When it comes to hauling cars, the type of hauler trailer you use is important. Whether you are an auto enthusiast, a dealer, or just need to move a vehicle safely, you should consider whether an enclosed or open car hauler trailer is the best choice for your situation. Both have their positives and negatives, and the correct choice for you will ultimately come down to your own needs, budget, and taste.
What Is an Open Car Hauler?
An open car hauler trailer is a flat, open trailer with no roof or sides. These trailers are a popular choice with many in the industry and are now easily available thanks to their affordability and ease of use in transporting. The open design makes operation easy and quick load capacity easy, especially when loading or unloading standard-sized vehicles.
They are perfect for short and medium distance transport, especially for areas with favourable weather. Car dealerships commonly use them to shuttle vehicles between lots or to customers, and auction houses depend on them for rapid-turnaround transportation. Individuals with personal cars would also prefer open haulers to transport project cars or vehicles bought online.
Pros of Open Car Haulers
One of the main benefits of open car haulers is that they are less expensive. Open trailers tend to be more affordable to buy new than enclosed trailers, and they are also cheaper to maintain. This has made them a sought-after option for the people and businesses that need relatively consistent transport without a significant investment.
Being lightweight also means they exert less pressure on the tow vehicle. Being lighter, they usually burn less fuel and are easier to tow – an important aspect when you plan to take a trip on weekends or for long distances.
Open design for easy load-in and out. Free of walls and ceilings overhead, it’s easier to maneuver vehicles onto the trailer with a drive or winch, even in cramped or awkward places. Moreover the vehicle is open to the view of the driver during transportation, giving him at least partial confidence.
Cons of Open Car Haulers
Although open car hauler trailers have their advantages, they do have their trade-offs as well. Perhaps more importantly, vehicles are entirely exposed during transport. It could be hit by rain, hail, dust, dirt or worse, a bird’s dropping might fall on it, leading to a stained surface or requiring clean after you arrive.
Security is another concern. Open hauler vehicles, unlike those in enclosed trailers, have no side panels, doors with locks, they are just too open and quite easy to steal or vandalize as well, especially during overnight stays and if left behind by truckers. This also means that they are not great for high-end or rare cars.
Transport protection is virtually nonexistent. There’s nothing protecting the car from road debris flying through the air or accidental scrapes, so open car haulers are a bad option for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or anything else that requires extra attention.
Maintenance and Storage Considerations
When choosing between an open or enclosed car hauler trailer, you will need to think about the maintenance and storage needed for your car. These elements can make a big difference in the long term. Open car haulers tend to have less maintenance needs. Since they have fewer parts and lack a covering, there’s less that can wear out or break. Routine maintenance like loading the tires, brakes, and light checks are typically enough to keep an open trailer up and running. It is also more convenient to store an open trailer in limited space, since they are, as a rule, smaller and lighter, and more maneuverable, and easier to park.
Enclosed trailers, on the other hand, demand more frequent maintenance to keep the walls, roof, doors, and locks in good shape. Water leaks, rust, and interior damage can develop if not attended to right away. Plus, being heavier and bigger in size, they take more space to store. The need to purchase a covered storage facility or garage to store the trailer itself to protect it from weather damage is also a long-term cost.
Considering the time, expense, and hassle of storing and maintaining these options will help you come to a better decision, not just about the purchase, but about whether your car hauler trailer will end up being an unnecessary investment of money over an extended period.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between an enclosed and open car hauler trailer is mostly about preference. If you’re budget-conscious, an open care hauler trailer may be the right choice given its affordability and simplicity. If you’re shipping high-value or sensitive cars, a closed trailer offers the most protection. If you’re doing short-range hauling or planning to haul during fair weather, an open trailer may be a better choice.
There is a time and a place for both enclosed and open car hauler trailers. Considering your investment, the type of vehicle you’re transporting, and transport conditions, you can choose a trailer that serves your purpose the best. For many, an open car hauler trailer is the ideal choice for transitioning from functionality to affordability, but if your goal is protection and security, you need to be looking at an enclosed car trailer.