A guide to which truck you need for your car

What is the difference between a trailer, a tow truck and a car carrier?

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, it is useful to know the differences:

• A trailer is usually single-axle or double-axle and is attached to a car with a tow bar. It allows a car to be transported using another vehicle as the tractor. It requires proper licensing (B+E) and an adapted towing car.
• A tow truck is an integrated vehicle – a van or truck with a built-in platform for transporting vehicles. It is self-propelled, convenient, and used by both roadside assistance and transport companies.
• A car carrier is a larger set, often multi-level, designed to transport several vehicles simultaneously. It can be open or with an enclosed body. It is used by dealers, logistics companies and when transporting luxury cars or cars from abroad.

Each of these vehicles has its own use, and the choice depends mainly on the type of vehicle you want to transport and the conditions under which it is to be done.

Types of trucks – overview and application

Choosing the right type of truck depends on the type of vehicle to be transported, transport conditions, and expectations for safety and functionality. Here are the most common solutions.

Tow truck with a hydraulic platform

This is one of the most versatile and convenient solutions. Thanks to the lowered platform, it enables easy loading of low-slung cars, which is important especially when transporting sports cars. The hydraulics minimize the risk of damages when using the ramp and increase the comfort of handling.

Open deck car carrier

Mainly used for transporting multiple vehicles, such as transporting cars from auctions, showrooms or fleets. It provides high payload capacity and efficiency for longer routes.

Tow truck with a tarpaulin

When protection from weather conditions or onlookers is crucial (e.g. transporting luxury cars), it makes sense to choose a tow truck with a tarpaulin body. It shields the vehicle from rain, dust and public view, which is why it is also often used for transporting antique vehicles.

Low load trailer

Designed for special tasks, such as transporting a tractor, construction machinery or oversized vehicles. Thanks to its low frame, it provides greater stability and a lower centre of gravity.

Universal trailer

The most common type  – a classic open trailer for transporting one passenger car. It is suitable for occasional use, such as transporting a car after purchase or breakdown, provided that the GVW conditions are met and there is a suitable towing vehicle.

Choosing the right truck for a given type of vehicle

The choice of the right truck should always be based on what you want to transport. There are different requirements for transporting passenger cars than for transporting a tractor or premium cars.

Passenger cars and delivery trucks

A classic trailer or open platform tow truck will be sufficient to transport individual passenger cars or light commercial vehicles. The model with the hydraulic platform is also suitable for everyday use, and makes loading and unloading low-bed vehicles easier.

Sports and luxury vehicles

It’s not worth taking risks with high-value cars, such as premium, sports or antique cars. The best choice will be an enclosed car carrier or transporting vehicles under a tarpaulin, which protects them from scratches, weather conditions and unwanted attention. This method of transportation is the standard in luxury vehicle logistics today.

Tractors and agricultural machinery

In order to transport large, heavy agricultural or construction machinery, it is necessary to have a low-loader trailer with an appropriate payload capacity and a strong structure. Only it will ensure the stability of transport and safe mounting of equipment with unusual dimensions.

A well-chosen truck is not only convenient, but most importantly safe and compliant with the law. In the next section, we’ll take a look at the equipment that is worth having on deck.

Key equipment in trucks: what to pay attention to

Not every truck is appropriate for every situation, the devil lies in the details, i.e. its equipment. Depending on the equipment, it can take 5 minutes or half an hour to load the car, and the process may take place without risk of damage.

If you plan to transport low-slung or sports cars, a hydraulic platform will prove very convenient. Thanks to it, you will avoid the problematic sharp approach angle, and the entire operation will run almost effortlessly. In more universal vehicles, good ramps will suffice – lightweight, aluminum, with a non-slip surface and an appropriately selected length. In turn, with heavier vehicles, e.g. tractors – most important are their strength and width.

It is impossible to ignore the role of the winch, especially when transporting broken cars. An electric or hydraulic version with a large pulling force is standard today and at the same time a huge convenience.

Last but not least, there are the fastening and securing systems. Transport belts, frame holders, wheel chocks – these are the elements that determine safety while driving. It is not worth saving on them.

In short: choosing the right truck

Choosing the right truck should not be accidental. Different types of trucks are used for different tasks – from tow trucks that transport passenger cars, to car carriers for many vehicles, to enclosed car carriers ideal for transporting luxury or sports cars. The key is to match the type of truck and its equipment to the vehicle being transported, its dimensions, value and route conditions.