Selecting the right trailer begins with understanding the numbers. Car trailer dimensions directly affect how well your vehicle performs on the road, from legal compliance to towing stability and overall safety. Getting the size, weight, and layout right makes all the difference.
This guide simplifies the process. You’ll learn how to interpret standard trailer sizing formats, understand the difference between internal load area and overall trailer length, and match your selection to your towing needs.
Along the way, we’ll explore key trailer categories — including small car trailers, hydraulic car trailers, and dual-load setups — while answering frequently asked questions that help you make informed choices. With the right dimensions, towing becomes more secure, more compliant, and far more convenient.
Finding the correct trailer size starts with knowing your purpose and matching it to your towing capacity. In Australia, trailers come in a wide range of sizes, and each serves a unique purpose. Choosing the wrong dimensions could mean poor towing performance or even breaching road regulations — so it’s worth getting it right from the start.
Start by identifying what you need to transport. A small car trailer is ideal for compact vehicles, garden equipment, or light machinery. These are easy to tow and store, especially for suburban use. For heavier or multiple loads, a larger trailer with a reinforced frame and dual axles may be more suitable. It’s also wise to check your vehicle’s dimensions, ensuring it will fit securely on the trailer’s load bed.
Weight matters just as much as length and width. Every trailer has an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) limit — the maximum load it can legally carry. To ensure your chosen car trailer dimensions are safe to tow, this figure must align with your vehicle’s towing capacity. Always check your vehicle’s manual or compliance plate for guidance.
If you’re unsure, start by looking at trailer options with clear load specifications. Many customers also consider features like ramp access, tie-down points, or the flexibility to carry varying loads — especially when using a trailer for auto needs. The right trailer dimensions provide peace of mind on the road, knowing your load is secure, stable, and fully compliant.
Understanding car trailer dimensions doesn’t have to be complicated. In Australia, trailers are usually labelled in imperial units (like 6×4 or 7×5), but these figures represent the length and width of the load bed, not the entire trailer. Getting familiar with how these numbers translate — and what they mean in practice — makes selecting the right trailer much easier.
When you see 7×5 trailer dimensions, it refers to a trailer that’s approximately:
This describes the internal tray area, which is where your cargo or vehicle sits — not the full trailer, including the drawbar.
Here are some of the most popular trailer dimensions you’ll find:
| Imperial Size | Metric Conversion | Best For |
| 4×6 trailer | 1.2m x 1.8m | Lightweight loads, garden equipment |
| 6×4 trailer | 1.8m x 1.2m | General home or hobby use |
| 7×4 trailer | 2.1m x 1.2m | Compact with extra length |
| 7×5 trailer | 2.1m x 1.5m | Most popular all-rounder |
| 8×5 trailer | 2.4m x 1.5m | Bulky items or larger vehicles |
These sizes are commonly used for both box trailer dimensions and flatbed setups, depending on the load type.
Understanding these measurements gives you a strong foundation before comparing trailer types, which we’ll explore in the next section.
Choosing a trailer isn’t just about the measurements — it’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle, vehicle, and the kind of tasks you tackle most often. Whether you’re hauling tools, transporting a vehicle, or simply want an easier loading experience, there’s a trailer built to make your job smoother and more efficient.
Need something simple, reliable, and easy to tow? Compact trailers like the 4×6 or 6×4 are perfect for everyday hauling — from gardening tools and DIY supplies to furniture or camping gear. Their lightweight design makes them a breeze to handle, even for those new to towing.
A small car trailer is another popular option in this category. With enough space for compact cars or bikes, these trailers are ideal for residential use or weekend adventures. Just make sure to account for the width of a caravan or trailer if you’re working with tight driveways or garage space.
These light-duty trailers offer great flexibility without overcommitting on size or weight — perfect for day-to-day convenience.
When the task is bigger, like moving a car or two — you’ll want a trailer that’s built for strength and stability. Dual-axle flatbeds or car hauler trailers offer reinforced construction, improved balance, and increased payload capacity. These are a go-to for mechanics, car enthusiasts, or businesses regularly moving vehicles.
A trailer with generous car hauler trailer dimensions ensures your vehicle fits comfortably, with room to spare for secure tie-downs. Whether it’s a sedan, ute, or small SUV, these trailers are designed to handle the load with confidence and control.
Towing a car on a trailer becomes significantly safer and easier when you’ve got the right structure beneath it.
If you need to load low-profile vehicles or want a no-fuss loading experience, a hydraulic car trailer could be exactly what you’re after. These trailers feature a tilt deck powered by a hydraulic system, allowing for seamless ground-level access.
Ideal for prestige vehicles, classic cars, or equipment that can’t manage steep ramps, these trailers combine convenience with care. With typical measurements around five metres by two metres, they strike a balance between compact form and practical functionality.
Beyond ease of use, hydraulic trailers offer better control, minimise scraping, and eliminate the need for extra tools or lifting — saving you time, effort, and stress.
Getting the right trailer size is one part of the equation — making sure your setup is road-legal and safe is equally important. In Australia, trailer use is regulated to ensure that towing vehicles, trailers, and loads comply with strict road safety standards. Understanding these limits helps you avoid fines, accidents, and vehicle damage.
Across most states, the maximum legal trailer width is 2.5 metres (including mudguards and tyres). Anything wider may require special permits and isn’t typically allowed for standard road use. This is especially relevant when comparing caravan width, box trailer dimensions, or custom car carriers.
Checking the full width of your trailer — not just the tray — ensures you’re within legal boundaries and can safely navigate through streets, highways, and tight access points.
ATM refers to the total weight of a trailer when fully loaded, including the trailer’s own weight. Every trailer comes with an ATM rating, and it must be matched with a suitable towing vehicle. Exceeding this limit not only breaks the law but also compromises your ability to brake and handle corners safely.
For reference:
Knowing your trailer’s ATM also helps you avoid overloading — a common mistake that shortens the life of your trailer and vehicle and risks tyre blowouts.
Trailers must also adhere to length regulations. When using longer units like flatbeds or semi-trailer dimension setups, the combined length of the vehicle and trailer must stay within state road transport limits — typically around 19 metres for general road use.
If you’re planning to tow with a truck, be sure to check both truck dimensions in Australia and relevant local guidelines to ensure you’re compliant.
Whether you’re hauling tools or towing a car across the country, understanding these rules gives you confidence behind the wheel — and keeps you legally protected.
Trailer capacity is calculated using Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) — the total allowed weight when fully loaded. Subtract the trailer’s own weight (Tare weight) from the ATM to find your payload capacity. This helps you avoid overloading and keeps your setup road-safe.
This refers to the internal tray size — 7 feet long by 5 feet wide, or roughly 2.1m x 1.5m. It doesn’t include the drawbar. Always check whether a listing refers to internal or overall measurements to ensure it suits your load.
The load area is the internal space measured within the trailer’s bed — what you see in car trailer dimensions like 7×5 or 8×5. Overall trailer length includes the drawbar, taillights, and external add-ons. Understanding both helps when comparing trailer sizes for fit and storage.
No — unless you have a special permit. In Australia, 2.5 metres is the maximum legal width for trailers on public roads. Exceeding this limit can result in fines and safety risks, so it’s important to measure the full width (including guards and tyres).
When it comes to safe, legal, and stress-free towing, understanding car trailer dimensions is more than just a numbers game — it’s the key to getting the right trailer for your load, your vehicle, and your journey.
From decoding common trailer sizes to comparing load capacities, legal limits, and practical use cases, being informed means you’re far more likely to make a purchase that suits your needs long-term. Whether you’re after a compact solution for weekend jobs or a heavy-duty trailer for transporting vehicles, there’s a perfect fit — and it starts with knowing your measurements.
At King Kong Trailers, we offer a wide selection of high-quality trailers — from versatile small car trailers to reliable hydraulic tilt beds — all designed with safety, durability, and performance in mind. Explore our range today and find the perfect trailer that’s ready to tow when you are.
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