How Big Is A 6 X 12 Cargo Trailer

Wondering if a 6×12 cargo trailer is the right size for your hauling needs? I’ve been there—trying to visualize just how much fits inside before making a purchase. A 6×12 trailer offers 72 square feet of space, but what does that really mean for your gear, furniture, or equipment? Let me break it down so you can decide if it’s the perfect fit.

When I first measured out a 6×12 trailer, I was surprised by its versatility. At 6 feet wide and 12 feet long, it’s spacious enough to handle motorcycles, ATVs, or even small moving jobs—yet compact enough to tow comfortably with a half-ton truck. If you’re like me and need a balance of space and maneuverability, this might be your sweet spot.

Curious how a 6×12 compares to other trailer sizes? After using one for both personal moves and work projects, I can confirm it’s a practical middle ground. Smaller than a 7×14 but bigger than a 5×10, it’s ideal for hauling mid-sized loads without feeling oversized. Here’s what you can realistically pack inside—and why it might be your next best investment.

Interior Length

Let’s talk about the interior length of a 6 x 12 cargo trailer. In my experience, the usable space inside is a bit less than the outside measurements imply. Factors like wall thickness, how it’s built, and the overall design reduce the length. I find these factors typically take away about 3 inches from the total 12-foot length.

Standard Measurement: From what I’ve seen, most 6 x 12 trailers give you an interior length of 11 feet 9 inches.If you rent a U-Haul 6 x 12 trailer, I can tell you the interior length is 11 feet 7 inches (or 139 inches).A Carry-On 6 x 12 V-Nose trailer has a 12-foot box. It also gives you an extra 24 inches of usable space from its V-nose design.Bear Track enclosed trailers use the 6 x 12 label. Once you account for the wall thickness, the usable space is about 11 feet 9 inches. The total outside length is much longer, at 17 feet 5.5 inches.

Interior Length Comparison Table

Factors That Impact Usable Interior Length

V-Nose Design: This feature adds about two extra feet at the front. I think this is great for extra cargo or creating more storage space beyond the main box.Interior Structures: Things like wheel wells, reinforcements, and bracing can stick out into the cargo area. This will reduce your total available floor space.Measuring Rule of Thumb: I strongly recommend using a tape measure to check the real floor length. This is critical for custom trailers or those with special features.

My final thought: For a 6 x 12 cargo trailer, you can expect an interior length between 11′ 7″ and 11′ 9″. Some models with a V-nose will give you a bit more room. I suggest you always check the manufacturer’s details. You should also measure the trailer yourself to be certain your cargo will fit.

Interior Width of a 6 x 12 Cargo Trailer

From my experience, the interior width of a 6 x 12 cargo trailer isn’t always the same. The measurements change between different brands. I find this happens because of different wall construction, unique designs, and any extra features added inside the trailer.

Rock Solid Cargo models offer an interior width of 68 inches (5 feet 8 inches).U-Haul’s 6 x 12 cargo trailer is a bit wider. It measures 72 inches (6 feet) from wall to wall.Carry-On V-Nose Enclosed Trailer is in the middle, with a listed deck width of 69 inches.The interior width is measured from one inside wall to the other at the widest part.Wheel wells can reduce this space where they stick out into the cargo area. This is a common issue on trailers with low decks.The interior width is always smaller than the exterior width. This is because wall thickness and the metal frame take up a few inches on each side.

Door Opening Width vs. Interior Width

I suggest you keep one thing in mind: the rear door opening is almost always narrower than the full interior width. This is a vital detail if you need to load wide equipment or goods on pallets.

1. On a U-Haul 6 x 12, the rear door opening is 64 inches (5 feet 4 inches).
2. The Rock Solid Cargo 6 x 12 has a narrower rear door width of 62 inches.
3. The Carry-On V-Nose trailer lists a rear opening of 60 inches.

Interior Width Comparison Table

Important Considerations for Cargo Fit

If you have wide or bulky items, I suggest you check both the interior width and the rear door opening before you make a decision.A few inches of difference in width can be critical. It decides if your furniture, ATVs, or pallets will actually fit inside.My advice: Measure your largest item. Confirm it will pass through the rear door and sit inside the trailer without issue. I also recommend you double-check with the manufacturer if the exact width is critical for what you need.

Interior Height of a 6 x 12 Cargo Trailer

The interior height of a 6 x 12 cargo trailer can vary a lot between different brands and models. From my experience, this measurement is crucial. It affects your comfort and the type of cargo you can haul.Most standard 6 x 12 trailers have an interior height of 6’3″ (75 inches). I find this gives most adults enough room to stand up straight. This makes moving around inside much easier when you’re loading or unloading.Some brands give you more headroom. The Bear Track 6 x 12 enclosed trailer has an 84-inch (7 feet) interior height.The Carry-On 6 x 12 V-Nose Enclosed Cargo Trailer has the tallest interior in this size, at 85 inches (about 7’1″).If you rent, you’ll likely get less height. For instance, the U-Haul 6 x 12 model has a lower interior height of 5’3″ (63 inches). This space works for smaller items and boxes, but I think it feels tight if you need to stand up inside.

Typical Interior Height Range for 6 x 12 Cargo Trailers

1. Economy/rental models: 63 inches (5’3″)
2. Standard enclosed trailers: 75 inches (6’3″)
3. Premium/higher-roof models: 84-85 inches (7 feet+)

How Height Affects You in Practice

1. If you are around 6 feet tall (72 inches), you will have to bend over in a U-Haul trailer. I recommend you look at commercial or custom models. These trailers offer 75 inches or more, so you can stand straight.
2. I suggest a trailer with 7 feet or more of height if you need to carry tall items. This is great for things like motorcycles and tall furniture. It is also a good choice for anyone who plans to work inside the trailer.

Features That Affect Interior Height

Some makers will build a trailer with a custom interior height. This is useful if you have special requirements.I’ve noticed V-nose cargo trailers often provide a bit more headroom. The pointed front design gives you more usable space.More interior height is a big advantage. You can stack your items higher. You also get more room to move, which I believe makes loading and unloading simpler and safer.

Interior Height Comparison Table

My Final Suggestion: I think choosing a trailer with more interior height offers greater flexibility and comfort. It gives you more options for carrying tall or unusually shaped cargo. I always recommend checking the exact specifications. If possible, step inside the trailer before you buy or rent it.

Door Opening Width of a 6 x 12 Cargo Trailer

If you’re getting a 6 x 12 cargo trailer, I think the door opening width is a very important detail. You need to pay close attention if you plan to load wide items or equipment. On most models, the rear door opening width is between 60 and 65.5 inches.

The Rock Solid Cargo 6 x 12 trailer has a rear door opening of 62 inches wide and 69 inches high.The Carry-On 6 x 12 V-Nose trailer lists its rear door at 60 inches wide and 70 inches high.If you rent a U-Haul 6 x 12 cargo trailer, I’ve found the rear door opening is 64 inches wide and 61 inches tall.The Bear Track 6×12 trailer really impresses me with its ramp door opening of 65.5 inches wide and 80 inches high.

Ramp Door vs. Roll-Up Door Widths

In my opinion, ramp doors offer a fantastic, wide opening. This makes loading vehicles and large equipment much easier. Bear Track’s ramp door is a great example with over 65 inches of clearance.You’ll see roll-up doors on trailers like the U-Haul 6 x 12. They are handy for getting in and out fast. I’ve found they are often shorter in height. They also have cables on the sides that can reduce the usable opening, sometimes down to 60 inches or less.

Side Door Options

Some trailers include a side door, which gives you another way in. For example, the Carry-On 6×12 V-Nose features a 36-inch-wide by 67-inch-tall side door. The main rear door is still your primary loading point, with its width being the key number at around 60 inches.

Door Opening Width Comparison Table

What I Suggest You Check Before Buying

• The door width can stop you from loading an item, even if the trailer’s interior is wide enough.
• If your cargo is wide or on a pallet, I recommend you check both the exact door opening width and height.
• Six-foot trailers have door openings around 60-65 inches. If you need more space, a wider 7-foot trailer can give you an opening of up to 75 inches.
• Side doors are helpful, but they don’t replace the main rear door for loading wide things.

My Personal Advice: Based on my experience, you should always measure your largest item first. Confirm it fits through the rear door, not just inside the trailer. A few inches can make a huge difference when you are loading large equipment or furniture. If that opening space is key for your work, I suggest you ask the manufacturer for the exact door specs.

Door Opening Height of a 6 x 12 Cargo Trailer

If you’re picking out a 6 x 12 cargo trailer, I suggest you pay close attention to the door opening height. This measurement is key for easy loading. It can vary a lot, ranging from 61 inches to 80 inches depending on the brand.

Door Opening Height Examples by Trailer Brand

• U-Haul 6×12 Cargo Trailer:
  • Rear door opening height is 61 inches (5’1″).
• Rock Solid Cargo 6×12:
  • Rear door opening height is 69 inches.
• Carry-On 6×12 V-Nose Enclosed Cargo Trailer:
  • Rear door opening height is 70 inches.
  • Side door opening height is 67 inches.
• Bear Track 6×12 Enclosed Trailer:
  • Rear ramp door opening height is a full 80 inches—the tallest option among these models.

How Door Opening Height Impacts Usability

• In my experience, ramp doors, like those on Bear Track trailers, are best for tall items. Their taller openings make it simple to load equipment like ATVs and motorcycles.
• Swing or barn-style doors are sometimes shorter. This is due to their frame design. I recommend you check if a few extra inches matter for your cargo.
• Side doors are great for quick access. They are often a few inches shorter than the rear doors and may not work for large or tall cargo.

Door Opening Height Quick Comparison Table

What to Watch For

• The listed door opening height is a big deal. It determines if you can load your equipment with ease or if you’ll struggle to fit taller items.
• I find the door type is very important. Ramp doors give you more vertical space.
• I recommend you double-check the measurement yourself. A small difference in height can change what you are able to load.

My advice: Before you buy or rent, measure your tallest item. Compare that measurement to the trailer’s door opening height. This simple check confirms your items will fit through the door, not just inside the trailer.

Total Cubic Volume of a 6 x 12 Cargo Trailer

When I look at a 6 x 12 cargo trailer, I always check its total cubic volume. From my experience, most standard enclosed trailers of this size give you about 400 cubic feet of usable cargo space.

Summary: Based on my experience, a 6 x 12 enclosed cargo trailer offers about 400 cubic feet of usable space. This is enough room to move a large load. Planning the layout and stacking your cargo with care helps you get the most from your trailer.

Empty Weight (Curb Weight) of a 6 x 12 Cargo Trailer

When I look at a 6 x 12 cargo trailer, the empty weight (or curb weight) is a spec I always check first. It tells you the trailer’s weight without anything inside. This number impacts how much gear you can load. Exceeding the limit can stress your tow vehicle and be unsafe.

Typical Empty Weights by Brand and Build

A basic 6 x 12 single axle enclosed trailer weighs around 1,200 lbs when empty.The Haulmark Transport 6 x 12 enclosed cargo trailer has a listed empty weight of 1,325 lbs.I’ve noticed Bear Track’s 6 x 12 aluminum enclosed trailer is heavier for an aluminum build, coming in at 1,660 lbs.A U-Haul 6 x 12 cargo trailer is quite heavy at 1,920 lbs. I believe this is because of its extra bracing and tough, commercial-grade parts.A tandem axle 6 x 12 enclosed trailer can reach up to 1,800 lbs empty.

Factors That Change Empty Weight

Material: From my experience, aluminum trailers are lighter than steel ones. Some aluminum brands, like Bear Track, add reinforcements that can increase the weight.Axle Design: Tandem (dual) axle trailers weigh more than single axle models. The extra wheels and structure add to the total weight.Construction Details: Things like more bracing, thicker walls, and a reinforced floor make a trailer heavier. Added features like shelves or a spare tire also increase the curb weight.

Comparison Table of Empty Weights

Why Empty Weight Matters

The curb weight is part of the trailer’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). For this size, the GVWR is often 2,990 lbs.Payload capacity is the amount of cargo you can haul. To figure it out, I subtract the empty weight from the GVWR. For instance, a Haulmark 6×12 has a 2,990 lbs GVWR and an empty weight of 1,325 lbs. This leaves you with a 1,665 lbs payload.I always say, don’t overload your trailer. You could damage it or even get a ticket.

Real-World Example

A 2022 Haulmark TSV612S2 (6 x 12) will give you:
– Empty Weight: 1,325 lbs
– GVWR: 2,990 lbs
– Payload Capacity: 1,665 lbs

My Takeaway

Based on my experience, most 6 x 12 enclosed cargo trailers have an empty weight between 1,200 lbs and 1,900 lbs. I suggest you always check the manufacturer’s spec sheet for your model. These details are very important if you plan on hauling heavy loads.Pro tip: I recommend verifying the empty weight before you rent or buy. This lets you calculate your safe hauling capacity. In my opinion, this is just as critical as the trailer’s dimensions for getting the right fit for your job.

Maximum Payload Capacity (Max Load) of a 6 x 12 Cargo Trailer

If you are looking at a 6 x 12 cargo trailer, I suggest you first check the maximum payload capacity, or max load. This is a critical number. It tells you the total weight you can carry. This considers both the trailer and your tow vehicle.

Typical Max Payload by Trailer Type

In my experience, an enclosed 6 x 12 cargo trailer has a max payload around 2,480 lbs. For instance, a U-Haul 6 x 12 model weighs 1,920 lbs empty. Its maximum combined weight with cargo is 4,400 lbs.I’ve found that open 6 x 12 utility trailers can carry more, often over 2,600 lbs. Their open design uses lighter materials. This means you can add more cargo weight before hitting the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the max weight the manufacturer says is safe for the loaded trailer. I always tell people to make sure their trailer and cargo weight never goes over this rating.Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) describes the max weight of your loaded tow vehicle plus the trailer. For example, a 2020 Ford F-150XL SuperCrew has a GCWR of 13,100 lbs. From my experience, that provides plenty of power for hauling a maxed-out 6 x 12 trailer.

Example Payload Calculations

Let’s say you load an enclosed trailer to its 2,480 lbs max. The trailer itself is 1,920 lbs. Your total towed weight becomes 4,400 lbs.With an open utility trailer (about 1,800 lbs empty), you can load over 2,600 lbs. I must remind you, though: your total weight cannot go over your tow vehicle or hitch limits.I always say you must account for the trailer’s empty weight. Payload isn’t how much fits inside. It is how much weight you can add on top of the trailer’s own weight.Your max capacity is only as strong as your weakest link. This could be the trailer, your vehicle, or the hitch. Whichever part has the lowest rating is your true limit.From what I have seen, people often push the capacity limits when moving heavy items. This includes furniture, appliances, ATVs, motorcycles, or bulk construction materials.

Summary Table: Max Load Comparison

Features That Impact Max Payload

• I like enclosed trailers because they protect cargo from weather and theft. I’ve noticed their max payload is a bit lower because they are built with heavier materials.
• Open utility trailers give you a higher payload rating. The trade-off, in my opinion, is that your cargo is left exposed and is less secure.

My perspective: I always recommend checking the manufacturer’s specs for both payload and GVWR. This is very important if you plan to load heavy items. Pushing weight limits is risky. It can cause accidents and damage your towing equipment. I suggest getting the numbers right before you hit the road.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of a 6 x 12 Cargo Trailer

From my experience, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is a critical number you need to check on a 6 x 12 cargo trailer. The GVWR tells you the maximum weight the trailer can handle. This includes its own weight and everything you load into it. Manufacturers set this limit to ensure you can tow safely and that the trailer performs reliably.

Typical GVWR Numbers and Examples

Single Axle 6 x 12 Enclosed Trailers often have a GVWR of 2,990 lbs.Arising Industries 6 x 12: 2,990 lbs GVWR, with an empty weight of 1,220 lbs — leaves a payload of 1,770 lbs.Bear Track 6 x 12: 2,990 lbs GVWR, curb weight 1,660 lbs — so 1,330 lbs payload.Tandem Axle Options (when available) can have a much higher GVWR, up to 7,000 lbs.Example: a large tandem axle 6 x 12 cargo trailer — 7,000 lbs GVWR, 2,140 lbs empty, giving you a 4,860 lbs payload.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Factors That Affect the GVWR

Axle strength is a major factor. I find that most single-axle trailers this size have a 2,990 lbs GVWR. This is just below the 3,500 lbs axle rating. This way, many states do not legally require the trailer to have its own brakes.You typically won’t find brake systems on single-axle models with a GVWR under 3,000 lbs.Construction materials are very important. The type of materials, like aluminum or steel tubing, impacts the trailer’s strength. Features like reinforced floors also determine how much weight your trailer can carry.

Why GVWR Matters

To find your payload capacity, you subtract the trailer’s empty weight from its GVWR. For instance, with the Bear Track 6 x 12, it’s 2,990 lbs minus 1,660 lbs, which gives you a 1,330 lbs payload.It’s a strict limit for both legal and safety reasons. If you exceed the GVWR, you put your cargo, tow vehicle, and personal safety at risk. You could also face expensive fines.I recommend you check your tow vehicle’s specs. Its towing capacity must be higher than the total weight of your loaded trailer.

I always tell people to check the GVWR label on any trailer they consider. Don’t guess. You need to know your numbers. It is critical to match the trailer to your tow vehicle. When I help people choose a 6 x 12 cargo trailer, GVWR is the first thing I verify. If you pick a single-axle trailer with a 2,990 lbs GVWR, I suggest planning to carry between 1,300–1,700 lbs of cargo. The exact amount depends on the trailer’s own weight. If you need to haul heavier loads, I suggest looking at tandem axle options. Be prepared for a higher price, and you may face extra licensing and equipment needs.

summary

I’ve gone through all the details and numbers, and I recommend a 6×12 cargo trailer for most people. It offers a great mix of space and practical use for almost any hauling job. You can use it to move across town or haul equipment for work. It’s also perfect for taking toys on a weekend trip. What I like is how useful these trailers are while still being a size you can easily manage. I learned that you must understand a trailer’s real numbers, not just the advertised sizes. This makes a huge difference in picking the right one and using it with care.

FAQS

1. What are the exact dimensions of a 6×12 cargo trailer?

A standard 6×12 cargo trailer is 6 feet wide and 12 feet long, providing 72 square feet of floor space. Interior height varies but typically ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 feet, depending on the model.

2. What can I fit inside a 6×12 trailer?

You can fit:

• 2-3 motorcycles (depending on size)

• An ATV or small UTV

• Furniture for a 1-2 bedroom apartment (sofa, mattress, dressers)

• Landscaping equipment (riding mower, tools, supplies)

• Small business inventory or event gear

3. Is a 6×12 trailer easy to tow?

Yes! A 6×12 trailer is lightweight enough for most half-ton trucks (e.g., Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500) and even some SUVs with proper towing capacity (check your vehicle’s specs). Empty weight is usually 1,200–1,800 lbs, with a 3,500–5,000 lb payload capacity.

4. How does a 6×12 compare to a 5×10 or 7×14 trailer?

• Bigger than a 5×10 (50 sq ft): More room for large items like appliances or multiple motorcycles.

• Smaller than a 7×14 (98 sq ft): Easier to tow and maneuver but less space for very large loads.
  A 6×12 is ideal if you need more space than a 5×10 but don’t want the bulk of a 7×14.

5. Do I need a special license to tow a 6×12 trailer?

In most U.S. states, no special license is required if the combined weight (trailer + load) stays under 10,000 lbs. However, always check local regulations, as rules vary by state.

Still unsure if a 6×12 cargo trailer is right for you? Measure your cargo and compare it to these dimensions—it might be the perfect balance of space and towability!