The best enclosed trailer for car hauling fits our vehicle, carries its weight safely, and works with our tow vehicle. Before choosing, we should check interior dimensions, payload capacity, brakes, and ramp angle.
These features help us load and secure our car while protecting it from rain, wind, and road debris. The right choice depends on our vehicle and transport needs. Keep reading to learn how to compare trailer sizes, weight limits, and features with Backyard Escapism.
Quick Tips for Choosing an Enclosed Car Hauler
Choosing the right trailer gets easier when we focus on three things:
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Check the fit: Make sure the trailer has enough interior space, door clearance, and ramp access for our car.
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Know the weight limits: Compare our car’s weight and cargo with the trailer’s payload capacity, GVWR, and our tow vehicle’s limits.
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Look at safety features: Check the brakes, tie-down points, and loading system to make sure they suit our car and hauling needs.
What Makes the Best Enclosed Trailer for Car Hauling?
The best enclosed trailer for car hauling depends on the vehicle we transport, the gear we bring, and how often we travel. Before comparing trailers, we should measure our car and consider how we plan to use it.
A daily driver may fit a standard enclosed trailer, while a classic car may need more ground clearance during loading to avoid scraping. Race cars may also need extra room for spare tires, tools, and other equipment.
An enclosed car hauler helps protect our vehicle from rain, wind, and road debris. Still, we need proper ventilation, reliable tie-down points, and safe loading practices to transport it securely.
We should then compare interior dimensions, payload capacity, and ramp angle. Our tow vehicle must also be able to handle the trailer and its loaded weight. Checking these details helps us find a trailer that suits our car, equipment, and travel needs.
Which Enclosed Car Trailer Size Fits Our Vehicle?
Choosing the right enclosed car trailer starts with measuring our vehicle and understanding how we plan to transport it. We need enough interior space to load the car, secure it with tie-downs, and accommodate any additional equipment. Trailer dimensions provide a useful starting point, but the usable interior space and overall weight capacity matter just as much.
Common options from Backyard Escapism include 8.5x20, 8.5x24, 8.5x26, and longer custom enclosed trailers. The 20-foot and 24-foot models are popular choices for single-vehicle transport, while longer configurations may provide room for additional equipment or multiple vehicles, depending on the layout and specifications.
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Nominal trailer size |
What to consider |
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8.5x20 |
A potential fit for one car, depending on its dimensions and tie-down clearance |
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8.5x24 |
Additional length for a vehicle and selected equipment |
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8.5x26 |
More room for longer vehicles or additional gear |
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8.5x28 |
Greater floor space for equipment or larger hauling configurations |
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8.5x34 |
A longer option for larger hauling setups, subject to weight and layout requirements |
These dimensions are nominal measurements, not guaranteed usable interior dimensions. Before choosing a trailer, we should confirm the manufacturer's interior length, width, door opening, and other specifications for the exact build.
Interior height, ramp angle, and ground clearance also affect how easily a vehicle can be loaded. We should measure the car at its highest point, including roof accessories, and check the width between wheel boxes and other interior obstructions. Lowered cars and sports cars may need a suitable ramp angle and beavertail transition to reduce the risk of scraping the underbody.
We should also consider the vehicle's weight, the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), axle ratings, and the towing vehicle's capacity. A trailer that fits the car physically may still be unsuitable if its weight limits or towing requirements do not match our setup.
The best enclosed car trailer is one that accommodates our vehicle, provides sufficient clearance for secure loading, and meets our towing and payload requirements. By comparing these measurements before ordering, we can choose a custom configuration that fits our hauling needs without paying for unnecessary space or features.
What GVWR, Payload, and Axle Setup Do We Need?
Before choosing an enclosed car hauler, we need to know how much weight it can carry. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowed weight of the fully loaded trailer. Payload capacity is the weight we can add to the empty trailer.
We can estimate payload capacity with this formula:
Payload capacity = GVWR − empty trailer weight
For example, a trailer with a 10,000-pound GVWR and a 3,000-pound empty weight has a nominal payload capacity of 7,000 pounds. If our car and equipment weigh 4,500 pounds combined, we have 2,500 pounds of nominal payload remaining.
However, payload is only part of the picture. We should also check these components:
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Axles: Tandem-axle trailers have two axles, while triple-axle models have three. Common axle ratings include 3,500, 5,200, and 7,000 pounds.
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Other components: Tires, wheels, suspension, frame, and hitch must all support the loaded setup within their rated limits.
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Braking system: Check the electric brakes, wiring, and compatible brake controller.
Adding axle ratings alone does not determine a trailer's total capacity. We must follow the trailer's GVWR and all applicable component limits to tow safely.
What Tow Vehicle Do We Need for an Enclosed Car Hauler?
Our tow vehicle must handle the fully loaded trailer without exceeding its rated limits. Before towing an enclosed car hauler, we should check towing capacity, payload rating, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), hitch rating, and axle limits.
Towing capacity sets the maximum trailer weight our vehicle can pull, while GCWR covers the combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, passengers, and cargo. We must also account for tongue weight, the downward force the trailer places on the hitch, because it uses part of our vehicle's payload capacity.
A weight distribution hitch or sway control may help with handling when approved for our setup, but neither makes an overloaded trailer safe.
Before each trip, we should inspect the hitch connection, safety chains, tires, lights, and brakes. We should also allow extra room for turning and stopping, as a loaded trailer changes how our vehicle handles. Always follow the tow vehicle and trailer manufacturers' limits and instructions.
Which Loading and Tie-Down Features Should We Choose?
The right loading and tie-down features make it easier to load our car and keep it secure during transport. We should consider the vehicle's weight, ground clearance, and dimensions before choosing an enclosed car hauler.
A rear ramp door provides access to the trailer, while spring assistance can make it easier to raise and lower. If we haul a lowered car, we should check the ramp angle and door clearance to avoid scraping the bumper or underbody. Side doors provide convenient access without opening the rear ramp.
V-nose and slant-nose designs have different front shapes, so we should compare their usable space and layout rather than assume one is always better.
Once the car is loaded, we need suitable tie-down points and securement equipment.
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Feature |
Purpose |
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D-rings |
Provide attachment points for compatible straps |
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E-track |
Offers flexible strap positions when properly installed and rated |
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Wheel straps or nets |
Help secure the car through its tires |
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Wheel chocks |
Help prevent movement during loading and unloading |
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) emphasizes the importance of securing cargo:
"Cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured on or within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage (loose materials used to support and protect cargo) or dunnage bags (inflatable bags intended to fill space between articles of cargo or between cargo and the wall of the vehicle), shoring bars, tiedowns or a combination of these." - FMCSA
This guidance highlights why proper tie-down equipment matters when transporting a vehicle. We should use straps and anchor points rated for the load, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and check that everything remains secure before traveling. Wheel chocks can help during loading, but they do not replace tie-downs.
If we need specific dimensions or additional features, the Customization and Ordering Process help us explore options that suit our vehicle, hauling needs, and budget.
Which Materials Make the Best Enclosed Car Hauler?
Credit: J La
The materials and construction of an enclosed car hauler affect its weight, maintenance needs, and long-term durability. We should compare these features based on how often we haul our vehicle and the conditions it will face.
Aluminum trailers often weigh less than similar steel models and generally resist rust better. However, aluminum can still corrode, and some repairs may require specialized work. Steel trailers offer strong support when properly built and maintained, but their weight and corrosion resistance depend on the design and protective coating.
A screwless exterior reduces visible fasteners for a cleaner finish, but it does not automatically mean the trailer is stronger. Insulation helps slow heat transfer, while ventilation allows air to circulate and reduces heat buildup. Neither provides precise temperature control.
Before buying, we should inspect the floor, frame, roof seams, door seals, and exterior panels. These details help us assess build quality and how well the trailer may protect our car during regular use.
How Much Does an Enclosed Car Hauler Cost?
The cost of an enclosed car hauler depends on its size, construction, weight rating, and optional features. We should compare the full specifications and long-term expenses rather than focus only on the purchase price.
Buyers researching custom car hauler trailer price should compare quotes based on similar dimensions, weight ratings, materials, and optional features to understand the total cost of each configuration.
Larger trailers often cost more because they use more materials. Higher weight ratings may also require different axles, brakes, and structural components. Features such as upgraded ramps, extra doors, E-track, insulation, and interior lighting can increase the final price.
Before buying, we should request a detailed quote and check what it includes. Comparing trailers with similar dimensions, weight ratings, and features helps us make a fair assessment.
We should also budget for tires, brake service, inspections, storage, registration, and towing equipment. If our current vehicle cannot tow the loaded trailer within its limits, additional costs may apply.
Finally, we should check current manufacturer or dealer pricing. Prices vary by location and configuration, so a verified quote gives us a more realistic budget.
How Can We Choose the Best Enclosed Trailer for Car Hauling?
Choosing the best enclosed trailer for car hauling means looking at the whole setup, not just the trailer's size or price. We need a model that fits our vehicle, stays within weight limits, and works with our tow vehicle.
Before buying, we should use this checklist to compare the most important details:
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Vehicle fit: Check the interior dimensions, door opening, ramp angle, and wheel-well clearance.
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Weight capacity: Confirm the empty weight, GVWR, payload capacity, axle ratings, and expected loaded weight.
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Towing compatibility: Check our vehicle's towing capacity, GCWR, payload, hitch rating, and axle limits.
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Safety features: Inspect the brakes, electrical connections, tie-down points, straps, and tires.
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Build quality and cost: Review the frame, floor, exterior, maintenance needs, and total purchase cost.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a simple reminder for drivers:
"Always double-check your load to make sure it’s secure." - NHTSA
Before each trip, we should check that our car is properly secured, the straps are tight, and the trailer's safety equipment is ready for the road.
We should also think about future needs. If we plan to haul different vehicles or bring extra tools, more space and payload may be helpful. However, we must always stay within the trailer's and tow vehicle's rated limits.
FAQ
What Size Enclosed Trailer Do We Need to Haul a Car?
We should choose a trailer based on our vehicle's length, width, height, and ground clearance. We also need enough room for tie-downs and safe access. Nominal dimensions alone are not enough, so we should verify the usable interior measurements and door opening before purchasing.
What GVWR Do We Need for an Enclosed Car Hauler?
We need a GVWR that accommodates the trailer's empty weight, vehicle weight, and additional cargo. We should calculate the required payload and confirm that the axles, tires, wheels, and other components can support the loaded trailer. The final setup must stay within all applicable ratings.
Can We Tow an Enclosed Car Trailer With Our Truck?
We can tow an enclosed car trailer only when the loaded combination stays within the vehicle's towing capacity, GCWR, payload, hitch rating, and axle limits. We should also check tongue weight and brake compatibility. A truck's maximum towing figure alone does not establish that every trailer is suitable.
Is an Enclosed Trailer Suitable for a Lowered Sports Car?
An enclosed trailer can suit a lowered sports car if its ramp angle, door opening, and interior dimensions provide sufficient clearance. We should measure the vehicle's lowest points and check the loading transition before purchasing. A longer ramp or suitable extension may help when compatible with the trailer.
How Do We Secure a Car Inside an Enclosed Trailer?
We should use properly rated straps or wheel nets attached to suitable, rated tie-down points. The securement method must match the vehicle and equipment manufacturers' instructions. We should check strap tension and attachment points before travel, while using wheel chocks as a supporting measure during loading and unloading.
How Should We Choose the Best Enclosed Trailer for Car Hauling?
Choosing the best enclosed trailer for car hauling means finding a solution that fits our vehicle, work, and future needs. The right setup can make loading and transport more efficient while providing the durability and reliability we need for years of use. By focusing on build quality, practical features, and long-term value, we can make a more confident investment.
For a closer look at quality construction, explore the Backyard Escapism 24ft Ultimate Auto & Toy Hauler. Ready for a solution tailored to your needs? Get Your Custom Trailer Quote and start planning your ideal trailer.
References
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https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules
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https://www.nhtsa.gov/drive-safe-secure-your-load