sports car about to be loaded on a trailer

What Is A Car Hauler?

By Trailer Dudes

If you're planning to move a vehicle—whether it's your everyday car, a classic ride, or a car you just bought online—you might be wondering: What is a car hauler and how does it work? In this guide, we’ll break it all down in simple terms. By the end, you’ll know exactly what kind of car hauler you need, how it compares to a cargo trailer, and what to consider before buying or renting one.

Contents

Car Carrier Trailer

A car carrier trailer, also known as a car hauler, is a special type of trailer built to move vehicles safely from one place to another. These trailers come in open or enclosed styles and can be pulled by a pickup truck or a larger commercial truck depending on the size.

Small Car Trailers

Small car trailers are perfect for individual use—like moving one car at a time or hauling a classic vehicle to a car show. They’re easy to tow, lightweight, and often more affordable. Just make sure your trailer is rated to handle your vehicle’s weight. You can always look up your vehicels weight rating online.

Commercial Car Carrier Trailers

Commercial car haulers are built for business. These trailers:

  • Can haul 5 to 9 cars at once (in the U.S.)
  • Often use hydraulic ramps to load and unload
  • Come in open or enclosed styles
  • Are usually attached with a fifth-wheel coupling

Other Equipment You Might Need

Some haulers have extra storage above the truck cab. You can also upgrade your trailer with:

  • Tie-down systems (D-rings, E-track)
  • Heavy-duty ramps
  • Insulation or A/C
  • Custom wheels, floors, and colors

Different Types of Car & Auto Carriers And What They Transport

Auto transport carriers come in a multitude of shapes and sizes

From compact trailers to massive commercial carriers, here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Open Car Carriers

Common and affordable, but vehicles are exposed to weather and debris.

Single Car Haulers

Smaller units for local jobs or tight areas—usually towed by a standard truck.

Enclosed Trailers

Offer protection from weather, theft, and road damage—great for collector cars.

Enclosed Multilevel Carriers

Used by high-end transport companies to move several vehicles safely and securely.

Car Hauler vs Cargo Trailer

What Are The Main Differences?

A car hauler is made for vehicles—it has reinforced floors, stronger axles, and built-in tie-downs. A cargo trailer also known as a utility trailer may not be able to support a car’s weight safely unless it's been customized to do so.

Are There Different Types of Car Haulers?

Yes! You can choose from:

  • Open haulers: Budget-friendly and simple to load
  • Enclosed haulers: Premium protection and weather-proofing

Can I Customize an Enclosed Car Hauler?

Definitely. Choose your trailer size, nose shape, color, tires, ramp type, flooring, and more. Add A/C or insulation for special cargo.

Advantages of Using an Enclosed Car Hauler

  • Protection from weather and road hazards
  • Secure storage with locking side and rear doors
  • Room for extra tools or supplies
  • Retains resale value if well maintained

FAQs About Car Haulers

What’s the difference between an open and enclosed hauler?

Open haulers are cheaper and lighter. Enclosed haulers keep your car clean and safe from theft or weather damage.

Can I haul more than one car?

Yes. Depending on the length and weight capacity of the trailer you purchase or rent, you can haul 1–2 cars, while commercial ones can carry up to 9.

Can I tow a car hauler with my truck?

If your truck has the proper towing capacity, absolutely. Many car haulers are designed for pickup trucks.

Do I need to use tie-downs?

Yes! Tie-downs are a must for keeping your vehicle safe while driving. Look for trailers with built-in D-rings or E-track systems.

What makes Trailer Dudes different?

We help customers find the perfect trailer for their trailer rental needs. We offer expert guidance and delivery to nearby cities.

Have questions or need help choosing a trailer? Call Trailer Dudes at (561) 969-8642 to get started!