Aluminum Cargo Trailer Buyer's Guide — Honest Comparison
How to Compare Aluminum Cargo Trailers Honestly — A Buyer's Guide from AAA Trailer
If you're shopping aluminum enclosed cargo trailers in Michigan, you've probably noticed something confusing: two trailers advertised as "6×12" or "6×13" can have completely different amounts of usable floor space. That's because not every aluminum trailer brand measures size the same way.
This guide walks you through how to compare aluminum cargo trailers honestly so you don't get burned. We sell AmeraLite Storm trailers at AAA Trailer in Howell, Michigan — but the principles below apply no matter which brand you're considering.
The V-Nose Trick: Why an Advertised "6×13" May Have the Same Floor as an Honest "6×12"
Most modern aluminum cargo trailers have a V-nose — a wedge-shaped front that improves aerodynamics, reduces wind drag, and adds storage space at the front of the trailer. Some brands include the V-nose's depth in the advertised length. Others don't. The difference matters a lot when you're trying to figure out whether your motorcycle, snowmobile, or cargo will actually fit inside.
Here's a visual showing the difference:
The two trailers above have identical usable floor space. One is advertised honestly. The other inflates the number by adding a V-nose triangle that you can't really lay cargo on.
How to Spot the Trick Before You Buy — Three-Step Check
- Get the manufacturer's spec sheet (PDF, not just the website). Every aluminum trailer manufacturer publishes one. Ask the dealer for it directly if you can't find it online.
- Look for a phrase like "X' Wide — Includes a __' V-Nose", usually buried beneath the size header. Some manufacturers spell it out clearly. Others bury it in a footnote.
- Subtract the V-nose footage from the advertised length. That's the real rectangular floor you're getting. Compare THAT number to the length of your motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV, or cargo — not the advertised number.
Real example from a 2022 spec booklet of a major Michigan aluminum brand: their "Snow/ATV Explorer" line was offered in 17', 19', 23', 27', 29', and 31' lengths — with a footnote reading "Includes a 5' V-Nose." So a customer thinking they were buying a 17-foot trailer got 12 feet of usable rectangular floor. For a Polaris Ranger or Can-Am UTV, that's the difference between fitting and not fitting.
How AmeraLite Storm Measures (and Why We Stock Them)
AmeraLite Storm trailers are sized by the rectangular floor only. The V-nose adds bonus storage on top — perfect for helmets, fuel jugs, gear bags, toolboxes, gas cans, and tie-down straps — but never counted in the advertised size.
From the official AmeraLite Storm spec sheet:
- 5' wide: 18" slant V-nose (1.5 ft) — bonus storage
- 6' wide: 18" slant V-nose (1.5 ft) — bonus storage
- 7' wide: 30" slant V-nose (2.5 ft) — bonus storage
So when AmeraLite says 6×12, you get a real 6' × 12' rectangular floor (72 sq ft) plus an 18" V-nose triangle (~5 sq ft of bonus storage) at the front. That's roughly 77 sq ft total interior, with the 72 sq ft being usable rectangular floor for cargo, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and gear.
Side-by-Side Comparison: AmeraLite Storm 6×12 vs an "Includes V-Nose" 6×13
| AmeraLite Storm 6×12 | "Other Brand" 6×13 (1' V-nose included) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Advertised size | 6 × 12 | 6 × 13 |
| Real rectangular floor | 6' × 12' = 72 sq ft | 6' × 12' = 72 sq ft |
| V-nose | 18" — bonus storage | 12" — counted in size |
| Frame material | All-aluminum tube | All-aluminum tube |
| Empty weight (typical) | ~1,400 lbs | ~1,500 lbs |
| Starting price (Howell MI in stock) | $6,250 | $7,500–$9,000 (typical) |
| Lead time | In stock today | 6–12 weeks (typical) |
| Manufacturer | Forest River (USA) | Varies |
| Financing | Sheffield, 10-min approval | Varies by dealer |
Comparison shown is illustrative based on typical pricing in the Michigan market and publicly available manufacturer spec sheets. Always confirm current pricing and specifications directly with the dealer before purchase.
What This Means for the Customer
- Same usable floor space as an "advertised 6×13" aluminum trailer.
- Honest advertising. What you see on the spec sheet is what fits.
- Lower price because you're not paying premium for a brand that inflates dimensions.
- Available today at our Howell lot — no 12-week factory wait.
- The V-nose is still there — you still get the aerodynamic benefit and the bonus storage at the front, just measured honestly.
What's In Stock at AAA Trailer Right Now
- AmeraLite Storm 6×10 — 2026 Spring Edition — Poly composite exterior, rear spoiler with LED loading lights. White or Black. From $6,195. View details →
- AmeraLite Storm 6×12 V-Nose — Standard build, ramp door, all-aluminum frame. From $6,250. View details →
- AmeraLite Storm 6×12 — Spring Edition — Spoiler, dual LED loading lights, premium interior trim. From $6,650. View details →
- AmeraLite Storm 5×10 V-Nose — On order, arriving soon. From $4,890. Call (517) 225-1991 to reserve from the next shipment.
Bring the tape measure. We'll show you the difference in person.
AAA Trailer · 28-year family-owned · Howell, MI
📞 (517) 225-1991 | View All In-Stock AmeraLite Storm Trailers → | Get Pre-Approved →
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the V-nose vs floor measurement matter so much?
Because the rectangular floor is what fits a motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV, or pallet. The V-nose triangle is great for helmets, gear bags, and tools — but you can't lay a 12-foot motorcycle in a triangle.
Is one brand "wrong" for measuring this way?
Not exactly — both methods are legal. But it can mislead buyers who don't know to look for the fine print. We recommend always asking for the rectangular-floor dimension directly when you're cross-shopping aluminum brands.
What's the V-nose actually for, then?
Aerodynamics (lower drag = better fuel economy on the highway) and bonus storage at the front. It's a real benefit. The issue is just whether the manufacturer is honest about counting it as "size" or as "extra."
How do I measure my own trailer's true floor?
Inside-to-inside, from the ramp-door wall to where the V-nose angles begin. Stop at the angle. That's your real rectangular floor length.
Will an AmeraLite Storm 6×12 fit my motorcycle?
Almost certainly yes. A typical full-size cruiser is 8–9 feet long; a sport bike is 7–8 feet. The 6×12 fits two motorcycles comfortably with room for gear at the front.
Will it fit my snowmobile?
Yes — most modern snowmobiles are 10–11 feet long. A 6×12 fits one with gear, or two if loaded carefully nose-to-tail.
Will it fit a Polaris Ranger or Can-Am UTV?
No — UTVs need a 7' or 8.5' wide trailer. The current AmeraLite Storm lineup at AAA is 5' and 6' wide. Call us and we'll point you at the right size in stock.
Can I see one before buying?
Yes — walk-ins welcome at our Howell lot. We'll bring out the tape measure and walk you through the spec sheet alongside any competitor's brochure you bring.
