The Aluminum Trailer Company and Motiv Trailers

Let me suggest items you should look for in an Open Car Hauler Trailer.

The first question you need to answer is your preference for aluminum or steel.  Steel trailers will be less expensive than their aluminum counterpart, but weighs more and is susceptible to corrosion from road salt, grime, and the weather, whereas aluminum is corrosion resistant and will generally last longer and look better under the same conditions.

The next important question to answer is what are your weight requirements?  Do you have the right tow vehicle for the weight rating of the trailer?  What is the weight of the vehicle you will load on the trailer?  An 18′ open car hauler trailer can weigh anywhere from 1,200# to 2,000# depending on whether it is made of aluminum or steel, and options selected.  You are fine with tandem 3,500# axles if your vehicle and cargo weight less than 5,000#, but you may want to consider heavier axles to increase the carrying capacity of your trailer if your vehicle weighs more than 5,000# or if you are intending to haul other cargo with the vehicle that would exceed 5,000# in weight.

You will also want to know some specific measurements of your vehicle, ground clearance, wheel base, door clearance, overall length and width are all important to insure your car can be properly loaded and secured on your new open car hauler trailer.

Equipped with this information, you’re now ready to start looking at trailers.  There are many brands of open car hauler trailers available.  Different brands offer different specialties.  Look for the following: ramp dimensions, load ratings, and ramp storage; deck height, stabilizer jacks for loading, removable or permanently fastened fenders, radial tires or bias ply, LED or incandescent lighting.  All of these differ with brands and will have a significant impact on your experience with your open car hauler trailer.