How to Use a Car Hauler to Safely Transport a Vehicle

A car hauler, also called a car trailer, offers a secure and efficient way to move vehicles. But there are a few key steps to take to ensure a safe trip. We've created the following guide to using a car trailer below. If you have any questions or want to explore car haulers for sale, head over to Lone Star Trailers. Our dealership is based in Lacy Lakeview, Texas, and we also proudly serve those in Waco and Temple.

Prepare Your Tow Vehicle and Car Hauler

A successful towing trip starts before you load up the car trailer. First, conduct a pre-trip inspection of the vehicles and the trailer. Check the air pressure and tread in every tire, test out the brake lights, and so on. If you uncover any issues, get them addressed as soon as possible. Even small problems could cause safety issues on the road. Plus, they can get worse and end up becoming a more costly repair.

Next, check the tow vehicle's wheels. This will help prevent the tow vehicle and trailer from moving around as you load the cargo.

Load the Car

The loading process will depend on whether you are driving the car or not. But either way, you will need the assistance of at least one person.

Loading the Car by Driving It

Hop into the driver's seat and begin driving up the ramp. Make sure the front tires are centered on the ramp as you hit it. Your spotter should stop you once the car is a little over center, over the axles.

You may need wood planks to reduce the angle of entry to the ramps. Place 2x4s on top of the ramp. If you place the wood planks under the ramp, it could cause stability issues.

Loading the Car Without Driving It

Begin by attaching a winch to the center of the trailer's front. Position the trailer as close to the car as you can. Attach the winch to the tow point.

Once everything is in position, have someone get in the driver’s seat and control the steering. Turn on the winch and tell the driver to adjust the wheels as needed. Position the car onto the ramp.

Secure the Car

You'll want to use ratchet straps that are rated for double or triple the weight of your car. There's an inevitable shift in momentum when you brake or accelerate, which could overwhelm the ratchet straps if they are not rated highly enough.

Make sure the ratchet straps are secured tightly. You want the car to move as little as possible, which will give you as much control as possible over your cargo. Ideally, the car will settle on its suspension between 1/2 an inch and an inch. You'll also want to attach an emergency chain to the front and rear of the car, making sure it has as little slack as possible. The chain will catch the car if a strap fails. Double check everything to ensure the car is secure.

Driving the Tow Vehicle

Remember that the extra weight of the car hauler will affect how your tow vehicle handles. You'll need extra space to come to a stop, so leave plenty of room between yourself and the other vehicles. Drive at a reduced speed and try to keep lane changes to a minimum.

You'll also want to re-check your car trailer after driving for about ten miles. That's the time it takes for your load to settle and you may need to tighten some straps.

We hope you found this car trailer guide useful! If your car hauler needs a visit to a service department, bring it to the experts at Lone Star Trailers. We operate a parts replacement and service department that can get your trailer repaired. We also offer car trailers for sale. Whatever you need, you can find with us! We are located in Lacy Lakeview, Texas, and also proudly serve those in Waco and Temple.