Car Hauler Trailers — New Trailer Plans

Where do you get plans for true, tough, Car Hauler trailers & Equipment trailers?  After a ton of market and product study, we are stepping in and stepping up.  Our niche is engineering better plans for DIY, so read on to learn about our approach to Equipment Transport and Car Hauler Trailers.  This is how we think in design.

In the tradition of Mechanical Elements, we have expanded our trailer plans categories to include a Car Hauler Trailer Plans Section of the ME Plans Store.

Thinking Car Hauler Trailers

For a long time we have looked at various car hauler trailers to see what is around.  There are good ideas everywhere, then there are some head slappers too.  For several reasons, recently I have been keen on Car Hauler trailers / Equipment Transport trailers.

To answer your requests, I have modeled some existing trailers and found many will not adequately do what they say.  –  Well, at least not to the level of safety I am willing to pull with a full load.  That is a quandry.

Can I do better?  No question, but you can decide.  Read below to understand our master plan for car hauler trailers / equipment transport trailers.

So, there is the motivation.  Now, the execution.

Trailer Specifications:

When starting a new project, we like to know where we are going.  Planning.  So, here is our map, or specification.  What is on your list for a dream Car Hauler Trailer?

First, the overall style.  Because of the length, tandem axle suspension seems most appropriate.  Beyond that, there seems to be 2 camps, each with 2 camps for Car Hauler Trailers.

And, we can subdivide some of these – for instance, Gravity Tilt and Power Tilt, but we will leave it here for now.

From my point of view, these all have advantages, and purposes, so there is no reason to say one is better.  Well, that means we will eventually need to develop several different trailers.

What are the Implications?

1.  A typical car hauler deck is wide enough for most vehicles to fit between the trailer wheels.  That means most decks do not need to extend wider than the main frame beams.  Within the legal limits, that means a 6′ 10″ wide main deck.  However, with low vehicles, fixed fenders can cause door opening issues.  So, that is a good reason for removable fenders.

2. For wide vehicles, driving over the fenders offers simplicity.  You just drive on, and over the fenders, which is great for higher clearance vehicles.  While that is fun to consider, it really means if the vehicle are wide enough to hit both fenders, they probably need more deck.  So, for Drive-Over fenders, the fore and aft deck should be wider than just the area between the main rails.

3. Interestingly, the above items apply to both Fixed Deck trailers and to the Tilt Top Decks.

4. Ramps are frequently part of the Fixed Deck system for loading.  On the other hand, with Tilt Deck trailers ramps are usually not needed.

5. Structure required for Tilt Decks is quite a bit more involved than for a Fixed Deck.  That means a Fixed Deck trailer can weigh less for the same total trailer capacity.

Trailer Size

Next are the questions of both size and capacity.  Let’s start with size.

Most car hauler trailers are max width, meaning deck width between the wheels is around 82″ (aka 6′ 10″).  When you add wheels, tires and fenders, the trailer width is 8.5′ (aka 102″), which is the max size for most places without a permit.  And, it works for most vehicles.

Length is a different story.  Car hauler trailers range from about 12′ long to over 24′.  Some equipment transport trailers are longer, but very few vehicles exceed a length that will not fit on a 24′ trailer.  (We will side-step the multi-car trailers for the moment.)

What is the right length?  16′ is the most common, but the 18′ market seems to be growing fastest at the moment.  20′ is also very common.  So, our trailer plans will start with 20′ (giving an option for 19′ or 18′), then move from there depending on customer feedback.

Load Capacity

A 7000 lb capacity trailer will carry most cars.  Not so good for trucks or larger SUVs, and usually inadequate for equipment.  7000 lbs is quite popular.

The next capacity step up is 10,400 lbs.  That makes the trailer a little heavier, but it is sufficient for most cars, trucks and SUVs.

We can say the same for 12,000 lb capacity car hauler trailers.  While 12,000 lb trailers are not as common, it is a great capacity for many needs, and especially for equipment transport.

Then, we jump to 14,000 lb and 16,000 lb trailers.  Very few passenger vehicles need this capacity, so these big boys are normally for equipment transport.  These trailers are heavier, and often longer to give space for equipment implements, and/or worksite supplies.

So, what capacity should we choose?  We can start in the middle.  Our first car hauler trailer is a practical 10,400 lb capacity.  Then, we will listen to your input for where we go next.  Let us know in the comments or contact form.

Material

A low profile makes sense for most car hauler trailers.  That means lower profile beams.  Most 10K car haulers have 5″ C-Channel to get a low-ish profile, but that is not quite strong enough for our standards in this capacity.

For the first trailer, we use the same 5″ tall beams for a low deck height, but . . . How do we balance height with strength?  We choose a mixed approach with I-Beam construction.  I-Beams offer an excellent strength to height to weight ratio, so the trailer is very robust.

To help understand the need for robustness, here is an animation of the I-Beam frame in 3 conditions.  With an evenly distributed load, then yes, the I-Beam design is a little much.  However, with a long vehicle on it, like the F-150 of our previous post, I-Beam strength is a very good thing.

A really interesting point is the load position.  Moving the truck forward 18″ changes the stress quite a bit.  Since very few people place a car (or truck or equipment) based on actual tongue weight, to me, that means the trailer must handle a bunch of non-optimum positions.  So, we will make it strong and the trailer will do what YOU say, not what some engineer at the factory HOPES you do.

So those are the primary thoughts in designing for Car Hauler Trailers.  Next, there are a ton of possible options, so we will look at those.

Options For Car Hauler Trailers

Since there are a bunch, I will not dwell long on any one.

1. Axles.  Choose axles to share the load.  Options include Straight or Drop, Spring types (eye-eye, or slippers), Overslung or Underslung springs, Brake types, Hub styles, Bolt Patterns, Camber or not.  Axle Capacity sets the load rating of the trailer.
2. Frame materials.  We spoke about it above, yet in some of our plans we offer a choice for total capacity – like and option to build the trailer at 10K or 12K as an example.  The option means some of the frame materials change to accomodate the heavier load.
3. Decking style and deck material – These are all options. – Plank Deck (Full or Split);  Sheet (Plywood or Metal).  The images show these options.
4. Ramps we mention above, but where do they store?  Some store in the center of the deck.  Some store by sliding-in under the deck.  Still others have a rack on the side.  No need to limit it, choose what you want.
5. Tie-Down Anchor Points are important for Car Hauler Trailers.  In my opinion, we need many, so our plans have tie-points covered.
6. Dovetail.  Some people like them, some people do not, so, we give it a nod in the plans.  However, the prime design is a flat deck.
7. A Front Rail is an option.
8. Many component choices and options are available.
   1. Hitch styles – you choose, of course, and we explain.
   2. Jacks – Plans show some common options and give structure to mount them – for the tongue, and for rear loading.
   3.  Toolbox – Choose one or not.
   4. Winch – Your choice.  Add one permanent, or removable (so it is not in the weather and not a theft temptation).  Options are in the plans.
9. An electrical wiring diagram – with options for various electrical needs – included.

Car Hauler Trailers & Equipment Transport Plans

All the above are the essence of what our new car hauler trailers / equipment transport trailers are about.  Of course, there is a lot more in the details.  If you like our thinking, then let us know.  If you think we have fallen off our rockers, let us know that too.

The first of our Car trailers in the plans store fit squarely in Box A in the table above.  A 20′ 10K Fixed Deck with the option for removable fenders, then the slightly higher capacity 18.5′ 12K Fixed Deck for higher capacity in a similar design.  Do you want something even farther up the Heavy Duty scale?  How about a 14,000 lb. version of the 20′ trailer.  Or, build it with the option for 16,000 lbs. capacity.  Or at 24′ Length!

What About Box C?

We also have car hauler trailers in Box C of the table above.  Similar in size and strength, this 18.5′ 12K Car Hauler has Drive-Over fenders is for the wide stance Vehicles like built 4×4’s, buggies, and dualies.  Drive right up and over the fenders.

We also have a straight axle version as a 12K Hauler with Drive-Over fenders, which has 4″ more ground clearance.  Obviously, the deck is higher, but sometimes that is what you need.  Both trailers also have a 10K option if you want drive-over fenders, but don’t have the need for a full 12K capacity.

All of these trailers have many of the above options to choose from, and/or to customize.

Now Gravity Tilt For Box B

Update 2025.  We have introduced Gravity Tilt to our line of Car Hauler Trailers.  These fit squarely in Box B in the table above.  We have had many requests, so we start with a 7×21 Gravity Tilt with your choice of 10,400 lbs or 12,000 lbs capacity.  21 foot length may seem a little weird, but if you read much on this website you know that we do not follow the lemmings.  We design for function.

We design based on the engineering.  It turns out that this car hauler trailers at just a little over 21 ft meets the engineering sweet spot.  So, if you were thinking about a 20′ trailer, the extra 12+ inches will make your jobs that much more pleasant.

For a little more capacity, check out our 7′ x 24′ – HD Gravity Tilt Car Trailer / Equipment Trailer Plans – 14K or 16K.  This is our heavy duty Gravity Tilt made to haul your equipment and extras.  Plus, this trailer has a longer, 18′ tilt deck, so you can have a shallower angle for driving up.

Both of these gravity tilt car hauler trailers include a static “mini deck” at the front.  The plans also include a bunch of the engineering data so you can make choices about safe use of the trailer.

Please have a look and let us know what you think.  Tell us what you are looking for in car hauler trailers – and equipment transport trailers?  We will consider it in our future planning.  Thank you.

What Makes Our Car Hauler Trailer Plans Different?

First, our plans have Full Engineering.  We are not a weld shop with AutoCAD.  Nor a trailer parts store looking to sell more parts.  We are first, an Engineering Company with a ton of experience in product design and development.  Because Engineering is our primary business, project plans from Mechanical Elements are Top-of-the-Line.

Second, the plans come from an engineer that loves DIY and building in the shop too.  Sure, engineers often have the reputation of a nerd sitting in a cubical wondering what happens to the design once it leaves the desk, but not here.  I build much of what I design, which includes literally hundreds of products from toys to medical tech, from simple tools to precision robotic machines.  Fine precision parts, then hard-core industrial components.  — And, our trailer plans include bits of all I have learned.  Want to see?  Check out the Big Slide Show.

Third, we offer more.  Our plans are more complete with more options, better instructions, and more information.  Of course, plans include a Bill of Materials, a cut list, components list, etc.  And, when needed, the CAD files for the special parts.  But, it is not just the plans and documentation.  The end product is stronger, more capable, and offers greater function.  The goal is to give you the best in DIY Trailer Plans.

These are the things that make our trailer plans different, and better.  Good luck with your Car Hauler Trailers!

Have a Wonderful Day, and Thank You for reading.