Looking for a small cargo trailer - any suggestions?

[k-vette]

Any suggestions on a small enclosed cargo trailer to pull behind a prius?  It wouldn't haul much weight, but would be used for my wife's clothing business and maybe a trip here or there.

I was hoping to find something compact that tows easily behind the car.  Something like this or close to it:  https://theusatrailerstore.com/lumina-motorcycle-trailer?gclid=CNqazM-61tMCFQ50fgodQi8KFA  I like the fact that I could possibly throw a couple of bikes on top of this, maybe even mount a bike rack on it.  I was looking for something cheaper though!  This is nice, but for the price I could get a much bigger trailer.  The problem is I don't really NEED a bigger trailer and that seems like a waste too.  Both for parking at home and for gas mileage.

I'm in California if shipping is a major factor.

[therethere]

Harbor Freight. They have a smaller trailer than the standard 4x8 https://www.harborfreight.com/1090-lb-capacity-40-12-in-x-48-in-utility-trailer-62645.html . You could easily mount a truck box or roof box on it along with bike racks.

Check if your Prius is rated for towing. If its not, please think responsibly as to whether or not you can accept that type of risk and liability. Personally, if you don't need a trailer for large loads, I would go with a hitch mounted lockable storage box and/or a roof rack (for bike racks, storage box, or both). Less liability. No worries about backing up. Something like this though I'm sure you could DIY or find a cheaper option https://www.amazon.com/Thule-665C-Transporter-Combi-Hitch-Mount/dp/B00152VYLQ

[k-vette]

Thanks, I've thought of those but my wife didn't like the idea!  Perhaps if the box looks like it belongs on the trailer she'd go for it.  It would make the trailer more useful for the occasional haul of other things.  The Prius isn't rated for towing as far as I know, but I plan to keep weights (including trailer) under 1,000lbs.  The rear cargo hitch box would help, but doesn't add enough space to be really useful.  It would still be a tight fit.

[therethere]

The motorcycle trailers are like 20cf meanwhile hitch boxes are 13-16cf. Not a huge difference. I did not consider appearance as a factor though. Which it seems to be a high priority. Are you trying to use it as a booth or something? Or is it really just for transporting items? If you are handy you could build a box on the small trailer and encase it in diamond plate and be done for like 1/4 of the cost.

Harbor freight does have one that is an enclosed container, 16cf. But its pretty much a trailer with a rooftop box on it. Along with liability, you will also have to register the trailer annually and grease the wheel bearings annually. So there is ongoing maintenance costs with a trailer vs rooftop or hitch box options. https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-auto-200-lb-motorcycle-capacity-78-in-tag-along-trailer-62644.html

[chemistk]

The Prius isn't rated for towing as far as I know, but I plan to keep weights (including trailer) under 1,000lbs.

I would stress this point - if you have any warranty at all left on your car, you can expect that to be completely voided the moment you hook up a trailer.

If you have to have a trailer, and there's no way you can convince your wife that a roof mounted or a hitch mounted cargo box is satisfactory, then I would go with therehere's suggestion.
 
If you live in an area with hills/mountains or are in a very hot climate, I would strongly advise against a trailer. You're asking too much of the car's electrical system.

[k-vette]

The motorcycle trailers are like 20cf meanwhile hitch boxes are 13-16cf. Not a huge difference. I did not consider appearance as a factor though. Which it seems to be a high priority. Are you trying to use it as a booth or something? Or is it really just for transporting items? If you are handy you could build a box on the small trailer and encase it in diamond plate and be done for like 1/4 of the cost.

Harbor freight does have one that is an enclosed container, 16cf. But its pretty much a trailer with a rooftop box on it. Along with liability, you will also have to register the trailer annually and grease the wheel bearings annually. So there is ongoing maintenance costs with a trailer vs rooftop or hitch box options. https://www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-auto-200-lb-motorcycle-capacity-78-in-tag-along-trailer-62644.html

Thanks for the harbor freight link!  I'll show that to her.