000 to 6,000 pounds

1. Standard flatbed trailer

The standard flatbed trailer is an open, single-level platform on wheels. Highly versatile and used to carry a wide range of cargo, these trailers come in several sizes and provide maximum flexibility for hauling large or irregularly shaped items.

As with all open trailers, because there is no enclosure, cargo must be appropriately strapped or otherwise secured to the deck. You can add a ramp for easier loading and unloading.

2. Tilt trailer

Tilt trailers, also called tilt deck trailers, have a deck that tilts for easy loading and unloading of powered equipment and vehicles such as UTVs, riding lawn mowers, motorcycles and cars.

The tilting deck eliminates the need for a ramp, which can be time-consuming to set up and may prove too steep, causing the vehicle to bottom out. Tilt trailers are also convenient when transporting loads that are too heavy to lift onto a standard flatbed trailer.

3. Dump trailer

Need to dump the materials you’re hauling? Choose a dump trailer, which features an open box bed and a hydraulic lift system that allows you to lift the front of the trailer, so the load slides out the back.

Dump trailers are commonly used for hauling bulk materials such as soil, gravel, sand and construction debris. They take the place of a dump truck, with less cost and more versatility.

4. Drop deck trailer, aka step deck trailer

To haul tall loads and still fit under bridges or other obstructions and avoid the need for an oversize load permit, a drop deck trailer, also known as a lowboy or step deck trailer, may be the perfect solution. These trailers have a short upper deck and a longer lower deck that sits closer to the ground.

They are ideal for transporting not only tall loads but also heavy loads, such as forklifts, tractors and excavators. Available risers turn a drop deck trailer into a flatbed trailer with a regular-height deck for normal loads.

5. Gooseneck trailer

For hauling the heaviest loads, such as a large excavator or piece of heavy farm machinery, look at a gooseneck trailer. It’s named after the shape of the trailer tongue, which extends over the bed of the pickup truck that tows it.

Gooseneck trailers require a special gooseneck hitch mounted between the cab of the truck and rear axle. The design significantly increases the trailer’s capacity compared to standard trailers by transferring a lot of the cargo weight to the truck.

Gooseneck trailers provide greater road stability than standard trailers, and they can haul more cargo per load and over longer distances. These advantages come with a higher price tag.

6. Standard utility trailer

What is a utility trailer, exactly? The terms “flatbed trailer” and “utility trailer” are often used interchangeably. While flatbed trailers have open sides (except in the case of a dump trailer) and an open back, a utility trailer may be open or closed.

Open-air utility trailers typically have low rails or some type of low side to help prevent cargo from falling out. They may have a gate for loading and unloading.

Landscape trailers are utility trailers tailored for transporting landscaping equipment, including lawnmowers, leaf blowers and gardening tools. They can be customized with compartments and racks for containing or holding specific items, and they typically have a tailgate.

What’s the difference between single axle and tandem axle trailers?

Many trailers are available in single axle and tandem axle models. The better option depends on your load size, the terrain and how much space you have to maneuver.

How much weight can a trailer hold? The answer depends in part on how many axles it has. Trailers with multiple axles can carry heavier payloads.

Single axle trailer

Single axle trailers have one set of wheels and are easier to maneuver through tight spots and on narrow driveways than tandem axle trailers. They are suitable for hauling relatively light loads, such lawn care equipment, over smooth terrain. Their lighter weight makes them more fuel efficient than heavier trailers, but they aren’t as stable at high speeds.

How much weight can a single axle trailer hold? One trailer axle can carry somewhere between 1,000 and 10,000 pounds depending on its diameter. This 12-foot, single-axle tilt trailer, for example, has a payload capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.

Tandem axle trailer

With two sets of wheels, tandem axle trailers offer increased stability and safety and can handle heavier loads. They are ideal for carrying construction equipment and other large items and are suitable for long-distance hauling. Don’t expect to be able to maneuver in tight spaces or make sharp turns with a tandem axle trailer.

Choose the right trailer with United Rentals

Whether you're a business owner, DIY enthusiast or weekend warrior, a trailer can get your equipment, machines or goods where they need to go. When in doubt about the right type of flatbed or utility trailer for your towing needs or the size and type of trailer that’s compatible with your towing vehicle, talk to a United Rentals representative for guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a flatbed trailer and a utility trailer?

Flatbed trailers have open sides and an open back, while utility trailers may be open or closed with low rails or sides to help prevent cargo from shifting. The terms are often used interchangeably, but the design details set them apart.

When should I use a drop deck trailer instead of a standard flatbed?

A drop deck trailer, also known as a step deck trailer, works best when hauling tall or heavy loads, such as forklifts, tractors and excavators, while avoiding bridge clearance issues or the need for an oversized load permit.

How do I decide between a single axle and a tandem axle trailer?

Single axle trailers maneuver more easily in tight spaces and suit lighter loads over smooth terrain, while tandem axle trailers offer greater stability and higher capacity for heavier, long-distance hauling.

How much weight can flatbed trailers hold?

The weight capacity of a flatbed trailer depends on the axle count and diameter. A single trailer axle typically carries between 1,000 and 10,000 pounds, while tandem axle flatbed trailers handle heavier, longer-distance loads with added stability.