Transporting vehicles can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to long distances or delicate cars such as classics and sports cars. Trailers specially designed for car transport offer a safe and efficient solution for transporting vehicles. In this article, we will discuss the different types of trailers available for car transport, how to choose the right trailer, and what steps to take to transport your vehicle safely.

Types of trailers for car transport

Car transporters can be divided into several categories, below is an overview of some types of car transporters.

A platform trailer is a trailer with the loading floor above the wheels. Its advantage is that the trailer hardly needs to be wider than the load. Disadvantages are the higher centre of gravity, and therefore less stable, and the need to load and unload with ramps or a flap. The resulting ramp angle is often steep, making loading sports cars often difficult.

A tilt trailer has a tiltable loading floor, making drive-up easy. As a result, shorter ramps or a short ramp are sufficient. To ensure the ramp angle does not become too steep, ramps or a flap are still a requirement.

A car transporter with a sagging loading floor can lower its loading floor between the wheels, hydraulically or pneumatically, bringing the loading floor to the ground. This creates a minimum ramp angle and makes ramps or a flap unnecessary. A disadvantage is width, as the wheels of the trailer sit outside the loading floor.

Air-suspended Car Transporters offer a revolution in loading convenience and efficiency for transport. The ability to automatically lower the loading floor to ground level eliminates the hassle of ramps and tailgates. Less loading length is required, due to the absence of ramps and the risks of driving next to them are eliminated. In addition, air suspension is always tuned to the actual weight, making an air-suspended trailer particularly comfortable to drive.

For extra protection from weather conditions and theft, an enclosed-mounted car trailer offers the best solution. This trailer is covered, protecting the car from the weather and hiding it from view.

What is the right trailer?

Using a trailer for car transport provides a reliable way to move vehicles safely and efficiently from one location to another. By choosing the right trailer and taking the necessary safety measures, you can ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination in perfect condition. In the overview below, we give you tips on choosing the right trailer.

Still have doubts about choosing a trailer? The trailer experts will give you an honest, no-obligation advice.

How to choose the right trailer? Weight capacity of a trailer

It is essential to choose a trailer that is suitable for the weight of the vehicle being transported. Check the maximum permissible weight (MTM) of the trailer and make sure it can carry the weight of the vehicle. For universal car transport, it is advisable to choose as high a payload as possible, as cars are getting heavier due to electrification.

Length and width of the trailer

Make sure the dimensions of the trailer are suitable for your vehicle. Too small a trailer can lead to unsafe situations, while too large a trailer can make it difficult to navigate busy cities and manoeuvre in narrow streets.

Type of load on a trailer

Depending on the type of vehicle you are transporting, you may need to choose a specific type of trailer. For example, for classics or sports cars, an enclosed car trailer may be preferable, while a flatbed trailer may be sufficient for standard cars and transporting a track car may require paying attention to the ramp angle.

Towing vehicle

Check what your car is allowed to tow. This may determine your choice in types of trailers.

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Safety measures when transporting vehicles

  1. Correct Securing: Ensure that the vehicle is firmly secured to the trailer using lashing straps and wheel clamps if necessary. This will prevent the vehicle from moving during transport.
  2. Checking tyre pressure: Check the tyre pressure of both the trailer and the vehicle being transported. This helps to ensure stability and avoid accidents.
  3. Weight distribution: distribute the weight evenly across the trailer to maintain proper balance. Incorrect weight distribution can cause the trailer to sway, which can cause dangerous situations on the road.
  4. Speed: Drive carefully and consider the extra length and weight of the trailer. Avoid abrupt manoeuvres and adjust your speed, especially when cornering and braking.
  5. Lighting and Signalling: Make sure all lighting and signalling on the trailer is working properly, including brake lights, turn signals and reflectors. This is crucial for road safety, especially at night or in bad weather.

Trailer maintenance

Regular trailer maintenance is essential to ensure safe transport conditions. Check the brakes, tyres, lights and fixing points before setting off. Make sure the ramps or tilt systems operate smoothly and are free of rust or other damage.

Using a trailer for car transport provides a reliable way to move vehicles safely and efficiently from one location to another. By choosing the right trailer and taking the necessary safety measures, you can ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination in perfect condition. Whether you are a car enthusiast looking to transport a classic car or a garage owner or dealer who needs to transport multiple vehicles, with the right knowledge and equipment, car transport becomes a simple task.

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