Car Haulers Are Crucial for Gearheads on the Go

Blog Summary

Across Calgary and Western Canada, car enthusiasts, racers, and collectors rely on car hauler trailers to safely transport their vehicles. Whether you are heading to a track day, a car show, a dyno appointment, or relocating a vehicle between garages, having the right trailer setup helps protect your investment and makes every trip more predictable. Instead of rolling the dice with borrowed equipment or ill-suited flatbeds, a purpose-built car hauler gives you control over how your vehicle gets from A to B.

At Factory Outlet Trailers, we have over 25 years of experience helping customers transport vehicles safely and efficiently. We work with individuals and businesses across Western Canada—from weekend track junkies to dealers and specialty shops—supporting everything from occasional car hauling to regular transport needs. This guide explains why car haulers matter, what to look for in open and enclosed designs, and how to choose the right setup. Browse our inventory or contact our team to find the trailer that fits your build and your tow rig.

WHY CAR HAULERS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR VEHICLE TRANSPORT

Transporting a vehicle is very different from hauling general cargo. Cars and trucks have low ground clearance, sensitive underbodies, and higher value than most construction loads, so the margin for error is smaller.

We regularly see issues when the wrong trailer is used:

  • Improper weight distribution leading to sway or poor control at speed
  • Limited tie-down options that leave the vehicle shifting on the deck
  • Damage during loading or unloading due to steep ramps or poor approach angles

Across Western Canada, where towing often involves long distances, changing elevations, and mixed road conditions, these risks increase.

A proper car hauler helps:

  • Keep the vehicle stable and centered during transport
  • Protect the vehicle’s structure and finish with correct ramp angles and deck design
  • Improve towing control through appropriate axle setup and weight balance


OPEN VS ENCLOSED CAR HAULERS


One of the first decisions is choosing between an open and an enclosed car hauler. Both have clear advantages depending on how you use them.

Open Car Haulers

  • Lighter and generally easier to tow with a wider range of trucks
  • More affordable upfront
  • Ideal for regular transport, track days, and shorter trips where exposure is acceptable

Enclosed Car Haulers

  • Protect vehicles from weather, road debris, and prying eyes
  • Provide added security during fuel stops and overnight stays
  • Better suited for high-value, classic, or show vehicles and longer hauls

We help customers across Calgary and Western Canada choose based on how often they haul, how far they go, and what kind of vehicles they are protecting—daily drivers, race cars, or collector-grade builds.
 

FEATURES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE


Not all car haulers are built the same. For gearheads who care about their vehicles and towing manners, certain features deliver real-world benefits.

We recommend looking for:

  • Low-angle ramps or tilt mechanisms for easier loading, especially with lowered cars
  • Multiple tie-down points (D-rings, stake pockets, or track systems) for flexible, secure strap placement
  • Proper axle configuration and GVWR for your vehicle weight and any spares or gear
  • Durable decking and frame construction that can handle repeated use and Canadian roads

Our team works with trailers designed for Canadian towing conditions, so the frames, axles, and brakes are suited to real-world highway and secondary-road use—not just smooth pavement.

What the right features improve:

  • Safer loading and unloading with less risk of scraping or bottoming out
  • Better balance during transport, reducing driver fatigue
  • Reduced risk of damage to both the tow vehicle and the car on the deck
     

MATCHING THE TRAILER TO YOUR VEHICLE


Choosing the right size and capacity is critical for safe, predictable hauling. Over- or under-spec’ing the trailer can cause problems on the road and at the track or show.

You need to consider:

  • Vehicle weight and dimensions, including length, width, and track width
  • Trailer load capacity and GVWR, leaving margin above your vehicle’s curb weight
  • Towing capacity of your vehicle, including hitch rating and payload

We regularly help customers match trailers to their vehicles to avoid common issues like overloading, poor tongue weight, or fenders that interfere with doors.

For example, heavier trucks, muscle cars, or multiple vehicles may require tandem- or triple-axle setups with higher weight ratings and longer decks.

 

REAL-WORLD HAULING CONDITIONS IN WESTERN CANADA


Hauling vehicles across Western Canada comes with unique challenges that go beyond what you see in a spec sheet.

We often see customers dealing with:

  • Long highway distances between cities, events, and tracks
  • Gravel roads and rough access leading to rural shows, shops, or storage
  • Seasonal conditions like rain, dust, crosswinds, and early or late-season frost

Every recommendation we make is based on how trailers perform in these real-world conditions, not just ideal scenarios. That means choosing the right tire ratings, brake packages, and frame designs to match Western Canadian routes.
 

MID-TRIP SAFETY AND CHECKS


Even with the right trailer, ongoing checks are important for safe and stress-free hauling—especially on longer trips.

We recommend:

  • Re-checking tie-down tension after the first 15–30 minutes of your trip
  • Monitoring how the trailer handles at highway speeds and in crosswinds
  • Inspecting straps, chains, and connections at fuel stops or rest breaks

These steps help maintain stability and reduce the risk of issues on the road, while giving you confidence that your car is riding exactly how it should.
 

AREAS WE SERVE


We work with customers across Western Canada, with locations and regional pickup options available to support both individual enthusiasts and businesses that move vehicles regularly.

Our service areas include High River (Showroom / Sales Yard), Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, with additional regional pickup available by appointment in Langley, Kamloops, Kelowna, Fort St. John, Prince George, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.

Whether you are hauling locally to meets or moving vehicles across multiple provinces, we help you find car hauler solutions that fit your cars, your tow rig, and your typical routes.

 

TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH CONFIDENCE


A proper car hauler setup makes a noticeable difference in how safely and efficiently you can transport your vehicle. From better load stability and towing manners to improved protection from damage, the right trailer helps you avoid common issues and keeps your car secure from driveway to paddock and back again.

At Factory Outlet Trailers, we support customers across Calgary and Western Canada with car hauler solutions built for real use. Whether you are transporting a daily driver, a dedicated race car, a classic, or dealer inventory, we can help you find the right configuration.

Not sure which trailer fits your needs? Our team can guide you based on your vehicle type, your hauling frequency, and your travel conditions.

Browse our inventory, explore your options, or contact our team to find the car hauler that keeps your passion projects rolling.

Car Haulers

Factory Outlet Trailers supplies enclosed and open car haulers built for secure transport, long-term durability, and highway stability. Trusted for over 25 years by dealerships, body shops, motorsports teams, and private owners, FOT delivers expert guidance, competitive pricing, and fast availability across 14 locations.

Car Haulers Questions

The right size depends on the dimensions and weight of the vehicle you plan to transport. You need to account for the full length and width of the vehicle, along with any modifications that may affect clearance. It is also important to choose a trailer with a load capacity that exceeds the weight of your vehicle. This ensures safer towing and reduces strain on both the trailer and your tow vehicle. 

An enclosed car hauler is often worth it if you are transporting high-value vehicles such as classic cars, race cars, or show vehicles. It provides protection from weather, road debris, and visibility during transport. However, for regular or lower-value vehicles, an open trailer may be a more practical and cost-effective option. The choice depends on how often you haul and the level of protection you need. 

While it may be possible in some cases, standard trailers are not designed specifically for vehicle transport. Car haulers include features such as proper tie-down points, loading angles, and weight distribution that make them safer and easier to use. Using a purpose-built car hauler reduces the risk of damage and improves overall towing stability, especially over longer distances or varying road conditions. 

More Insights on Car Haulers

GET YOUR TRAILER TODAY

Whether you’re shopping for your first trailer or upgrading to something bigger, we’re here to help. Our team will match you with the right trailer, answer your questions, and make sure you get the best pricing available.

Call (888) 965-6064 or fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you right away and help you secure the trailer you want.

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