The weight of an enclosed trailer is a crucial factor for safe and legal towing. This weight, often referred to as the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), represents the trailer’s mass without any cargo. A 6×12 enclosed cargo trailer, for example, might have a UVW ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds depending on its construction and features.
Understanding a trailer’s unloaded weight is essential for selecting a suitable tow vehicle, calculating total payload capacity, and adhering to legal towing limits. Historically, underestimating trailer weight contributed to accidents and vehicle damage. Today, readily available manufacturer specifications and online resources have simplified the process of determining this critical information, leading to safer and more efficient towing practices.