A typical small trailer weighs roughly 500–1,500 pounds empty, depending on the type and construction.

Quick Scoop: How Much Does a Small Trailer Weigh?

When people say “small trailer,” they usually mean one of three things: a small open utility trailer, a small enclosed/cargo trailer, or a small travel/camping trailer.

1. Small open utility trailer

These are the simple flatbed-style trailers you see hauling lawn mowers, lumber, or junk to the dump.

  • Typical empty weight: about 500–1,100 pounds for very small ones, often quoted around 700 pounds as an average.
  • Common size: under about 10 feet in length.
  • Load capacity: often 1,000–3,000 pounds depending on material (steel vs aluminum), frame size, and number of axles.

Example: A 5×8 aluminum utility trailer might weigh only 200–500 pounds but still carry 1,000–1,500 pounds of cargo.

2. Small enclosed/cargo trailer

These are the box-style trailers used for moving, tools, or small business setups.

  • Typical empty weight: roughly 400–1,800 pounds, with about 1,000 pounds as a common “average small enclosed trailer” figure.
  • Cargo capacity: can be 2,000+ pounds, with some small units rated up to around 7,000 pounds GVWR, though shorter ones (12 feet or less) commonly carry about 2,200 pounds of cargo.

Because the walls and roof add weight, the same-size enclosed trailer will weigh noticeably more than an open utility trailer.

3. Small travel or camper trailer

If by “small trailer” you mean a little camper you can sleep in, weights climb further.

  • Small travel trailers (about 22 feet or shorter) typically weigh around 2,800 pounds empty , with a range of about 1,200–3,900 pounds.
  • Many “small” travel trailers or campers have cargo capacities around 800–1,400 pounds.
  • Teardrop campers are a lighter subtype, often averaging about 1,700 pounds empty, with some as low as 500 pounds.

At-a-glance weight ranges (HTML table)

Below is a simple HTML table so you can see the rough numbers at a glance:

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Small trailer type</th>
      <th>Typical empty weight</th>
      <th>Common empty range</th>
      <th>Typical cargo capacity</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Small open utility trailer</td>
      <td>~700 lbs</td>
      <td>300–1,100 lbs</td>
      <td>~1,000–3,000 lbs</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Small enclosed utility trailer</td>
      <td>~1,000 lbs</td>
      <td>400–1,800 lbs</td>
      <td>Up to ~2,200 lbs (short units)</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Teardrop camper</td>
      <td>~1,700 lbs</td>
      <td>500–3,200 lbs</td>
      <td>~700 lbs</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Small travel trailer (≤ ~22 ft)</td>
      <td>~2,800 lbs</td>
      <td>1,200–3,900 lbs</td>
      <td>~800–1,400 lbs</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

(All figures are general averages; specific models can fall outside these ranges.)

Why the range is so wide

A “small trailer” can vary a lot because of:

  • Type and purpose : Utility vs cargo vs camper.
  • Materials : Aluminum frames and bodies are lighter than steel.
  • Size : Even a one- or two‑foot increase in length adds weight.
  • Axles and options : Extra axle, heavier suspension, or options like ramp doors and interior build‑outs all add pounds.

If you’re checking whether your vehicle can tow it safely , you should look up the trailer’s actual empty weight and GVWR from its plate or manufacturer, then compare to your vehicle’s tow rating and tongue-weight limits.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.