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About Car Carrier Semi-Trailers

Car carrier semi-trailers are a common sight on roads all across the country. They are capable of transporting as many as 12 cars at a time, but most commercial vehicle transporters limit their loads to nine or fewer vehicles in order to stay within legal weight limits.

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2026 Cottrell 53 ft Car Carrier Trailer

Most car hauler semi-trailers use a standard fifth-wheel hitch, although you will occasionally find one with a gooseneck hitch. Either way, these trailers are often equipped with one or more hydraulic ramps to load vehicles onto the trailer and to move them to the upper deck. Some trailers’ individual loading positions can be tilted and lifted independently for easier loading and unloading, and in some cases a car carrier is equipped with winches for loading inoperable vehicles.

Open vs. Enclosed Car Carrier Semi-Trailers

As a general rule, car carrier semitrailers fall into one of two subtypes: open (frame body) and enclosed. Each has pros and cons.

The majority of car haulers on the road today are open car carriers because they cost less and can often hold more vehicles due to design flexibility and a lower overall weight. Most frame body car carriers have a double-decker arrangement and adjustable loading positions that allow them to carry a variety of vehicle types. The Cottrell EZ-5307, for example, comes with aluminum decking, loading skids, ladders, and more for a lower overall weight.

Because they are not enclosed, however, open car carriers leave their cargo exposed to the elements during transportation, which may be less than ideal when hauling rare and very expensive vehicles.

Enclosed car carrier semitrailers come with standard rigid sides or curtain sides, and typically hold fewer vehicles than their frame body counterparts, although there are two-level models like those in the Cottrell C lineup that can hold as many as nine vehicles, depending on size and weight. These trailers provide a greater degree of protection from the elements and road debris than an open trailer can, helping to ensure that their precious cargo remains undamaged and clean during transportation.

Where To Buy & Finance Car Carrier Semi-Trailers

Explore TruckPaper.com to find new and used car carrier semi-trailers for sale, including open-air and enclosed models from popular manufacturers such as Boydstun, Cottrell, JJ Trailer, Kaufman, Kentucky, Lohr, Sun Country, Sun Valley, and others.

Have you already decided on a trailer to buy? Explore easy car carrier semi-trailer financing options through CurrencyFinance. The Currency team works with a network of trusted lenders to find truck loans with competitive rates and little or no down payment required.