What to Confirm on Your Tow Vehicle Before a
Car Hauler Rental
Two things to verify before the rental date. First, the tow vehicle's rated towing capacity needs to cover the combined weight of the car hauler trailer and the vehicle being transported, which typically runs between 5,000 and 8,000 pounds for a standard passenger car haul. Most full-size pickup trucks handle this comfortably, but mid-size trucks and SUVs should be checked against their actual specifications.
Second, the hitch ball size needs to match the trailer's coupler. Car hauler trailers use a 1-7/8 or 2-inch ball depending on the configuration. A mismatched ball size prevents the coupler from seating correctly and is a safety issue that cannot be improvised around at the lot. Confirming both before the rental date avoids delays at pickup.