Difference Between a Roll up and Swing Door Trailer

Roll-up door trailers have a specially-built frame, which allows these doors to essentially slide up and down. This means that the door does not open outwards from the trailer. Instead, it rolls up to allow entry to the trailer. Once you want to secure the trailer, the door can roll back down for proper locking procedures.

A swing door trailer has a conventional design. This design comprises two doors that are attached to the entryway. When you need entry to the trailer, these barn doors part from the middle and open outwards to the trailer. To secure the trailer, you need to shut these doors and lock them with their security system.

Apart from these differences, the overall installation requirements also stand out for both types of doors. The framing to install a roll-up door is more specialized and requires some space within the trailer. But swing doors or barn doors open outwards and do not need this kind of space.

Which Type of Trailer Should I Buy for My Needs?

Both roll-up door trailers and swing-door trailers have different applications for a variety of needs. Roll-up door trailers are often used for delivery routes with multiple stops. Swing door trailers or barn door trailers are often favored for one-stop deliveries. 

The decision to use a specific kind of trailer door depends upon an array of factors. This includes aspects such as your use case, level of comfort, and operational requirements. 

To make sure that you are making an informed decision, it is important to consider the benefits and disadvantages of both types of trailers. This ensures that you can consider all factors at play. In turn, you can choose a door type that fits your specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Each Type

Similar to any other vehicle component, both roll-up doors and swing doors have their pros and cons. By looking into these characteristics, you can make a beneficial choice for your specific use case.

Pros of Roll Up Door Trailers

• Ease of Use. The door design does not require much physical effort to open and close.
• Increased Efficiency. The roll-up mechanism requires less time and effort, which leads to more efficient delivery processes.
• Higher Accessibility. A roll-up door does not obstruct the sides of the trailer. This leads to better accessibility, especially on loading docks.
• Easy to Customize. Due to their structure, roll-up doors are easier to customize from a branding and marketing perspective.

Cons of Roll Up Door Trailers

• Space Requirement. Roll-up doors need more space inside the trailer to install their framing and operate properly.
• Installation Needs. On existing trailers, the special framing might need a one-time installation by experts who can also turn swing door trailers to roll up door trailers.
• Decreased Security. Roll-up doors are secure and efficient. But they are slightly less durable than swing doors.

Pros of Swing Door Trailers

• Extensive Durability. Swing doors can be made from reinforced material and have a better locking system than some roll-up doors.
• Extra Security. Due to the flexibility in material choices, you can turn these doors to be highly secure and cater to your specific needs.
• Additional Space. Swing doors do not require special housing inside the trailer to be installed. This translates to more cargo space.

Cons of Swing Door Trailers

• Difficult to Operate. Swing doors require more operating efforts and space on the outside. Their style may also cause difficulties in windy conditions. 
• Loading Dock Restrictions. Swing doors are not too compatible with loading docks and need to be opened before the truck is aligned with the dock. 
• Risk of Impact. Since swing doors open outwards, they carry a risk of impact on your goods or crew.

How To Choose Which One Is Right for You?

To choose the right door, you need to consider all the pros and cons carefully. This makes sure that you can know exactly what to expect from your decision. 

Once you apply the projected results to your specific situation, the decision-making process can become easier to get through. You can also reach out to experts for a personalized consultation.

If you are looking for help with industry-standard processes and procedures, reach out to us at the Atlantic Trailer Leasing and Sales today. We understanding the shipping and trailer industry and can help to answer various questions that you may have.

Consult the Professional Trailer Company in Atlanta, GA!



Being true to Atlantic Trailer Leasing and Sales’ commitment to excellence, our solution also provides you with the consultation and support you need throughout the purchase process. From consultation to delivery, our team stays with you every step of the way to ensure an exceptional customer experience for your purchase. 

To see how our solutions can help, contact us at 678-944-8433 to schedule service today. We will be glad to assist you in finding the perfect trailer door option.