Last Updated: October 26, 2026
Quick Summary
A car hauler trailer price ranges from $3,999 to $5,500 for new open trailers and $7,500 to $10,500 for enclosed models, depending on size, axle rating, and construction. Used trailers cost significantly less, with open models ranging $2,200 to $3,800 and enclosed trailers $4,500 to $7,000.
- A 7 x 16 ft open car hauler with tandem axles and slide-out ramps starts around $3,999 for new models.
- Enclosed trailers protect vehicles completely and range from $7,500 to $28,000 new depending on size and features.
- Multi-car and double-deck trailers cost $9,500 to $85,000 new for commercial hauling operations.
Table of Contents
- Car Hauler Trailer Price Range by Type
- Car Hauler Trailer Sizes and Capacities
- Car Hauler Trailer Weights and Ratings Explained
- What Affects Your Total Cost of Ownership
- Used Car Hauler Trailers for Sale: Savings vs. Risk
- Buying a Car Hauler Trailer from a Local Dealer
- Getting the Right Trailer for Your Needs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Car Hauler Trailer Price Range by Type
A car hauler trailer price varies by type, size, construction, and equipment. Browse car haulers for sale in the Louisiana area to see real pricing for different types. Ranges below reflect October 2026 advertised dealer pricing for new trailers; used benchmarks appear separately because condition and maintenance history move the number more than any feature.
Open Car Hauler Trailers
Open trailers are the most affordable entry point, with an open deck and no roof or side walls, ideal for short-distance hauling, fair-weather transport, and budget-conscious buyers.
| Configuration | Typical New Price Range | Typical Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 7 x 16 ft, tandem 3,500 lb axles, slide-out ramps | $3,999-$5,500 | $2,200-$3,800 |
| 7 x 18 ft, tandem 3,500 lb axles, brakes on both axles | $4,800-$6,500 | $2,800-$4,500 |
| 8.5 x 20 ft, tandem 5,200 lb axles, dove tail | $6,200-$8,500 | $3,800-$6,000 |
| 8.5 x 24 ft, tandem 7,000 lb axles, winch plate | $8,000-$11,000 | $5,000-$7,800 |
Open trailers suit budget-conscious buyers and occasional haulers, but cargo sits exposed to rain, dust, and road debris, expensive quickly for classic or high-value vehicles.
Open trailers also weigh less than enclosed models, which matters if your tow vehicle sits near its weight limit, and deliver better fuel economy on long hauls.
Enclosed Car Hauler Trailers
Enclosed trailers protect vehicles completely, making them the choice for high-value cargo and professional transport operations. The premium over open trailers scales with interior height, axle rating, and finish level.
| Configuration | Typical New Price Range | Typical Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 7 x 16 ft, tandem 3,500 lb axles, 6 ft 6 in interior height | $7,500-$10,500 | $4,500-$7,000 |
| 8.5 x 20 ft, tandem 5,200 lb axles, 7 ft interior height | $11,000-$15,500 | $6,500-$10,500 |
| 8.5 x 24 ft, tandem 7,000 lb axles, escape door, finished interior | $15,000-$21,000 | $9,000-$14,500 |
| 8.5 x 28 ft, triple 7,000 lb axles, premium finish | $21,000-$28,000 | $13,000-$19,000 |
The protection justifies the premium: no weather damage, reduced theft risk, and a professional appearance for transport businesses.
Enclosed trailers need more powerful tow vehicles: a 24-foot model can weigh 5,500-6,500 pounds empty, so your truck needs payload and towing capacity for the trailer plus the vehicle inside. Check the trailer's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) against your truck's ratings before buying.
Multi-Car and Double-Deck Trailers
Multi-car haulers transport two to six vehicles per trip depending on configuration, and double-deck trailers stack vehicles vertically to maximize capacity on one footprint. These are commercial-grade units, and pricing reflects it.
| Configuration | Typical New Price Range | Typical Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Two-car open wedge, bumper pull | $9,500-$14,000 | $5,500-$9,000 |
| Two-car open gooseneck | $13,000-$19,000 | $7,500-$12,500 |
| Three-car open gooseneck | $19,000-$28,000 | $11,000-$18,000 |
| Four-to-six-car enclosed double-deck | $45,000-$85,000+ | $28,000-$60,000 |
These trailers command premium pricing because they solve hauling volume: a dealer or transport company billing per vehicle sees per-unit cost drop sharply moving four cars instead of two. The complexity adds cost, gooseneck or wedge designs, specialized ramps, reinforced decks, and they demand experience and proper tow vehicle specs.
When comparing quotes across these three categories, normalize by deck length, axle rating, and included equipment. A $9,000 open trailer with 7,000 lb axles and a winch is not the same product as a $9,000 enclosed trailer with 3,500 lb axles, the like-for-like comparison is what tells you which dealer is actually cheaper.
Prices in this section are advertised dealer prices before tax, title, registration, and delivery fees. Expect those to add several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on your state and distance from the dealer.
Car Hauler Trailer Sizes and Capacities
Car hauler trailer sizes range from compact single-vehicle models to massive multi-car configurations, and size determines how many vehicles you can haul and how much payload capacity remains.
Capacity is about weight as much as space: a trailer that fits two vehicles may only have payload capacity for one if they're heavy, which is where GVWR becomes critical.
Enclosed trailers follow similar patterns with added interior height considerations: 7 x 16 feet for single vehicles, up to 8.5 x 30 feet or longer for multi-car models.
Car Hauler Trailer Weights and Ratings Explained
Understanding car hauler trailer weights and ratings prevents dangerous overloading and helps you match the trailer to your tow vehicle.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum total weight, trailer plus cargo, that's safe to tow. Exceed it and you risk brake failure, tire blowouts, and loss of control.
Payload capacity is GVWR minus empty weight: a 5,000-pound trailer with a 12,000-pound GVWR safely carries 7,000 pounds of vehicles, so two 4,000-pound cars would exceed it with no margin.
Enclosed trailers weigh 1,000-2,000 pounds more than comparable open models thanks to the roof, walls, and reinforced frame, substantially cutting payload capacity.
Always check three numbers: empty weight, GVWR, and axle rating. A trailer rated for 10,000 pounds total but with 5,000-pound axles can't safely carry that full weight, axle capacity is your real limit.
What Affects Your Total Cost of Ownership
The purchase price is only the beginning. True car hauler trailer price includes taxes, registration, insurance, maintenance, tires, storage, and fuel economy impacts over the trailer's life, the line items below separate a realistic budget from a surprise.
One-Time Costs at Purchase
- Sales tax: Most states charge sales tax on trailer purchases, commonly in the 4%-9% range depending on jurisdiction. On a $10,000 trailer that is $400-$900.
- Title and registration: Expect roughly $50-$250 for title, plate, and registration, varying by state and trailer weight class.
- Delivery or pickup: Dealer delivery commonly runs $1-$3 per loaded mile; a 300-mile delivery on a $12,000 trailer can add $300-$900. Picking up in person avoids the fee but adds fuel and time.
- Initial equipment: Tie-down straps, wheel chocks, a spare tire, and a winch (if not included) commonly add $200-$800.
Annual Recurring Costs
| Cost Category | Typical Annual Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $150-$600 | Higher for enclosed and multi-car units; commercial use raises premiums |
| Registration renewal | $30-$150 | Weight-class dependent |
| Storage | $0-$2,400 | $0 if parked at home; $100-$200/month for covered or secured storage |
| Maintenance and inspections | $150-$500 | Bearings, brakes, lights, and fastener checks |
| Tires | $300-$900 every 3-5 years | Amortized to roughly $75-$300 per year |
A cheaper open trailer might save $2,000 upfront but costs more in damage claims and repairs; enclosed trailers protect cargo but burn more fuel and need stronger tow vehicles.
Fuel and Tow-Vehicle Impact
A heavier trailer reduces your truck's fuel economy, commonly by 10%-25% depending on trailer weight, frontal area, and terrain. On a 5,000-mile towing year at 12 mpg solo versus 9 mpg towing, the fuel penalty can run $600-$1,200 at typical prices. Enclosed trailers with tall frontal area sit at the high end of that range; lightweight open trailers sit at the low end.
Tow-vehicle wear counts too: brakes, transmission fluid, and tires wear faster under regular towing, so budget a few hundred dollars a year if you tow frequently.
Financing Changes the Math
Consider financing options to spread payments over time. Flexible financing makes higher-quality equipment accessible without crushing cash flow, and a well-built trailer financed at reasonable rates often costs less per month than repairs and downtime on a budget model. Compare total payments against cash price plus expected repairs; the lower monthly payment isn't always the lower total cost.
A realistic first-year budget on a $10,000 trailer is roughly $11,000-$12,500 once tax, title, delivery, initial equipment, insurance, and maintenance are included. Build that number into your decision, not just the sticker price.
Maintenance varies by construction: steel resists impact but rusts without care, aluminum resists corrosion but dents more easily, and both need regular inspections. Enclosed trailers cost more to insure than open models, and outdoor storage accelerates wear while covered storage extends life at added cost.
Fuel impacts compound: a heavier trailer reduces your truck's MPG, and on long routes a lighter, well-maintained trailer saves fuel costs that offset a higher purchase price over five years.
Used Car Hauler Trailers for Sale: Savings vs. Risk
Used trailers cost less but carry hidden risks. A $2,000 savings disappears fast if you inherit major repairs.
When evaluating used equipment, inspect the frame for cracks or bending, structural damage is expensive and dangerous. Tires and lights often need replacement on older trailers. Learn how to properly inspect used trailers before committing.
The real question: will the previous owner's maintenance history be available?
Used enclosed trailers require extra scrutiny. Water damage inside walls isn't always obvious from outside.
Used multi-car trailers demand professional inspection. The complexity means more can go wrong. Hydraulic systems, specialized ramps, and reinforced decks all wear with use.
New trailers cost more but come with warranty protection and known maintenance history. For commercial operations or high-value cargo, the peace of mind justifies the premium.
Buying a Car Hauler Trailer from a Local Dealer
Buying from a local dealer like True North Trailers and Equipment offers advantages that online-only shopping can't match.
Local dealers maintain inventory you can inspect in person.
Learn why buying trailers from local dealers matters before making your decision.
Service and support matter after the sale. A local dealer provides ongoing maintenance, warranty work, and parts availability.
True North Trailers and Equipment offers competitive pricing, special offers, and flexible financing options tailored to your situation.
Financing through a local dealer typically moves faster than online lenders. You get approved same-day and drive home with your trailer.
Getting the Right Trailer for Your Needs
Selecting the right car hauler trailer depends on your specific use case, tow vehicle capability, and budget constraints.
Start with what you actually haul. Do you transport one vehicle occasionally, or do you move multiple cars regularly?
Next, verify your tow vehicle's capacity. Check your truck's owner manual for maximum towing capacity and hitch rating. A powerful truck can handle larger, heavier trailers.
Consider your storage situation. Enclosed trailers need covered parking to justify their cost. If you park outside, an open trailer's lower maintenance costs make more sense.
Discover which car hauler trailers work best for different use cases.
Budget for the full ownership cost, not just purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a car hauler trailer cost?
Car hauler trailer prices depend on type, size, and capacity. Open trailers typically start lower, while enclosed models and multi-car haulers command higher prices. New trailers cost more than used options. For current pricing on specific configurations, contact True North Trailers and Equipment or visit their website to request a quote based on your exact needs.
What's the difference between open and enclosed car hauler trailer prices?
Enclosed car hauler trailers cost significantly more than open models because they offer weather protection, security, and durability. Open trailers provide a budget-friendly option for basic hauling. The price difference reflects construction complexity, materials, and the added protection enclosed designs provide for high-value vehicles.
Are used car hauler trailers for sale a good value compared to new?
Used car hauler trailers can offer savings, but inspect frame integrity, axle condition, lights, and hitch components carefully. A well-maintained used trailer may serve reliably, but repair costs can add up quickly if you inherit hidden damage. New trailers come with warranties and known condition, which provides peace of mind for business operations.
Why buy a car hauler trailer from a local dealer instead of ordering online?
Local dealers like True North Trailers and Equipment offer immediate inventory access, personalized service to match your specific needs, flexible financing options, and ongoing support if issues arise. You can inspect the trailer in person, get expert advice on sizing and capacity for your vehicles, and establish a relationship with someone who backs their products.
What factors affect car hauler trailer prices most?
Trailer type (open vs. enclosed), size and length, vehicle capacity, construction material (steel vs. aluminum), axle configuration, and included features all drive price. New versus used condition, local availability, and delivery costs also impact the final amount you pay. Financing terms and special offers can reduce your out-of-pocket expense.
Finding the right car hauler trailer requires balancing upfront cost, cargo protection, and long-term reliability. True North Trailers and Equipment helps you navigate these decisions with premium trailers built to last, competitive pricing, special offers, and flexible financing options that fit your budget. Get started with quality equipment you can trust.
