If you have a car to transport, you need to do it safely and with the right hauler. After all, your car is important cargo! Choosing a car trailer can be challenging if you’ve never bought one. That’s why we’ve created the following guide to help you narrow down your search and ultimately pick the best car trailer for your particular needs. Keep reading to learn more about the buying process. When you’re done, call Victory Custom Trailers in Metamora, Michigan. We are proud to help those in the Detroit and Flint area with all their trailer needs!

Open vs Closed

The first major decision you have to make when it comes to choosing an auto trailer is whether you want an open or an enclosed model. Both of these options have their own pros and cons, so it will depend on your personal priorities. Closed units offer protection from the weather and potential theft too. This is the best option if you’re particularly concerned about tough weather conditions or about any damage happening to your car. The car will be harder to get to and nobody will know what you’re hauling in the first place. Closed car haulers are also ideal for protecting against kicked up debris on the road.

Open car trailers also offer some great benefits. These units are more affordable in price since they are made with less materials. They also tend to be easier to load and unload. Open models come in a wide variety of options depending on your tow vehicle, budget, and the distance you’re hauling. Some car trailers even have stone guards on, which will block the main trailer deck from road debris. 

Steel vs Aluminum

The next choice you have to make is whether you want a steel car hauler or an aluminum one. Aluminum is generally lighter and more flexible than steel. This option is more resistant to rust but more prone to dents and scratches. If you are hauling a smaller, lighter car such as a racecar, aluminum will work just fine. Steel, on the other hand, is stronger and heavier. However, you need to keep up with its maintenance since steel is much more vulnerable to rust and corrosion. If you are hauling a heavier vehicle, like a classic car, steel may be the best option for you.

Tow Vehicle

If you already have a vehicle you plan on using to tow the car trailer, you need to take this into consideration when picking a unit. Factor in the tow vehicle’s tow capacity. Figure out the tow vehicle’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR). You should be able to find this in your owner’s manual. It’s important to ensure that your vehicle can handle the extra weight of the trailer and the vehicle inside of it.

Trailer Size

Are you planning on hauling one car? Two? More? Figuring out how much space you need will determine what models you consider. For example, if you’re hauling one vehicle, you don't need a massive car trailer. However, if you’re hauling multiple vehicles, you’ll want a large unit to be able to fit your load and have some extra room too. Your ideal car trailer size will depend on your budget and your specific needs.

We hope you found this guide helpful! At Victory Custom Trailers, we want you to feel satisfied leaving our dealership. That’s why we go the extra mile to make sure you buy the right model. If you have any questions, feel free to reach us at our Metamora, Michigan location, near Detroit and Flint. It’s time to start transporting your beloved cars in the right hauler!