A car trailer is one of the most practical tools for anyone who needs to move a vehicle, whether it’s a project car, a race car, a motorcycle, or an ATV. Instead of paying for professional transport every time, you can haul it yourself with your own tow vehicle.
This guide covers the main types of car trailers, the benefits, how to choose the right one, and the safety basics you need before you tow.
Quick answer: A car trailer lets you move a car or other vehicle with your own truck or SUV. The main options are open car haulers, enclosed trailers, and tow dollies. Before you buy or rent one, check your vehicle’s towing capacity, keep the trailer’s loaded weight within its rating, aim for a tongue weight of about 10% to 15% of the trailer’s total weight, and use crossed safety chains.
Types of Car Trailers
| Type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open car hauler | Everyday car moves, project cars | Lighter and usually cheaper, easy to load | Vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris |
| Enclosed trailer | Classic, race, or high-value cars | Protects from weather and theft, can double as storage | Heavier, costs more, needs a stronger tow vehicle |
| Tilt-deck trailer | Low cars and equipment | Deck tilts for loading without long ramps | Usually costs more than a standard open trailer |
| Tow dolly | Short moves of front-wheel-drive cars | Small, light, and easy to store | Rear wheels stay on the road, and it isn’t suited to every vehicle |
Benefits of Owning a Car Trailer
Increased hauling capacity and versatility
Car trailers aren’t just for cars. Depending on the size and rating, you can haul trucks and other vehicles, as well as a motorcycle, ATVs, dirt bikes, small tractors, landscaping equipment, or building materials.
Easy to maneuver and store
Many trailers can be moved by hand with a tongue jack and caster wheel, and smaller models fit in a garage or along a driveway when you’re not using them.
Durable and secure construction
Quality trailers use steel or aluminum frames built for highway use. Many include tie-down points, winch mounts, and locking couplers, and many heavier trailers have their own brakes.
Can save money over time
If you move vehicles often for car shows, racing, buying and selling, or moving house, owning a trailer can cost less over time than repeatedly hiring transport or renting. If you only need one once or twice, renting may make more sense.
Ready when you need it
A trailer hitches to your own vehicle, so you can load and go on your own schedule without booking a tow truck.
How to Choose the Right Car Trailer
- Know your tow vehicle’s limits. Check your owner’s manual for towing capacity and the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Don’t exceed either.
- Match the trailer to the load. Add the weight of the trailer and the vehicle you’re hauling. The total must stay under the trailer’s GVWR and your vehicle’s towing capacity.
- Measure the vehicle. Check that the deck is long and wide enough, and that low cars can load without scraping.
- Choose open or enclosed. Go enclosed for valuable or classic cars, or open for lighter, everyday use.
- Check brakes and hitch type. Heavier trailers often need their own brakes, and the rules vary by state. Bumper-pull trailers suit most trucks and SUVs, while gooseneck trailers need a pickup with a bed hitch.
- Buy from a reputable dealer. Ask about the warranty, axle ratings, and tire load ratings.
Towing Safety Basics
These tips are based on safe towing guidance from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, and they apply to most trailers:
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Tongue weight | Aim for 10% to 15% of the trailer’s total loaded weight. Too little can cause sway, and too much strains your tow vehicle |
| Weight ratings | Stay under your vehicle’s GVWR and the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) |
| Safety chains | Rate them for the trailer’s weight and cross them under the tongue to form a cradle |
| Hitch pins | Check the coupler and receiver pins before every trip |
| Lights | Connect the wiring harness and test all lights before you leave |
| Tires | Check pressure when cold, look for dry rot and uneven wear, and check lug nuts |
| Following distance | Leave at least 4 seconds in good weather and 5 or more in bad weather |
Loading tip: Load the vehicle so slightly more weight sits ahead of the trailer’s axles, then secure it at all four corners with rated straps.
Should You Buy or Rent a Car Trailer?
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| You move vehicles several times a year | Buy |
| You race, show cars, or flip vehicles | Buy |
| You need a trailer once for a move | Rent |
| You don’t have space to store one | Rent |
Many truck rental companies offer car trailers and tow dollies for one-way or local moves. If you’re also renting a vehicle for the trip, our guide to EAN Holdings LLC, the company behind Enterprise, Alamo, and National, explains how those rentals work.
Keep Your Trailer in Good Shape
- Grease wheel bearings and check them regularly.
- Inspect lights, wiring, and brakes before each season.
- Check the frame, deck, and ramps for rust or cracks.
- Replace trailer tires based on age, not just tread.
Need parts for your tow vehicle or trailer? Our RockAuto review covers what to know before ordering parts online.
FAQs About Car Trailers
What size car trailer do I need?
It depends on the vehicle. Measure its length and width, and check its weight. Most cars fit on a trailer with a deck around 16 to 20 feet long, but always check the specs.
What can I tow a car trailer with?
A truck or SUV with enough towing capacity for the trailer plus the vehicle you’re hauling. Check your owner’s manual.
Do car trailers need brakes?
Many do, especially heavier ones. Requirements vary by state, so check your state’s rules before you tow.
What’s the difference between a car trailer and a tow dolly?
A car trailer carries the whole vehicle. A tow dolly lifts only the front wheels, so the rear wheels roll on the road.
Is an enclosed car trailer worth it?
For classic, race, or high-value cars, yes. It protects the vehicle from weather, debris, and theft.
Conclusion
A car trailer gives you the freedom to move vehicles and equipment on your own schedule. Choose the right type for your load, stay within your weight ratings, and follow safe towing basics, and you’ll be able to take your ride almost anywhere. If you ship freight as well, see our Averitt Express tracking guide.
Read also:
- Why Ride a Motorcycle? 7 Fantastic Reasons
- RockAuto LLC | What to Know Before Buying
- EAN Holdings LLC | Hidden Truths Behind Popular Car Rentals
This article is for general information only. Always follow your vehicle and trailer manufacturer’s guidance and your state’s towing laws.
