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Article Summary
- Open trailer transport is the most common & affordable choice to transport a vehicle
- Open Car Carriers are suitable for the transport of various types of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks
- Open Car Haulers are the best option for vehicle transport, helping protect the environment.
- Compare the biggest difference between Open Car Transport & Enclosed Car Transport
All You Need to Know About Open Trailers
What is an Open Trailer?
These trailers are designed with ramps or a tilting deck, making loading and unloading vehicles easy. Open trailers are available in different sizes and weight capacities to accommodate various vehicles and can be used for personal and commercial purposes.
While open trailers do not offer the same level of protection from weather and road debris as enclosed trailers, they are the most efficient and economical solution for transporting vehicles over medium to long distances. Car dealerships and consumers commonly use them to move their vehicles across the town or state. If you need to transport your vehicle and don’t want to spend much money, an open trailer might be a perfect choice. Its ease of use and affordable pricing make it a reliable way to move your vehicle without breaking the bank.
When to use an Open Trailer to transport a vehicle
Open trailers are versatile and can accommodate various types of vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, and SUVs. The design of an open trailer allows for flexibility in loading and unloading vehicles of different sizes and shapes. However, it’s essential to ensure that the vehicle’s weight and dimensions are within the trailer’s capacity to prevent damage or accidents during transportation. If you are transporting a non-factory condition vehicle, such as a customized or modified one, it is crucial to inform your broker. This information will help ensure that the vehicle is handled and transported appropriately.
Vehicle Shipping Sizing Chart
| Vehicle Type | Open Trailer
$
|
Enclosed Trailer
$$
|
Flatbed
$$$$
|
| Car | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SUV | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Minivan | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Full-sized Van | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pickup Truck | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Motorcycle | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Boat* | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ |
| RV* | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ |
| Bus | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ |
*Most common Shipping option for Boats & RVs is Power Only/ Hauling / Pull-Away
Helpful Articles:
How to Ship Motorcycle
How to Ship RV or Bus
How to Ship Boat
How to Ship Oversized
Environmentally Friendly
Compared to driving your vehicle yourself, using an open trailer for transportation has environmental benefits. Transporting your vehicle on an open trailer reduces fuel consumed and greenhouse gas emissions released, as driving a car for long distances contributes to air pollution. Open trailers help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
Another reason open trailers are environmentally friendly is that they are lighter than enclosed trailers. That means they require less fuel to tow, reducing greenhouse gas emissions released into the environment. Open trailers have an open design that allows for better airflow during transportation, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. Better ventilation also prevents heat buildup and reduces the risk of damage to the transported vehicles. Overall, open trailers are a more sustainable option for vehicle transport, helping protect the environment.
Difference Between Open & Enclosed Shipping
Regarding shipping your car, there are two main options; open and enclosed trailers. Open trailer transport is the more affordable option and is the most common choice for consumers. This option also allows for more flexibility in scheduling pickup and delivery times. On the other hand, enclosed shipping provides higher security and protection from weather conditions during transport. Enclosed trailers typically have higher insurance coverage due to the added protection they provide for your vehicle. While this option may be more expensive, it can give you peace of mind knowing that your car is being transported in a secure and protected environment.
Open Trailer
More Affordable
- Most Common Choice
- Flexible Pickup Options
Enclosed Trailer
More Secure
- Weather Protection
- Higher Insurance Coverage
