Tow Vehicle Capacity and Hitch Requirements for
Car Hauler Rentals
A loaded car hauler carrying a standard passenger vehicle typically weighs between 5,000 and 8,000 pounds combined depending on the trailer and the vehicle being transported. That total requires a tow vehicle rated above the combined weight, and most full-size pickup trucks handle this range comfortably. Mid-size trucks and body-on-frame SUVs need to be checked against their specific towing ratings rather than assumed to be capable based on vehicle class alone.
Hitch ball size is a separate requirement. Car hauler trailers use a 1-7/8-inch or 2-inch ball in most configurations. The tow vehicle needs to have the correct ball size installed before rental pickup. A mismatched ball size prevents the coupler from seating correctly, which is a safety issue with no workaround. Confirming both towing capacity and hitch ball size before arriving at Big Rentals in Garland keeps the rental on schedule.