For the average driver, towing an open car hauler trailer is more than just a simple task, requiring an understanding of your vehicle and the ins and outs of hauling cargo. Whether you’re hauling a classic car to a show, transporting vehicles for a car lot, or hauling vehicles for a job, the moment you hitch up an open car hauler trailer, you’re entering a different world of driving that requires patience, awareness, and respect for the highway.
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Why Choose an Open Car Hauler Trailer?
An open car hauler trailer is a favorite among drivers because it is light, easy to maneuver, and versatile. It is usually more fuel-efficient than enclosed trailers because it is easier to handle. It’s ideal for transporting cars where exposure to the weather isn’t an issue. It’s thus especially popular with auto dealerships, collectors, and motorsport enthusiasts. But with that open orientation comes the responsibility of securing the cargo correctly and being alert while driving.
A New Driving Experience
When you drive while towing an open car hauler trailer, you quickly discover differences in how you’ll need to drive. Your vehicle is longer, and that impacts turning, braking, and lane changes. It’s slower to accelerate and takes more time to slow down. Drivers must adapt their practice for safety purposes. That means leaving more distance between vehicles, easing off the brakes, and pre-planning lane changes in advance.
New drivers tend to be nervous at first, especially in traffic or on curves. But with experience, most adjust to the differences between driving a regular vehicle and driving one with an open trailer car hauler attached. Many even say that towing makes them more patient and careful drivers overall. The key is to remain calm, focused, and always aware of the trailer’s response behind you.
Turning and Driving in Traffic
Cornering in an open trailer car hauler requires taking a wider path than most drivers are used to. The rear wheels on the trailer do not follow precisely the path of the tow vehicle, so tighter corners can lead to curbing or cutting off other cars. Slow and gentle cornering is mandatory, particularly when driving in a city setting with little space.
Lane changes and merging onto traffic also require extra attention. Mirrors are your best friend. With an open car hauler trailer, you can see your load better than you do with an enclosed trailer, which can be reassuring. But that means you have to check every so often to ensure nothing’s moved or come loose. A quick mirror check while stopped at a red light or a long stretch of smooth highway can ease your mind.
The Challenges of Backing Up
Backing up is one of the more daunting tasks of using an open car hauler trailer. It takes practice and patience because the trailer responds opposite to the direction of your steering. It can be very frustrating for new users, particularly in tight spaces, but with repetition and calm hands, it becomes a learnable skill.
Veteran drivers suggest practicing in an empty parking lot so you feel confident. The more you are accustomed to your trailer’s motion when reversing, the more you will be able to manage actual situations.
Wind, Weight, and Load Distribution
While an open car hauler trailer does not face the same wind resistance as an enclosed trailer, wind drag can still be generated by the freight or vehicle on the trailer. In open country or on highways, crosswinds have the potential to create significant sway. Stable weight distribution is important. The greatest amount of weight must be over the axles, and everything has to be tightly strapped so it won’t shift.
It is also wise to invest in equipment like sway control bars or weight distribution hitches, especially on long trips or when towing heavy loads. These appliances level the trailer and reduce movement that is unsafe for high speeds.
Preparing for a Safe Journey
Preparation is essential before hitting the road. Make sure your towing vehicle is rated for the load you’re hauling. Inspect the open car hauler trailer for any signs of wear, check that the hitch is properly secured, test the lights and brakes, and confirm that your load is balanced and strapped down.
Simple pre-trip checks and upkeep can avoid most issues. Safety chains, trailer brake controls, and load straps are small pieces of a much larger picture. Attention to detail in getting ready ensures a smoother, safer ride on the road.
Towing an open car hauler trailer isn’t as simple as just driving; there is a part of it that involves skill, foresight, and awareness. Since these trailers are open, more visible, and lighter in weight, they offer numerous advantages to those who have to transport vehicles. However, they also demand more from the driver. Whether you’re a Saturday afternoon enthusiast, a full-time hauler, or one relocating a cherished car across state lines, driving with an open car hauling trailer can be an exhilarating experience.