People in Alberta are independent and used to solving problems on their own. You need to transport a car – you don’t have to call a tow truck and adjust to the schedule, you can rent a trailer and transport a car or similar cargo at your own pace. The only question is how to choose the best one among the variety of car hauler trailers. We tell you how to determine the best one for you, what technical characteristics to pay attention to, and how to safely load and drive a trailer of any format.
Understanding Your Towing Needs
Car transport trailers for the most part look very similar – in fact, it is a platform on wheels, sometimes – a more compact cart on two wheels. The main difference is not immediately noticeable, but it is there, and this is weight, and here are several important aspects.
- First, look at the GVWR indicator for the trailer – this is how many pounds the entire structure can weigh. That is, you usually need to know how much the car you are transporting weighs, and how much the empty trailer itself weighs. Exceeding the GVWR will result in a fine from the Calgary Police Service at best, and an accident on the highway at worst.
- Next, consider the towing capacity of the tractor, how much it can tow. For example, a modern Ford F-150 pickup truck can usually tow from 6,000 to 14,000 pounds depending on the configuration, while a compact SUV will have a much lower towing capacity. In any case, contact us and we will recommend a trailer for your tractor and cargo.
Never load the trailer “to the brim”, leave somewhere around 10–15%, especially for driving through hills or the Rocky Mountains.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Haulers: Which is Right for You?
We offer various car hauler trailers for rent – both open platforms and closed containers, and each option has its own advantages.
- Open Car Haulers are at least cheaper, they are simply an open platform on which it is especially convenient to load a car – you can even winch it from above. This type of trailer is ideal for quick trips within the city or transporting everyday cars, where loading speed is critical. The open design also makes it easy to monitor the condition of the fasteners during stops, which adds confidence to the driver on the road. Additional advantages are a lighter design, due to which you spend less fuel, and an improved view of the road.
- Enclosed Car Haulers are definitely better in terms of safety – you can leave such a trailer in the parking lot and not worry about the car inside. Protection from bad weather is also important, especially in the cold Alberta winters. The closed body reliably protects the paintwork from gravel and road salt, which are inevitable companions of the highways around Calgary. In addition, this ensures complete confidentiality of the cargo, which is especially important when transporting expensive collectibles or auction lots.
All our equipment has a current registration and has been inspected according to Alberta regulations.
Key Features to Look For
The platform itself, on which you will place the car, is good, but there are some elements that facilitate the loading process and make transportation more controlled and safe.
- Loading ramps – make it easier to drive the car, can be extended for sports cars.
- Tie-down points – points to which the belts are attached to fix the vehicle.
- Winch – will come in handy if the car is not moving and cannot drive on the ramp.
- Brake systems – brakes on the trailer axles, which work together with the car brakes, this is useful for transporting heavy loads.
You can also order additional reinforced belts for high-quality fastening and other additional accessories that you may need. If you have any doubts, we will tell you what may be useful to you.
Why Renting a Car Hauler in Calgary Makes Sense
Many Albertans don’t need a trailer very often — sometimes to take their car in for service. And even for those who have some “projects” or transport a sports car to competitions, renting is often more profitable than buying. Buying a trailer is justified only if you use it more often than once a month — then in about 5 years it will pay for itself.
But in most cases it is easier to enter the search query “car hauler trailers near me”, use the trailer for a day or two, return it and forget about it until the next opportunity. When renting, you don’t have to worry about bearing and brake maintenance ($200–$400 per year) and storage, which in Alberta can cost up to $100 per month if you don’t have your own plot.
We work every day, morning and late at night, and if necessary, we can deliver equipment to the desired point — so even if you need a trailer urgently, everything is usually easily organized. In addition, when renting, you can take a small platform once, a two-wheeled cart the next time, and then a closed trailer – clearly tailored to the task.
Safety Tips for Hauling Vehicles in Alberta
Before you hit the Deerfoot Trail or even just drive around town with a trailer for the first time, here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’ve done everything right to ensure a safe trip:
- Hitch: Even if you hooked everything up the night before, double-check that the hitch is locked securely and the safety pins are in place before you leave.
- 60/40 Weight Distribution: The majority of the weight should be on the front axle of the trailer. Always park the vehicle with the engine forward, even if you’re winching.
- Tire Pressure: Triple-check, on the towing vehicle, on the trailer, and on the vehicle being towed. In cold weather in Alberta, tire pressure can drop overnight, so be sure to check before you leave.
- Electrical: Check all lights — sidelights, turn signals, brake lights, and if the trailer has brakes, test the brakes in a safe place.
- Test after 10–15 minutes: Drive a little, drive, turn, stop — nd check the hitch again and see if the straps are holding the car securely.
You need to drive slower when you have a trailer. Your braking distance increases, and you can’t maneuver and change positions as easily. Crosswinds, which are common on the Prairies, can destabilize a trailer, so be especially careful in windy weather.
Where to Find Car Hauler Trailers for Rent in Calgary?
Transporting a trailer is not so difficult even for the first time, if you use quality equipment. Our Hetman Rental service has earned its reputation by supplying fully serviced trailers and popular additional equipment for loading and fixing.
- Modern trailers in good shape, checked after delivery and before delivery, minimize the risk of breakdowns on the road.
- A large selection of models – from Car Tow Dolly to large open platforms or closed containers – allows you to choose the best option from 14 to 24 feet for your needs.
- Convenient booking – contact us to rent a car hauler in Calgary today, we work from morning to late evening. During peak seasons it is better to book in advance, but we will try to find a solution when in some situations the equipment is needed urgently.
We also offer transportation services if you are worried about a valuable car. We will load, fix, and carefully deliver to any point, or take it out to wherever the problem may be.
