Selecting a car hauler trailer is important. Taking good care of a car can take a lot of effort, and for many car owners, it’s a matter of pride.
If you have a car for the race track, one that you show off in events, or something truly special to you, you will want to protect your investment by transporting it on a proper car hauler trailer.
Car Hauler Trailer Buying Guide
Car hauler trailers, or car haulers, are trailers manufactured for the sole purpose of allowing you to transport your vehicle safely on a trailer towed by another vehicle – usually a truck. There are four factors for you to consider below. You can also check out the top 3 best car hauler trailers we recommend.
#1 Car Trailer Size
Besides your budget, you will also need to consider the size of your car and how many cars you need to haul. Even if you get your hands on a smaller car hauler trailer (say, 8′ x 16′ in size), you should be able to haul a single vehicle without much hassle.
However, if you have a larger budget, you could get a longer 20′ or 24′ car hauler trailer model, which will allow you to haul a vehicle with some room to spare.
#2 Open Vs. Enclosed Trailers
Car trailers are of two kinds: open and enclosed. As the name suggests, enclosed car trailers have side walls and a roof, protecting the vehicle from the elements and road debris when traveling.
An enclosed car hauler trailer is the right option if you need to haul the vehicle across several states. These trailers also double as a permanent storage solution for cars.
While open car trailers tend to cost much less than enclosed trailers, the lack of side walls and roof makes it important to consider the distance you need to haul your car on the open road.
#3 Trailer Weight
The trailer’s weight dictates how strong it is and the limit of the weight it can haul. It also determines the size of the tow vehicle required to haul the trailer. Every truck’s towing capacity is different, and if you carry a heavier payload than the safe limit, you could damage the trailer, the truck, and the car you’re hauling.
Before you get around to looking at your options, you need to determine the weight of your car. Classic cars tend to be heavier than racecars. You can then find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, empty weight, and carrying weight capacity details on the manufacturer’s website.
You can expect a 7000 lbs. GVWR trailer to carry around 3,500 lbs. On the other hand, a larger 9,900 GVWR trailer can carry a payload larger than 6,000 lbs.
#4 Steel Vs. Aluminum Build
Aluminum trailers are rust-resistant and will serve you longer, but you will need to pay a premium for these advantages. However, this doesn’t mean that steel trailers are not durable.
A steel car hauler trailer will serve you for years if you stay on top of maintenance and touch up damage regularly. Doing your due diligence by avoiding commitments before a pre-purchase inspection will ensure you get a quality trailer.
Picking between the two build options isn’t merely a financial decision. The material used dictates the trailer weight. Aluminum is much lighter than steel, making aluminum trailers a better option if you need to transport a car that weighs several thousand pounds.
Conclusion
Now that you understand what to look for in a car hauler trailer, you should be better armed to find the best one to suit your needs. You can also check out the top 3 best car hauler trailers we recommend.
You might also be looking for a completely different type of trailer such as the Best Dump Trailer.