Whether you are hauling a classic car to a weekend show or transporting vehicles for work, choosing the right car hauler trailer matters. The right trailer improves safety, protects your investment, and makes towing more efficient and reliable.
At Kerlin Trailers, we help our customers throughout Indiana find dependable car haulers designed for both recreational and professional use. Understanding key trailer features and towing requirements can help you make the best decision for your hauling needs.
Why Choosing The Right Car Hauler Matters
Not all car haulers are built the same. Weekend drivers may need a lightweight trailer for occasional use, while professional transporters often require higher weight capacities and advanced towing features.
Selecting the wrong trailer can lead to:
- Poor towing stability
- Increased wear on your tow vehicle
- Unsafe loading conditions
- Difficulty transporting larger vehicles
Choosing the correct size, weight rating, and trailer style helps ensure a safer and more efficient hauling experience.
Start With Your Vehicle’s Weight
One of the most important factors when choosing a car hauler is knowing the weight of the vehicle you plan to transport.
You should account for:
- Vehicle curb weight
- Additional cargo or tools
- Fuel and equipment weight
- Trailer weight itself
Your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must safely handle the total combined load. Exceeding capacity limits can create dangerous towing conditions and increase strain on your equipment.
Kerlin Trailers helps customers compare weight ratings and towing capacities to match the right trailer with the right job.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Haulers
The next major decision is choosing between an open or enclosed car hauler trailer.
Open Car Hauler Trailers
These trailers work well for weekend racers, project cars, and general vehicle transport. Open car haulers are popular because they are:
- More affordable
- Lighter and easier to tow
- Ideal for short-distance or recreational hauling
- Easier to load and unload
Enclosed Car Hauler Trailers
Enclosed trailers are often preferred by professionals, collectors, and motorsports enthusiasts who transport high-value vehicles.
Benefits include:
- Protection from weather and road debris
- Added security for valuable vehicles
- Storage space for tools and equipment
- Cleaner transportation for show cars and race cars
Single Axle vs. Tandem Axle Car Haulers
Axle configuration plays a major role in trailer performance.
Single Axle Trailers
Single-axle trailers are best suited for lighter loads and occasional hauling, as they are:
- Easier to maneuver
- Lower in cost
- Simpler to store
Tandem Axle Trailers
For professional hauling or transporting heavier vehicles, tandem axle trailers are often the better long-term investment.
Tandem axle trailers offer:
- Greater weight capacity
- Improved towing stability
- Better handling on long trips
- Increased durability for frequent use
Features That Improve Safety and Convenience
Modern car haulers include features designed to make loading, towing, and transporting safer and easier. Choosing the right features depends on how often you haul and the type of vehicles you transport.
Popular features include:
- Drive-over fenders for wider vehicles
- Built-in ramps for simplified loading
- Electric brakes for better stopping control
- Tie-down systems for vehicle security
- LED lighting for increased visibility
Consider Your Tow Vehicle
Your tow vehicle plays just as important a role as the trailer itself. Before purchasing a car hauler, verify your vehicle’s:
- Maximum towing capacity
- Hitch compatibility
- Brake controller requirements
- Payload limitations
Matching your tow vehicle to the trailer helps improve performance, fuel efficiency, and overall safety.
Why Indiana Drivers Choose Kerlin Trailers
For nearly 45 years, Kerlin Trailers has helped customers throughout Indiana find quality trailers backed by experienced service and support. The team works closely with both recreational haulers and commercial customers to identify trailers that match specific hauling needs and budgets.
Kerlin Trailers also offers financing, trailer parts, and service support to help customers protect their investment long after purchase.
Find The Right Car Hauler For Your Needs
The best car hauler trailer is one that fits your vehicle, towing setup, and hauling goals. Whether you need a lightweight open trailer for weekend use or an enclosed trailer for professional transport, choosing the right setup improves both safety and convenience.
At Kerlin Trailers, our team is here to help you compare options and find a dependable trailer built for your needs.
Ready to upgrade your hauling setup? Contact Kerlin Trailers or browse our car hauler inventory today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size car hauler trailer do I need?
The right size depends on the vehicle you plan to transport, including its weight, width, and overall length.
Are enclosed car haulers worth the investment?
Yes. Enclosed trailers protect from weather, debris, and theft while offering additional storage space.
What is the benefit of a tandem axle trailer?
Tandem axle trailers improve stability, increase weight capacity, and perform better for long-distance hauling.
Can my truck tow a car hauler trailer?
You should always check your vehicle’s towing capacity and hitch specifications before towing a car hauler.