How to Select a car trailer in Cary North Carolina
Selecting a car trailer in Cary, North Carolina, involves considering factors such as the type of vehicle you’ll be transporting, the trailer’s capacity, durability, and features suited to your specific needs. Cary, located in the Research Triangle area, has a variety of roads and climate conditions that might influence the best choice for your car trailer. Here’s a guide to help you select the right car trailer for your needs:
- Determine the Type of Car Trailer You Need
The first step is to understand what type of car trailer is best suited for transporting your vehicle. The most common types of car trailers are:
- Open Car Trailers: These are the most common type, often used for transporting cars from one location to another. They are typically less expensive than enclosed trailers and are ideal for moving standard vehicles. If you’re hauling a car for short distances or if it doesn’t need to be protected from the elements, an open trailer might be the best choice.
- Best for: Standard cars, trucks, or SUVs that don’t require weather protection.
- Advantages: Lighter weight, lower cost, easier to load and unload.
- Considerations: Exposes your car to weather, debris, and potential damage.
- Enclosed Car Trailers: These trailers offer full protection for the vehicle being transported. They are often used for high-end or classic cars, as well as for long-distance transportation where you want to protect the car from the elements.
- Best for: Classic cars, luxury vehicles, or if you need to store additional tools or equipment alongside the car.
- Advantages: Provides weather protection, security, and can store items along with the car.
- Considerations: Heavier, more expensive, and may be more difficult to maneuver.
- Tilt Trailers: Tilt trailers have a deck that can be tilted to the ground for easier loading and unloading without the need for ramps. These trailers are often used for lower ground clearance vehicles.
- Best for: Low-clearance or lowered vehicles, ease of loading and unloading.
- Advantages: Easier to load without ramps, suitable for low vehicles.
- Considerations: Limited to lower ground clearance vehicles and may have a higher initial cost.
- Car Hauler Trailers (Flatbed): These trailers are often flat and used for transporting multiple vehicles or larger loads. They are ideal for people who need to haul more than one vehicle at a time.
- Best for: Transporting multiple cars or oversized vehicles.
- Advantages: Higher capacity, good for large vehicles or multiple cars.
- Considerations: Larger, heavier, and more expensive.
- Consider the Weight and Size of Your Vehicle
- Weight Capacity: The trailer must be able to safely handle the weight of the car you intend to transport. Most car trailers have weight limits ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 pounds, depending on the type. Be sure to choose a trailer with a higher weight capacity than your car’s total weight to ensure safe towing.
- Tip: Verify your vehicle’s weight (check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s registration) and make sure the trailer can accommodate this weight, plus any additional cargo.
- Dimensions: Measure the length, width, and height of the car you plan to transport. Ensure the trailer you choose has sufficient room for your vehicle’s dimensions.
- Tip: Allow extra space for any accessories, such as spoilers, bike racks, or custom bumpers that could affect the vehicle’s size.
- Towing Capacity and Vehicle Compatibility
- Towing Vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is capable of safely towing the car trailer. Check the towing capacity of your towing vehicle, including the maximum tongue weight (the weight of the trailer’s tongue on your hitch) and the total weight your vehicle can pull.
- Tip: If you are unsure of your vehicle’s towing capacity, consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for details. You may need to install a specific hitch or towing system to handle the load.
- Hitch Type: Choose a trailer with the appropriate hitch that fits your towing vehicle. The most common hitch types for car trailers include:
- Ball Hitch: Common on smaller trailers, good for vehicles that don’t need heavy-duty towing.
- Gooseneck or Fifth-Wheel Hitch: These hitches are found on larger, heavier trailers and offer more stability for heavy loads.
- Trailer Axles and Suspension
- Axles: Trailers typically come with single or tandem axles. Tandem-axle trailers distribute the weight more evenly and offer better stability, especially when hauling larger vehicles.
- Single Axle: Works for lighter, smaller cars.
- Dual Axles: Better for heavier or multiple vehicles, as they provide greater load capacity and stability.
- Suspension: Consider the trailer’s suspension system. Trailers with spring suspension tend to be more economical, while torsion suspension offers smoother and quieter towing, which can be important when transporting a high-value vehicle.
- Safety Features
Safety is a critical aspect of choosing a car trailer:
- Brakes: Trailers that exceed 3,000 pounds generally require brakes in North Carolina. Many car trailers include electric brakes, which can be controlled by the towing vehicle.
- Lights and Wiring: Ensure the trailer is equipped with functional lighting and wiring for turn signals, brake lights, and running lights, as required by law.
- Tie-Downs: Look for a trailer with secure points for tying down the vehicle. This will prevent any movement during transportation. Most car trailers have built-in D-rings or tie-down rails to secure the car.
- Ramps or Loading Features: Depending on the type of trailer, check if it includes built-in ramps or a tilt system to make loading and unloading easier and safer.
- Trailer Material
- Steel Trailers: Steel is a more durable and affordable option, though it can be prone to rust, especially in humid climates like Cary. If you go with a steel trailer, consider options with a powder-coated finish to help prevent rusting.
- Aluminum Trailers: Aluminum trailers are lighter and more resistant to rust, making them a good choice for the humid North Carolina climate. However, they tend to be more expensive than steel options.
- Trailer Features
- Decking: For car trailers, the flooring is usually either wood, steel, or aluminum. Steel floors are durable and great for heavy-duty use, while wood floors are less expensive and offer a better grip for tires.
- Weather Protection: If you opt for an enclosed trailer, ensure that it’s well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up and potential damage to your vehicle.
- Budget and Financing Options
- Price: Car trailers come in a wide range of prices, depending on size, features, and material. Set a budget and ensure that the trailer you choose meets your needs without overspending.
- Financing: If the upfront cost of the trailer is a concern, check with local dealers in Cary for financing options or leasing plans to make your purchase more affordable.
- Research Local Dealers and Reviews
- Local Dealerships: Look for reputable trailer dealers in Cary or the Raleigh area that offer a selection of car trailers. Dealers may also offer warranties and after-sales services, which can be valuable.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Check online reviews or ask other local businesses for recommendations on trailers. Local reviews can provide insight into the reliability of the trailer and the customer service of the dealer.
- Inspect the Trailer
- New vs. Used: Whether you choose a new or used trailer, always inspect it for any signs of wear, rust, or structural damage. Test the brakes, lights, and hitch connections.
- Test Tow: If possible, take the trailer for a test tow to ensure it’s stable and that your vehicle can safely handle the load.
Selecting the right car trailer in Cary, NC, involves assessing the type of vehicle you need to transport, your towing vehicle’s capacity, and specific trailer features. Whether you choose an open or enclosed trailer, consider the weight, safety features, material, and local climate. By carefully evaluating your needs and doing some research, you can ensure that you select the perfect car trailer for your business or personal use in Cary, NC.
When you need the very best trailer and only want 5 star customer service come visit us at East Coast Trailer Sales. We are the triangle’s premier trail sales specialist. We can help you select the perfect trailer for your needs and get you on the road quickly. To learn more visit us online at https://www.eastcoastsales.com/ or check out our social media at https://www.facebook.com/eastcoastsalesraleigh . To browse our inventory, please visit https://www.eastcoastsales.com/inventory/ .
To speak to an expert call us at (919) 661-1045 today.