Auto Hauler Vehicle Transport Tips
Auto haulers, as the name implies, are used to safely and securely transport cars and other vehicles to their destination without the need to drive the vehicle itself. The process of transporting something as big and complex as a car is obviously fraught with risk. However, these risks can be largely mitigated by following key safety practices, as outlined by this guide from Victory Custom Trailers.
Prepare Your Tow Vehicle and Auto Hauler
Proper planning and preparation are often the keys to success when it comes to hauling. An auto hauler should be inspected before each usage. Make sure that the tires, brakes, brake lights, and so on are all fully functional and in good condition. Any issues that you find should be addressed as soon as possible as even seemingly minor problems can cause a lot of trouble on the road. Don’t forget to inspect the tow vehicle as well!
Load the Vehicle
There are two generally accepted methods of safely loading a vehicle into an auto hauler, with both methods requiring at least two people. The first is to simply drive it into the trailer by centering its front tires on the ramp and having a spotter tell you to stop once the vehicle has reached the point a little over the center. If necessary, put wooden planks on top of the ramp to reduce the angle of entry. Do not put these planks under the ramp, as this can cause instability.
To load a vehicle into the auto hauler without driving it, position the trailer as close to the vehicle as possible and attach a winch to the tow point, which should be around the center of the trailer’s front. One person will operate the winch in order to pull the vehicle onto the trailer, while another person sits in the driver’s seat and adjusts the wheels as needed.
Secure the Vehicle
Once the vehicle has been loaded into the auto hauler, secure it tightly using ratchet straps. The force of accelerating and braking can easily break through weaker ratchet straps, so use straps rated for double or triple the weight of the vehicle you are hauling. You should also attach an emergency chain to the front and back of the vehicle just in case a strap fails.
Driving the Tow Vehicle
Auto haulers are heavy enough when they’re unloaded, so a driver hauling a loaded auto hauler needs to be extra conscious of that extra weight. It’s important that the driver practices safe behaviors like increasing their following distance, minimizing lane changes, and reducing their overall speed. After about 10 miles, the auto hauler’s load will usually have settled, so the driver will need to check to see if the straps need to be tightened.
Shop auto haulers at Victory Custom Trailers. You can visit us online or at our dealership in Almont, Michigan. We’re proud to serve the United States, including nearby communities such as Detroit and Flint, Michigan. We also offer trailer financing.