Car hauler

You would be well off to hire an experienced co driver for you first few loads. Car hauling is a pretty unique set of skills. Not hared to learn but can be really expensive to use the trial and error method.

 

Just be aware, auto transport insurance is one of the highest in the transport business. Find out what they are paying for shipping those cars, just because they move alot of cars, doesn't mean they pay alot.

 

It is much different hauling cars than pulling a box. It takes time to learn how to stage your load. It can be more of a challenge if you do pov's. When you have multiple pick ups it can be challenging to find where you need to put the next vehicle to make sure you are not over weight or height. Running west you can often be a little high without having much of a problem, but there are places in New England or the Northeast where you better not be over 13'6". Some manufacturers have certain recommendations on how to properly secure their vehicles to avoid damage. Some have gone to using wheel straps rather than chains. Car haulers typically have several different types of hooks to secure a car. What works on one car may not work on a different brand.

As someone else suggested, it would help if you could get an experienced car hauler to work with you on a few loads to give you a feel of how to properly load the truck. Damage is your enemy. Some car haulers have higher deductibles due to the likelihood of damage and higher premiums for hauling cars. Some insurance companies won't even write insurance to car haulers. A small scratch can cost $1,000 or more.

Another thing that most don't discuss on this type of thread are the hydraulics of a car hauler. It pays to be mechanically inclined. You can blow a hose at any time. I have owned car haulers and used to keep spare hoses and fittings in my trucks. If you blow a hose on a weekend you may find it difficult to get the parts you need. I had the ability to splice a hose if needed to keep me going. Maintenance is also a bit more involved with car haulers. Some of the car hauler trailers can also be a little pricey compared to a van or flat bed. If you do decide to haul cars, I would encourage you to buy a height stick. They cost around $175-200, but are well worth the money. The last thing you need is to hit an over pass. Measuring with a tape is not accurate. You need an actual height stick.

I paid cash for my car haulers, but I am sure that there are leasing companies that will finance a trailer for you. I don't know of any trailer dealers who will rent or lease a car hauler trailer. There are a lot of moving parts. You have a ramp for each car and each ramp will normally have at least 4 hydraulic cylinders to move the ramps. When I owned car haulers it cost about $125 to rebuild each cylinder. I am sure it costs more today.

 

Every body stressed a few loads I would suggest more like 4 to 6 weeks. Like somebody said damage is your enemy. The very first thing I would suggest is use onr of your friends trucks when its empty. Play with the hydulics learn how the decks move and which lever works what deck. Then go do some driving empty. Stinger trailers turn a lot differently than a high 5th wheel. Plus there's no making u turns in a car hauler . The biggest key in hauling cars is taking your time if you rush you will screw something up and it will cost you.

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