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Chengli Automobile Industry Park
What size trailer do I need to haul a car?
What Size Trailer Do I Need to Haul a Car?
Are you planning to move your car? Do you need to take it to a car show? Or did you buy a car from far away? This guide will help you pick the right trailer size to haul your car safely and with no stress.
Table of Contents
Why Trailer Size Matters
Getting the right size trailer is key to a safe trip. The wrong size can cause:
- Damage to your car
- Unsafe travel
- Broken laws
- Wasted money
What You Need to Know First
1. Your Car’s Size and Weight
Before you pick a trailer, you need to know:
- How long your car is
- How wide your car is
- How tall your car is
- How heavy your car is
You can find this in your car’s manual or look it up online.
2. How Many Cars You Will Haul
Do you need to move one car or more cars at once? This will help you pick the right size.
3. The Type of Trailer You Want
You can choose from:
- Open trailers: You can see your car, and they cost less
- Enclosed trailers: Your car is hidden and safe from weather
What Can Tow Your Trailer?
Your tow vehicle needs to be strong enough to pull your car and the trailer. Check your truck or SUV manual to find out how much it can tow. You may need a specialized tractor unit for heavy loads.
Trailer Sizes for Different Cars
| Car Type | Best Trailer Length | Trailer Type | Weight Capacity Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Car (Honda Civic) | 16-18 feet | Single axle | 3,500 lbs |
| Mid-Size (Ford Mustang) | 18-20 feet | Single axle | 3,500-5,000 lbs |
| Large SUV (Ford Explorer) | 20-24 feet | Dual axle | 7,000-10,000 lbs |
| Multiple Cars | 28+ feet | Dual axle | 10,000+ lbs |
What Size Trailer Do I Need to Haul a Car?
Trailer Size by Car Type
This chart shows the recommended trailer length for different vehicle types.
Market Growth of Light Car Trailers
This chart displays the projected growth of the global light car trailer market.
Trailer Axle Capacity
This visual shows the typical weight capacities of single and dual-axle car trailers.
Trailer Weight Guide
Most car trailers have two common axle types:
- Single axle: Good for 3,500 lbs
- Dual axle: Good for 7,000 to 10,000 lbs
Remember that a car trailer by itself weighs about 2,000 pounds. You need to add this to your car’s weight to know the total weight.
It’s always best to get a trailer with extra capacity just to be safe.
Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
Open Trailers
- Cost less
- Lighter to tow
- Let you see your car
- Give no protection from weather or rocks
Enclosed Trailers
- Need to be 20-24 feet long for most cars
- Protect your car from weather and road debris
- Cost more but give better protection
- Heavier to tow
If you want an enclosed trailer, you need to think about how much room you need for your car plus any tools or parts.
Market Trends in Car Trailers
Did you know? The light car trailer market is growing! It will go from $1.55 billion in 2024 to $2.06 billion by 2033.
North America has the most car trailers, with over 35% of the global market. People are buying more flatbed trailers because they can carry all kinds of loads.
Rent or Buy?
When to Rent
- You need to move a car once
- You don’t have storage space
- You want to save money
When to Buy
- You move cars often
- You need special features
- You want to save in the long run
When hauling multiple cars, consider a specialized carrier trailer.
Safety Tips for Hauling Your Car
- Put 60% of the weight in the front half of the trailer
- Use good straps to tie down your car
- Check your lights and brakes before each trip
- Drive slower than normal
- Take wide turns
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to check your tow vehicle’s capacity
- Overloading the trailer
- Not securing the car well
- Ignoring the tongue weight (weight at the front of trailer)
- Picking a trailer that’s too small
What Size Trailer for Common Cars
- Honda Civic: 16-foot open trailer
- Toyota Camry: 18-foot open trailer
- Ford F-150: 20-foot trailer with dual axles
- Classic Cars: 20-foot enclosed trailer for protection
For flatbed hauling options, check out these car hauler trailers.
How to Load Your Car on a Trailer
- Line up your car with the trailer
- Drive or winch the car up slowly
- Put the car in park or gear and use the parking brake
- Tie down all four corners
- Check all ties are tight
- Recheck after driving a few miles
Trailer Rental Tips
When you rent a trailer, ask about:
- Weight limits
- Insurance
- Tie-down gear
- Return time
- Extra fees
Questions People Ask
Can I haul a car with a 16-foot trailer?
Yes, if your car is 16 feet long or less. Most small and medium cars will fit.
How much weight can a dual-axle trailer hold?
A dual-axle trailer can hold 7,000 to 10,000 pounds total, but check the exact rating on the trailer.
Do I need a special license to tow a car trailer?
In most states, no. But if the total weight is over 26,000 pounds, you might need a commercial license.
Will my SUV tow a car trailer?
Most mid-size and large SUVs can tow a car trailer, but check your owner’s manual for the exact weight it can tow.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right trailer size for your car is about:
- Knowing your car’s size and weight
- Checking your tow vehicle’s power
- Deciding between open or enclosed
- Getting the right axle capacity
- Making sure there’s extra room for safety
When you get these right, moving your car will be safe and stress-free!
For specialized vehicle transport needs, explore multi-level transport options.
