What Trailer Size Do You Need to Haul a Car
Highlights
- Use open trailers for standard cars, enclosed for valuable vehicles needing protection, or gooseneck trailers for hauling multiple cars with stability.
- Choosing the right trailer ensures vehicle safety, protects against weather and damage, and offers convenience for secure and efficient transport.
- Use open trailers for short, affordable hauls in good weather; choose enclosed trailers for long distances or protect valuable vehicles from damage and theft.
Hauling a car, whether for business, relocation, or auto shows, requires choosing the right trailer to ensure safety and efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 17 million cars are transported annually by trailers, reflecting their critical role in vehicle logistics.
But with so many trailer types available, it’s essential to know which one best suits your needs.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common car-hauling trailers, including their features, benefits, and scenarios they’re ideal for. By the end, you’ll know exactly what kind of trailer you need to haul a car securely.
Trailer Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
Open Car Trailers | Short trips in fair weather | Affordable, lightweight | Exposes cars to elements |
Enclosed Car Trailers | Long distances and valuable cars | Protection, security | Costlier, heavier |
Gooseneck Trailers | Hauling multiple cars | Stable, heavy-duty capacity | Requires specialized setup |
Tow Dolly Trailers | Front-wheel-drive cars | Compact, affordable | Limited use |
Tilt Deck Trailers | Frequent loading/unloading | Easy for low-clearance cars | Expensive |
Open Car Trailers
Open car trailers are one of the most popular and practical solutions for transporting vehicles, particularly for short- to medium-distance trips. They feature a simple, flatbed design with ramps that make it easy to load and unload vehicles.
Due to their lightweight structure, they are also easier to tow and put less strain on the towing vehicle, reducing fuel costs.
Open-car trailers are versatile and can accommodate a variety of vehicles, including sedans, trucks, and SUVs, making them ideal for general-purpose car hauling.
However, open trailers do have limitations, especially when it comes to protecting your vehicle during transit. Cars are exposed to weather conditions, road debris, and dust, which may cause minor damage, especially over long distances.
For this reason, open trailers are best suited for those who need an affordable solution and are hauling vehicles in fair weather or on short trips.
If protection and presentation aren’t major concerns, an open-car trailer is an excellent, cost-effective choice.
Enclosed Car Trailers
Enclosed car trailers provide unmatched protection for vehicles, making them a top choice for transporting luxury, classic, or high-value cars.
Unlike open trailers, enclosed car trailers feature walls and a roof, offering complete coverage that shields vehicles from weather, debris, and road hazards.
This makes them ideal for long-distance trips or transporting vehicles in harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, most enclosed trailers come equipped with tie-down systems and lockable doors, ensuring that the car remains stable and secure throughout the journey.
On the downside, enclosed trailers are heavier and more expensive than their open counterparts, which may require a more powerful towing vehicle.
Their weight can also impact fuel efficiency, increasing overall transportation costs. However, for those who prioritize protection, safety, and peace of mind, enclosed trailers are well worth the investment.
Whether you’re hauling a show car to an event or relocating a valuable asset, enclosed trailers deliver a premium hauling solution that minimizes risks.
Gooseneck Car Trailers
Gooseneck car trailers are a heavy-duty solution designed for transporting multiple vehicles or heavier loads.
Unlike standard bumper-pull trailers, gooseneck trailers connect directly to the truck bed via a specialized hitch, offering superior stability and weight distribution.
This setup is particularly beneficial for hauling multiple cars over long distances, as it significantly reduces swaying and improves towing safety.
Businesses in the logistics or car transport industries often rely on gooseneck trailers to maximize load capacity while ensuring smooth and stable transportation.
That said, gooseneck trailers require specialized towing equipment, including a truck with the appropriate hitch system.
They are also typically more expensive due to their size and durability, which may not make them ideal for occasional or personal car hauling. However, if you need a reliable solution for transporting multiple vehicles, gooseneck trailers offer unmatched strength, capacity, and performance.
They are a worthwhile investment for businesses that need consistent and secure car-hauling capabilities.
Tow Dolly Trailers
Tow dolly trailers are compact and lightweight, making them a practical option for hauling front-wheel-drive vehicles over short distances.
These trailers lift the front wheels of the car off the ground while the rear wheels remain in contact with the road. Because of their simplicity and affordability, tow dollies are often chosen by individuals for occasional towing needs, such as moving a car during relocation.
Their small size makes them easy to store, maneuver, and attach to a towing vehicle, which adds to their overall convenience.
However, two dollies come with certain limitations. They are not suitable for all vehicle types, as they primarily work for front-wheel-drive cars. Additionally, towing over long distances can cause added wear and tear on the rear wheels of the vehicle being towed.
While tow dollies are great for quick and affordable hauling, they are not ideal for transporting luxury, all-wheel-drive, or low-clearance cars.
If you’re moving a front-wheel-drive car within a short range, tow dolly trailers are an efficient and budget-friendly solution.
Tilt Deck Trailers
Tilt deck trailers are designed with a tilting mechanism that simplifies the loading and unloading process. Instead of using ramps, the trailer bed tilts downward, allowing the car to roll onto the trailer with ease.
This feature is particularly beneficial for vehicles with low ground clearance, such as sports cars or custom-built vehicles, as it reduces the risk of undercarriage damage.
Tilt deck trailers are ideal for individuals or businesses that frequently load and unload cars, as they save time and minimize manual effort during the process.
While tilt deck trailers offer many advantages, they do come at a higher cost compared to standard trailers. The hydraulic or manual tilting system adds to their weight and complexity, which may require a towing vehicle with higher capacity.
Despite the added expense, tilt deck trailers are a valuable investment for those who need a safe and efficient solution for transporting specialty cars.
Whether you’re a collector, mechanic, or transporter, tilt deck trailers ensure smooth and hassle-free car loading every time.
Conclusion
Choosing the right trailer to haul a car depends on your vehicle type, distance, and hauling frequency.
Open trailers are perfect for affordability and ease, while enclosed trailers offer the ultimate protection for valuable cars.
Gooseneck trailers are the go-to option for businesses transporting multiple cars.
At Trucks by BenKo, we provide a wide selection of reliable trailers, including open, enclosed, and tilt deck options, tailored to meet your needs.
Our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect trailer for your car-hauling requirements. Contact us today to explore our inventory and financing solutions.