Loading a car onto a car hauler trailer is straightforward once you know the steps — but doing it wrong can damage your vehicle, the trailer, or both. This guide walks you through the process we recommend to every customer who rents our 8.5×20 car hauler in Salem, Oregon.

Before You Start: What You'll Need

A properly rated tow vehicle (check your owner's manual for tow capacity)
The correct hitch ball size (1-7/8", 2", or 2-5/16" — we offer a hitch rental add-on for $10 if you don't have one)
Safety chains
Four wheel tie-down straps (included with every rental)
A second person to guide you (strongly recommended)

Step 1: Position the Trailer on Level Ground

Park your tow vehicle and trailer on flat, level pavement. Engage the parking brake on your tow vehicle. The trailer should be as straight as possible — loading on a slope or at an angle increases the risk of the vehicle sliding sideways.

Step 2: Extend and Secure the Loading Ramps

Our car hauler has built-in fold-down ramps at the rear. Pull them down until they rest flat on the ground. Make sure both ramps are fully extended and locked before driving onto them.

Step 3: Drive the Vehicle onto the Trailer

Drive slowly and straight up the ramps. Keep the vehicle centered on the deck. Once all four wheels are on the trailer, continue forward until the front tires are approximately 12–18 inches from the front of the deck. Turn off the engine, put the vehicle in park (or first gear for a manual), and engage the parking brake.

Step 4: Attach the Wheel Tie-Downs

Hook one strap to the front of each wheel well on the trailer frame, run it over the tire, and ratchet it tight. Repeat for the rear tires. The tire should be compressed slightly — you want firm tension, not a loose strap. All four tie-downs should be equally tensioned.

Step 5: Use the Winch (Optional but Recommended)

If the vehicle is not drivable, use the winch ($5 add-on at checkout) to pull it onto the deck. Attach the winch hook to a solid tow point on the vehicle's frame — never to a bumper cover or plastic trim. Crank the winch slowly and keep a spotter watching the vehicle track straight up the ramps.

Step 6: Final Safety Check

Before driving, walk around the trailer and verify:

All four wheel straps are tight with no slack
The winch cable (if used) is secured and not dragging
The loading ramps are folded up and locked
Safety chains are crossed under the hitch and connected to the tow vehicle
Trailer lights are functioning (brake lights, turn signals)

On the Road

Check your mirrors frequently. The added width and length of a loaded car hauler changes your turning radius significantly. Allow extra stopping distance — a loaded trailer adds substantial weight to your braking system.

Questions before you pick up? Call us at (503) 586-3098. We're happy to walk you through the process in person at our Salem, OR location.

How to Load a Car onto a Car Hauler Trailer (Step-by-Step)