What’s the Difference, and Which One Do You Need?
If you’re in the market for a trailer to haul tools, materials, or equipment, chances are you’ve come across utility trailers and landscape trailers. On the surface, they look very similar — both are open-deck trailers, often with side rails, a rear gate, and available in tandem or single axle setups.
But if you’re serious about finding the right trailer for the job, you need to understand the key differences. As a specialist with years of experience in trailer functionality and design, I’ve guided many customers through this exact decision.
Let’s break it down.
What Do They Have in Common?
Before we dive into the differences, here’s what utility and landscape trailers share:
- Open deck design, making them ideal for transporting equipment, tools, and materials.
- Rear gate or ramp options for loading/unloading.
- Single or tandem axles depending on size and load capacity.
- Versatile towing capability, usable with most standard pickup trucks or SUVs.
They’re both great all-around trailers — but once you know your specific needs, the differences become critical.
Key Differences
1. Design Purpose
🔹 Utility Trailer
- Designed for general-purpose hauling.
- Can carry anything from lumber and appliances to quads or lawn mowers.
- Typically has lower sides or open rails — more flexibility, but less containment.
🔹 Landscape Trailer
- Specifically built for landscapers and grounds crews.
- Usually includes taller mesh sides, toolboxes, trimmer racks, or expanded metal ramps.
- Often has a reinforced gate to load mowers and landscaping machines.
✔ Best for Landscaping Work:
If your business includes hauling mowers, trimmers, blowers, and garden supplies, a landscape trailer is made for you.
2. Sidewalls & Containment
🔹 Utility Trailer
- Usually has short rail sides or removable sides (if any).
- Ideal for bulky, odd-shaped items or ATV transport.
- Easier to load from the sides with a forklift or by hand.
🔹 Landscape Trailer
- Comes with taller fixed side walls or expanded metal mesh, helping contain loose items or tools.
- Helps prevent rakes, bags of mulch, and hand tools from falling out on the road.
✔ Best for Keeping Small Items Contained:
Landscape trailers win when it comes to keeping gear organized and secure.
3. Tool & Equipment Storage
🔹 Utility Trailer
- Typically doesn’t include any built-in tool storage — more of a blank slate.
- Users often add their own toolboxes or modify it as needed.
🔹 Landscape Trailer
- Commonly includes racks for trimmers, weed eater holders, lockable toolboxes, and fuel can mounts.
- Saves time on job sites by having everything ready to go.
✔ Best for Ready-to-Work Setup:
If you want a trailer that’s built for efficiency and day-to-day landscaping work, the landscape trailer is ready out of the gate.
4. Budget & Customization
🔹 Utility Trailer
- More affordable upfront.
- Great for DIYers, homeowners, and those who want to customize their trailer.
🔹 Landscape Trailer
- Costs a bit more due to added features and heavier-duty build.
- Worth it for businesses needing a professional, ready-to-roll setup.
✔ Best for Budget-Friendly Use:
If you’re a homeowner or casual user, utility trailers give you excellent flexibility at a lower price.
Common Use Cases
| Task | Best Trailer Type |
| Hauling yard waste or firewood | Utility Trailer |
| Transporting zero-turn lawn mowers | Landscape Trailer |
| Moving ATVs or dirt bikes | Utility Trailer |
| Carrying landscaping tools & supplies | Landscape Trailer |
| Weekend home improvement projects | Utility Trailer |
| Professional groundskeeping | Landscape Trailer |
Expert Insight
If you’re in the landscaping business — even if it’s just a side gig — investing in a landscape trailer will save you time, keep your tools secure, and present your business professionally.
But if you’re a homeowner, contractor, or someone who needs a reliable trailer for a variety of light-duty tasks, a utility trailer is a great place to start — and you can always customize it as your needs grow.
The decision between a utility trailer and a landscape trailer comes down to your primary use. Don’t just look at the price — look at what features will make your daily work easier, faster, and more efficient.
Need help choosing the right size, axle configuration, or trailer style?
👉 PJ Trailers Canada – we’ll walk you through your options and help you choose a trailer that works as hard as you do.
