When your property chores extend beyond just mowing the lawn, a reliable trailer becomes an indispensable partner to your riding mower. Whether you’re hauling mulch, clearing yard debris, or transporting firewood, the right tow-behind cart can dramatically increase your efficiency and reduce physical strain. A quality trailer transforms your mower into a versatile workhorse, capable of tackling a wide range of tasks with ease.
With so many options on the market, selecting the perfect trailer for your needs can be challenging. Factors like capacity, dumping mechanism, and build material all play a critical role in performance and longevity. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting nine of the best trailers for riding lawn mowers, each offering unique features to suit different demands and property sizes.
Our Top Picks for Riding Mower Trailers
- Heavy Duty Steel Dump Cart ATV Trailer, 1500 lbs 15 Cubic Feet
- VEVOR Heavy Duty ATV Trailer Steel Dump Cart, 750-Pound 15 Cubic Feet
- Brinly 10 cu.ft. 650lb Heavy Duty Tow-Behind Poly Utility Cart
- Yard Commander – 400LB Heavy Duty Tow Behind ATV Trailer Steel Dump Cart
- YINTATECH 500lbs Lawn Mower Trailer & ATV Dump Trailer
- Impact IMPLEMENTS® 1500lb Utility Cart Cargo Trailer with Solid Steel Floor
- VEVOR ATV UTV Trailer Tow Behind Dump Cart, 1500lbs 15 Cubic Feet
- YINTATECH 350lbs Heavy-Duty Tow Behind Dump Cart
- DR® Powerwagon Pro Tow-Behind Cart
Heavy Duty Steel Dump Cart ATV Trailer, 1500 lbs 15 Cubic Feet
This trailer stands out with its impressive 1,500-pound capacity and 15-cubic-foot volume, making it ideal for large-scale yard projects. It is built with a rust-proof powder-coated steel frame for long-term durability in outdoor conditions. The reinforced and removable side guardrails on all four sides, plus a removable tailgate, provide exceptional flexibility for loading and unloading a wide variety of materials.
The unique 2-in-1 dumping system offers both hand-pull and foot-pedal operation for user convenience. A swivel feature on the trailer axle drawbar allows you to rotate the trailer left and right, enabling precise and smooth unloading exactly where you need it. This combination of high capacity and smart design makes yard work significantly more efficient.
VEVOR Heavy Duty ATV Trailer Steel Dump Cart, 750-Pound 15 Cubic Feet
Balancing capacity and manageability, this VEVOR cart offers a 750-pound load capacity within a spacious 15-cubic-foot bed. It features railings on three sides to securely hold yard waste, soil, or wood, allowing you to collect more material per trip. This design is perfect for reducing the number of journeys back and forth across your property.
Its universal hitch ensures effortless compatibility with a wide range of vehicles, including tractors, lawnmowers, ATVs, and UTVs. Connecting the trailer is a simple process that requires no special tools, instantly turning your riding mower into a powerful hauling machine. It is a practical solution for making yard hauling work much easier.
Brinly 10 cu.ft. 650lb Heavy Duty Tow-Behind Poly Utility Cart
For those seeking a rust-proof and low-maintenance option, the Brinly cart features a one-piece, compression-molded polypropylene bed. This durable bed can hold up to 650 pounds and is easy to clean, dent-proof, and made from recycled materials. It is rigorously tested to ensure it withstands season after season of use.
A key advantage of this cart is its industry-leading 56° bed dumping angle, which makes emptying sticky materials like wet mulch or soil much more effective. The inclusion of a magnetic hitch pin simplifies the connection process to your mower. This cart is a solid choice for homeowners who value durability and a reliable dumping mechanism.
Yard Commander – 400LB Heavy Duty Tow Behind ATV Trailer Steel Dump Cart
The Yard Commander is a robust and straightforward utility trailer with a 400-pound capacity and a 10-cubic-foot bed. Its dimensions provide plenty of space for common landscaping materials like mulch, firewood, and gravel. The design is focused on simplicity and reliability for everyday yard tasks.
This model features a single-lever dump release that activates a 45-degree dumping angle. This system allows for quick and easy emptying of the bed, which helps increase your productivity by shortening downtime between loads. It is a well-built option for those with moderate hauling needs.
YINTATECH 500lbs Lawn Mower Trailer & ATV Dump Trailer
This heavy-duty dump cart from YINTATECH is built to handle 500 pounds, making it a versatile partner for both lawn mowers and ATVs. The steel construction and deep-walled bed ensure durability and help prevent spills during transport. It is suitable for a variety of tasks, from residential landscaping to light farm use.
A smart loading design includes a pedal-release dump mechanism and a removable tailgate for quick unloading and simplified reloading. The low-profile bed height is engineered to pair perfectly with lawn tractors, reducing back strain when moving heavy materials. Its universal towing compatibility makes it easy to attach to most riding mowers and ATVs.
Impact IMPLEMENTS® 1500lb Utility Cart Cargo Trailer with Solid Steel Floor
As an original design with a USA trademark, this Impact Implements trailer is engineered for authenticity and rugged performance. Its most notable feature is the solid steel bed floor, which allows you to haul abrasive materials like dirt, gravel, and mulch without the risk of damage associated with mesh beds or rubber mats.
With a massive 1,500-pound capacity, this trailer is built for the toughest jobs. The trailer axle tongue includes a unique pivoting feature, allowing you to rotate the trailer side to side. This provides precise control over where you dump your load, a significant advantage when working in specific areas of your property.
VEVOR ATV UTV Trailer Tow Behind Dump Cart, 1500lbs 15 Cubic Feet
This VEVOR model is another high-capacity contender, built to carry up to 1,500 pounds with a 15-cubic-foot volume. It features a heavily reinforced frame with thickened pipes and rods, which improves overall load-bearing capacity and prevents deformation during heavy use. This makes it an exceptionally sturdy option for demanding tasks.
The trailer offers a convenient universal connection, allowing for easy attachment to tractors, lawnmowers, ATVs, and UTVs without special tools. Its robust construction is designed to turn strenuous yard hauling work into a simple and efficient process, saving you time and effort on large projects.
YINTATECH 350lbs Heavy-Duty Tow Behind Dump Cart
For lighter-duty applications, the YINTATECH 350-pound capacity dump cart offers a practical and maneuverable solution. It is well-suited for transporting common landscaping materials like mulch, firewood, and gravel across your property. The compact design does not compromise on utility.
This cart features a user-friendly pedal release mechanism and a detachable tailgate, which streamline the process of adding and removing loads. It is equipped with large-sized pneumatic tires that provide good elasticity and impact resistance, allowing for easy maneuvering over rough or uneven terrain without jarring the contents.
DR® Powerwagon Pro Tow-Behind Cart
From a trusted brand in outdoor power equipment, the DR Powerwagon Pro is designed for reliability and user convenience. While specific details like capacity and features are best confirmed on the product page, DR products are generally known for their robust construction and thoughtful design tailored for homeowners.
This tow-behind cart is likely to include features that make hauling and dumping materials a simple process. As part of the Powerwagon line, it probably maintains a focus on durability and performance, making it a contender for those who prioritize brand reputation and proven design in their outdoor tools.
What to Look For in a Trailer for Your Riding Lawn Mower
When I started looking for a trailer to hook up to my riding mower, I quickly realized it wasn’t as simple as just picking the biggest one. You need to think about how you’ll use it. Are you just hauling bags of grass clippings and leaves, or do you need to move heavy bags of soil, gravel, or even small logs? Your answer determines everything.
First, consider the material. Most utility trailers are made from steel or polyethylene (a heavy-duty plastic). Steel trailers are incredibly strong and can handle heavy, sharp, or abrasive loads, but they can rust over time if not maintained. Poly trailers are rust-proof, which is a huge win if you store your trailer outside, and they’re lighter, but they might not be the best for hauling super heavy, pointy materials like broken concrete.
Next, and this is crucial, think about capacity. You’ll see two numbers: the trailer’s volume (like 20 cubic feet) and its weight capacity (like 500 lbs). The weight capacity is your hard limit. Never exceed it. My rule of thumb is to know my mower’s tow rating first—many residential mowers can only safely pull around 300-500 lbs. Matching your trailer’s capacity to your mower’s power is essential for safety and to avoid straining your machine.
The dump mechanism is a game-changer. A manual dump trailer requires you to lift the front to tip the load out. It’s simple and reliable. A hydraulic dump trailer uses a hand-operated pump to lift the bed for you. While it costs more, it’s a back-saver if you regularly move heavy materials like gravel or soil. For light yard waste, a manual dump is perfectly fine.
Finally, don’t overlook the tires and hitch. Look for trailers with pneumatic (air-filled) tires, as they provide a smoother ride over bumps and are better for your mower’s transmission than solid plastic wheels. For the hitch, a standard pin-and-clip hitch is common and works well, but ensure it’s a secure fit for your mower’s hitch point. A wobbly trailer is a dangerous one. Taking the time to consider these factors will help you find the perfect trailer from any list of the 9 best trailers for riding lawn mowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can my riding lawn mower actually pull?
This is the most important question to answer before you buy anything. The honest answer is: it depends entirely on your specific mower. You should never guess. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s stated tow rating. Most standard residential riding mowers are designed to pull between 300 and 500 pounds safely. Garden tractors and more powerful models can often handle 800 lbs or more. Exceeding this rating can damage your mower’s transmission, put strain on the engine, and make steering and braking difficult, which is a major safety risk.
What’s the difference between a steel and a poly trailer?
The main difference comes down to durability, weight, and maintenance. Steel trailers are the workhorses. They have a very high weight capacity and can handle rough, sharp materials like firewood, rocks, and construction debris without a problem. The downside is that they are heavier and can rust if the paint gets scratched and you don’t touch it up. Polyethylene (poly) trailers are much lighter, which is great for keeping your total haul weight down. They are also completely rust-proof, making them ideal for damp climates or outdoor storage. However, they can be cracked by a sharp, heavy impact and may have a lower weight capacity than a similarly sized steel model.
Do I really need a dump trailer?
You don’t need one, but you’ll definitely appreciate it if you move a lot of loose materials. For hauling bags of grass clippings, leaves, or mulch, a standard trailer that you unload with a shovel or by hand is perfectly adequate. But if you regularly transport soil, gravel, sand, or rocks, a dump trailer is a fantastic investment. It saves an incredible amount of time and physical labor. Instead of shoveling out a heavy load, you simply lift the bed (manually or with a hydraulic assist) and the material slides right out.
What kind of maintenance does a lawn mower trailer require?
Trailer maintenance is pretty straightforward, but it’s key for long life. For any trailer, you should regularly check the tire pressure on pneumatic tires and look for cracks or wear. For steel trailers, the biggest thing is checking for rust, especially in scratches or dings. A little touch-up paint can prevent a small problem from becoming a big one. You should also periodically grease the wheel bearings if your model allows for it (check the manual) and ensure the hitch connection is clean and moves freely. For poly trailers, a simple wash with soap and water is usually all that’s needed.
Can I use a car trailer with my riding mower?
I would strongly advise against it. While it might be physically possible to connect them, car trailers are designed for vehicles that travel at high speeds and have powerful braking systems. They are far too heavy and cumbersome for a riding mower, which has a low tow rating and limited braking power. Using an oversized trailer like this is unsafe, as it can push your mower around, make it impossible to stop, and put dangerous stress on the mower’s frame and axle. Always use a trailer that is specifically designed for use with lawn and garden tractors.