How Wide Does a Trailer Need to Be to Haul a Car?
Highlights
- A trailer needs to be 7 to 8.5 feet wide to haul most cars, depending on the car’s size and width.
- Matching trailer dimensions to the car prevents damage, ensures safety, and allows for easy loading and unloading.
- Knowing legal limits and measuring your car correctly simplifies trailer selection for hassle-free vehicle transport.
Transporting a car using a trailer requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to choosing the correct width. The trailer must be wide enough to accommodate the vehicle without risking damage or instability. A trailer that’s too narrow won’t fit the car properly, while an overly wide trailer can cause maneuvering issues.
In this article, we’ll explore how wide trailers need to be for different cars, what factors to consider when selecting a trailer, and how to measure a perfect fit. Understanding trailer width requirements will make hauling any car safe and simple.
What Are the Standard Trailer Widths for Hauling Cars?
Standard trailer widths typically range from 7 to 8.5 feet, depending on their purpose and design. Car trailers are built to accommodate vehicles of different sizes while staying within legal road limits.
7-Foot Trailers
These trailers are ideal for smaller cars, such as compact sedans or hatchbacks. They offer enough space for narrow vehicles while being easier to maneuver.
8-Foot Trailers
A mid-sized option suitable for sedans and small SUVs, providing extra width for added clearance and safety during transport.
8.5-Foot Trailers
Designed for larger vehicles like full-size trucks, SUVs, and sports cars, this is the maximum legal width for trailers on public roads without permits.
Choosing the right width ensures your car fits securely and avoids overloading or clearance problems while driving.
How to Determine the Right Trailer Width for Your Car
To choose the correct trailer width, you need to know your car’s exact dimensions. Measuring the vehicle will help you determine if it can safely fit on a specific trailer.
- Measure Vehicle Width
Use a tape measure to find the widest point of your car, including side mirrors. This is the most critical measurement for trailer fit.
- Check for Clearance
Add at least 6-12 inches of extra width on either side of the vehicle to ensure easy loading and safe transport.
- Consider Vehicle Type
Compact cars can fit trailers as narrow as 7 feet, while trucks or wide SUVs need trailers closer to 8.5 feet.
Why Trailer Width Matters When Hauling a Car
Safety During Transport
A trailer that matches your car’s width avoids shifting, balancing issues, or instability on the road. Wider trailers ensure the vehicle sits securely and prevents any sudden movements that could cause accidents.
Proper alignment reduces the risk of trailer swaying, especially during high winds or on uneven surfaces. Stability is vital for long-distance hauls where road conditions can vary.
Ease of Loading and Unloading
Sufficient width allows for smooth entry and exit, reducing the risk of scraping the car’s sides or damaging the trailer. With enough space on both sides, loading ramps can align properly, ensuring the car moves onto the trailer safely.
It also makes securing the vehicle with tie-down straps or chains easier, as you have room to work. Proper trailer width minimizes stress, saving time and reducing handling errors.
Legal Compliance
Trailers over 8.5 feet wide require special permits, so staying within standard limits makes your trip hassle-free. Legal compliance ensures you avoid fines, delays, or restrictions when traveling on public roads.
Standard-width trailers are widely accepted, making them practical for transport across states, provinces, or borders. Sticking to legal widths simplifies planning and eliminates the need for additional paperwork.
Weight Distribution and Balance
Correct trailer width helps evenly distribute the car’s weight, which is essential for maintaining balance during transit. A poorly balanced load can cause trailer swaying, excessive tire wear, or strain on the towing vehicle.
Wider trailers are better equipped to handle heavier or larger vehicles, ensuring weight is spread evenly across the axles. Balanced loads keep both the trailer and towing vehicle stable, improving road safety.
Fuel Efficiency and Towing Control
A properly sized trailer improves towing control and fuel efficiency, particularly for long distances. A trailer that’s too wide creates extra wind resistance, causing the towing vehicle to consume more fuel.
A balanced width reduces drag and improves handling, making it easier to navigate highways, corners, and slopes. The right width gives you better control, reducing stress on both the driver and the vehicle.
What Trailer Width Do Different Vehicles Need?
Different vehicle types require trailers of varying widths to ensure a safe and snug fit. Knowing your car’s specifications can help you select the right trailer size.
Matching the trailer’s width to your vehicle ensures safety, reduces stress, and prevents costly accidents while on the road.
Compact Cars
Small vehicles like hatchbacks and subcompact sedans usually fit on 7-foot-wide trailers. These cars are narrow enough to leave extra clearance for safe loading.
Mid-size sedans and SUVs
For these vehicles, trailers between 7.5 and 8 feet wide are ideal. They provide additional space for stability without being too bulky.
Large SUVs and Trucks
Wider vehicles require trailers 8 to 8.5 feet wide to ensure a proper fit and prevent clearance issues during transport.
How to Measure Your Car for a Trailer Fit
Measuring your car properly is essential when choosing a trailer. Taking accurate measurements will help you find a trailer wide enough for safe and comfortable transport.
- Measure the Width: Use a tape measure to determine the car’s width, including the side mirrors. This ensures you account for the widest point.
- Check Trailer Clearance: Add at least 6–12 inches of extra width on each side of the car to prevent tight fits or damage during loading.
- Measure the Length: Confirm the car’s total length to ensure it fits fully on the trailer without overhang.
- Consider the Vehicle Type: Some cars, like trucks or SUVs, may require extra space to fit securely, so plan accordingly.
By following these steps, you’ll avoid guessing and ensure your trailer selection is accurate and safe.
Tips for Choosing the Right Trailer Width
Selecting the right trailer width is essential for safely transporting your vehicle. A trailer that’s too narrow can lead to a tight fit or damage, while one that’s too wide can create handling challenges.
By considering your car’s dimensions, clearance needs, and legal limits, you can avoid common mistakes.
These tips will help you choose a trailer that ensures safety, stability, and a hassle-free hauling experience.
- Always measure the car’s width and length, including mirrors, for a precise fit.
- Choose a trailer at least 12 inches wider than the car to allow for safe loading and transport.
- Trailers wider than 8.5 feet require permits, so ensure your selection stays within the legal road width.
- Open trailers are lighter and easier to maneuver, while enclosed trailers offer additional protection for wider cars.
Conclusion
A trailer typically needs to be between 7 and 8.5 feet wide to safely haul a car, depending on the car’s size and width. Compact cars can fit on narrower trailers, while larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks require trailers with more space.
Accurately measuring your car and choosing a trailer with proper clearance ensures safe loading, secure transport, and legal compliance.
Trucks by BenKo offers a variety of trailers to meet your hauling needs, from compact open trailers to enclosed models for larger vehicles. Contact our team today to explore our inventory and find the perfect trailer for your car transport.