Cargo trailers

Cargo trailers in South Africa: what they cost

Updated 4 November 2026

A cargo trailer in South Africa costs from about R 8,500 for a small box or plastic body, about R 23,500 for a 750 kg non-braked trailer, and R 32,500 to R 38,500 for a braked 1,500 kg model, according to sellers' websites in November 2026. Large enclosed semi-trailers start from about R 218,000. The quickest way to get current prices for your city is to create a request on BlaBlaPrice.

Rules for light trailers

Light trailers in categories 01 and 02 fall under a compulsory specification from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, according to the results. A towing guide also says that by law the nose weight on the tow ball must sit between 25 kg and 100 kg, because a trailer that is too light will fishtail at speed. Every trailer used on South African roads must be registered, licensed and roadworthy, so check the papers before you buy.

Season: buy before the summer

November is late spring in South Africa, and summer runs from December to February. If you plan to haul goods or take a trip in the summer months, have the trailer registered and insured before then. Comprehensive trailer insurance covers accidental damage, but the contents must be stated separately on the policy schedule.

Sizes, units and delivery

Sellers quote length in metres and payload in kilograms, although many small trailers are still listed in feet, such as 5ft or 6ft. Ask for the internal body length and width in metres and the payload in kilograms. Ask whether delivery to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town or Gqeberha is included, and whether the price includes VAT, because listings do not always say.

What to put in your request

Give the body type, the make if you know it, the number of axles, the payload you need, the body size in metres, the year, the condition and the documents you require. Add your budget and your city. A closed body and an open body are priced very differently, so say which one you want.

Offers come through BlaBlaPrice, which is free for buyers. Describe the trailer in the chat and add a photo if you have one. BlaBlaPrice's AI looks through sellers' websites and price lists in South Africa and shows the prices and businesses it found, while registered sellers reply with their own offer, price and terms. Your contacts stay hidden until you choose whom to contact. For a car trailer or a container trailer, also compare car trailers and container trailers.