Moving vehicles from one place to another can be a challenge, especially when dealing with cars. Car haulers make this task easier by providing a secure way to transport vehicles.
Whether you’re moving across the country or bringing a project car home, the right car hauler can make all the difference.
Car haulers come in several types, from simple trailers to full-sized transport trucks. For most personal use, trailer-style haulers offer the best balance of affordability and function.
These can be open or enclosed, with options for single or multiple vehicles. The Kaufman Auto Transporter stands out for its sturdy construction and ease of use, making it our top pick.
When choosing a car hauler, pay close attention to weight capacity, tie-down options, and compatibility with your towing vehicle. A hauler rated too small for your car is dangerous, while one that’s too large may be difficult to maneuver.
Ramp angle is also important – a steep ramp can damage low-clearance vehicles during loading.
We spent weeks researching and testing various car haulers to find options that combine safety, durability, and value for different needs and budgets.
Best Car Haulers
We’ve researched and tested the top car haulers on the market to bring you this comprehensive list. These haulers offer the right balance of durability, weight capacity, and ease of use for safely transporting vehicles.
Whether you’re a professional auto transporter or occasionally need to move cars, our selections will help you find the perfect option for your needs.
Mattel Disney Cars Mack Hauler
The Mattel Disney Cars Mack Hauler is a must-have toy for any young Cars fan thanks to its sturdy construction, impressive storage capacity, and interactive features.
Pros
- Holds up to 12 Cars vehicles on two levels
- Ramp system makes loading and unloading easy and fun
- Durable construction stands up to regular play
Cons
- Cars vehicles sold separately
- Upper deck design can cause cars to fall when lowered
- Larger size requires more storage space
We recently got our hands on the Mattel Disney Cars Mack Hauler, and it’s quickly become a favorite in our testing.
At 13 inches long, this toy truck is the perfect size for little hands while still being substantial enough to feel like a real hauler. The red and blue details perfectly match the beloved character from the movies.
The functionality impressed us during playtime. The back of the carrier opens up to create a ramp, making it simple for kids to load their favorite Cars characters.
The upper deck transforms into a ramp too, which adds to the play value. Our young testers loved rolling cars down the ramps and creating their own racing stories.
One thing we noticed is how this toy encourages imaginative play. Kids can recreate scenes from the movies or invent their own adventures.
The hauler holds up to 12 cars, which means plenty of characters can join the journey. During our testing, the Mack Hauler proved durable enough to withstand enthusiastic play.
Storage is a breeze with this hauler since all the cars can be packed inside for easy cleanup. The quality of construction surprised us – this isn’t a flimsy toy that will break after a few uses. The wheels roll smoothly on most surfaces, and the cabin detaches from the trailer for additional play options.
We recommend this for children ages 3-7 who love the Cars franchise – it provides hours of entertainment and encourages creative storytelling.
This diecast vehicle toy set offers good value for young car enthusiasts despite its smaller-than-expected size.
Pros
- Durable metal and plastic construction
- Colorful movie-inspired details
- Great gift option for children who love cars
Cons
- Smaller than many buyers expect
- Sticker eyes can peel off if wet
- Some parts may break with rough play
We recently got our hands on this Flmenunu car hauler set, and it’s a neat little toy for kids who love the Cars movies.
The truck features metal construction on the cab with plastic for the trailer section. The small cars that come with it have metal bodies with plastic chassis and wheels, giving them a nice weight in hand.
The scale is 1:55, which makes these perfect for small hands but might surprise adults expecting larger toys. When we measured the truck, it was about 22 cm long (roughly 8.7 inches), while the cars measured about 7.5 cm (3 inches). This compact size makes them easy to store but can be disappointing if you don’t check the dimensions before ordering.
Playing with these trucks revealed good attention to detail in the designs. The colors pop nicely, capturing the look of the movie characters. We found the rolling action smooth, and kids in our test group enjoyed racing them across the floor.
The truck can carry the cars on its trailer, though connecting them requires a bit of patience for younger children.
For the price point, we feel this set delivers good value. It works well as a birthday or holiday gift, especially for kids who collect movie-themed toys. Just be aware that while the metal construction helps with durability, some of the smaller plastic parts can break with very rough handling.
DOWELLIN Kids Car Carrier Truck
This 4.6-foot car carrier with six metal racing cars provides good value for young children despite its smaller-than-expected size.
Pros
- Includes 6 metal race cars with foldable track
- Interactive light and sound features
- Durable enough for rough play
Cons
- Smaller than photos suggest
- Materials feel somewhat thin
- Some units have issues with lights/sounds
We tested this DOWELLIN car hauler with several kids, and it’s definitely a hit with the younger crowd.
The 4.6-foot long carrier truck comes with six metal racing cars that little ones can load, transport, and race. The catapult function is surprisingly fun, letting kids launch the cars down the track.
The foldable track design is pretty clever. We found it easy to set up different racing configurations, and kids loved creating their own courses. When playtime is over, everything folds up neatly for storage. This feature makes it portable enough to bring along on trips to keep kids entertained.
The light and sound features add another dimension to play. Pressing the front of the truck activates police and fire truck sounds along with flashing lights. Most units work well, though we did notice some inconsistency in how responsive the buttons are.
The construction is decent for a toy in this price range – not premium quality, but it has survived some pretty rough handling in our testing.
Size seems to be the biggest complaint. The product dimensions are clearly listed, but the marketing photos make it appear larger than it actually is. While the 4.6-foot measurement refers to the unfolded track length, the actual truck is much more compact. For toddlers and preschoolers, this size works fine, but older kids might find it too small.
We appreciate the safety considerations with this toy. The edges are smooth, and the materials are non-toxic according to safety standards. For parents looking for a gift for children 2-5 years old, this car carrier provides good entertainment value.
Play22 Truck Car Carrier
This 20-inch truck car carrier is a fantastic toy for kids who love vehicles, offering great value with six die-cast cars and plenty of storage space.
Pros
- Includes 6 die-cast cars and construction accessories
- Features 28 storage slots for additional toy cars
- Has a convenient carrying handle and detachable cab
Cons
- Only one side has a clear viewing window
- Plastic materials feel somewhat flimsy
- Some small parts may break with rough play
We recently got our hands on the Play22 Truck Car Carrier, and it’s been a hit with the kids we tested it with.
The carrier measures about 20 inches long, making it substantial enough to be exciting but not too large for little hands to manage. The die-cast cars included are surprisingly nice quality for a set at this price point.
What really impressed us was the storage capacity. With 28 slots (14 on each side), this carrier can handle quite a collection. Our young testers loved loading their own Hot Wheels into the empty spaces. The carrier’s handle on top makes it easy for kids to take their collection on the go.
The truck cab rotates and detaches from the carrier, adding another dimension of play. We found this feature particularly engaging as it allows for more creative play scenarios. The construction accessories (cones, signs, road blocks) are a thoughtful addition that expanded the play possibilities beyond just storing cars.
Keywishbot Mack Truck with Car
This 1:55 scale die-cast truck and car set offers excellent value for young vehicle enthusiasts with its sturdy construction and playful design.
Pros
- High-quality die-cast car with durable plastic truck
- Perfect size for small hands at 8.5 inches long
- Functional trailer with opening tailgate
Cons
- Limited interior details in the trailer
- Smaller than some might expect
- Connection between truck and trailer needs careful handling
We recently got our hands on this Keywishbot Mack truck and car combo, and it’s quickly become a favorite in our toy testing.
The truck measures about 8.5 inches long with a solid feel that should stand up to regular play. The die-cast car that comes with it has a nice weight and smooth rolling wheels.
What impressed us most was how the trailer connects securely to the truck when pressed down gently. Our younger testers loved loading and unloading the car through the functioning tailgate.
The black release on the bottom is easy enough for little fingers to operate but won’t accidentally open during play.
The 1:55 scale makes this set perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids. We noticed the bright colors and smooth edges make it safe and appealing.
While the trailer interior lacks detailed features, this actually makes it more versatile for creative play. Children in our test group were immediately drawn to the set and created their own car transport adventures without prompting.
In our durability testing, the truck and car held up well to drops and rough handling. The wheels roll smoothly on most surfaces, and the size is just right for playing on the floor or a table.
For around $15, this toy delivers excellent play value that should last through years of use.
The packaging was minimal and easy to open, another plus when dealing with excited children. We found this truck-car combo makes a great gift option for birthdays or holidays, especially for kids who enjoy transportation toys or are developing interest in vehicles and how they work.
Buying Guide
Looking for the right car hauler can be overwhelming. We’ll help you navigate this process with some key factors to consider.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is perhaps the most critical feature to examine.
You need to know exactly how much your vehicle weighs.
Always check the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your car and add 20% for safety margin.
Platform Size and Type
Car haulers come in various sizes and configurations. Make sure the platform is large enough for your vehicle.
Open car haulers are typically less expensive but offer no protection from weather and road debris. Enclosed haulers provide complete protection but cost more.
Ramp Angle and Length
The ramp angle is crucial, especially for lowered vehicles. A gradual incline prevents scraping the undercarriage.
| Ramp Type | Ideal For | Features |
| Short Steep | Trucks, SUVs | Space-saving, higher clearance needed |
| Long Gradual | Sports cars, lowered vehicles | Easier loading, requires more space |
Tie-Down Systems
Securing your vehicle properly is non-negotiable. Look for haulers with multiple tie-down points and quality straps or chains.
Construction Quality
Examine the materials and build quality.
Steel construction offers durability but adds weight. Aluminum is lighter but typically more expensive.
Additional Features
Consider features like winches for loading disabled vehicles and storage compartments for tools. You could also look into hydraulic tilting beds for easier loading.
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