What Is a Car Trailer?
A car trailer is a flat-deck trailer purpose-built to load, carry and restrain a wheeled vehicle — distinct from a general box trailer in its ramp system, tie-down points and deck design.
Definition
Unlike a box trailer, a car trailer has no sides — its deck is designed for a vehicle's wheels to roll directly onto rated tie-down points, with a ramp system (fixed beavertail, fold-out ramps, or a full tilt deck) built specifically for loading a car, not for containing loose material. Deck width, ramp angle and tie-down point placement are the features that actually distinguish one car trailer from another.
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Common Types
- Beavertail trailers — the rear section of the deck angles down to near ground level, reducing the approach angle needed to load a low car without scraping the front bumper or splitter
- Ramp trailers — separate fold-out or removable ramps rather than a sloped deck section, often lighter and cheaper but requiring a steeper approach angle
- Tilt-deck trailers — the entire deck tilts to ground level for loading, then locks flat for transport; particularly suited to very low vehicles
Who Uses a Car Trailer
- Motorsport & track day drivers — transporting a car without adding track kilometres or wear to the road-registered odometer
- Mechanics & panel shops — moving non-running or damaged vehicles
- Car dealers & auction buyers — interstate or local vehicle transport
- Private buyers/sellers — collecting or delivering a car without driving it
What This Guide Covers
- European vs Australian-made — an honest, evidence-based comparison
- Ramps & loading — beavertail, fold-out ramps, tilt decks, approach angle
- Tie-downs & load restraint — securing a vehicle correctly
- Axle types — single, tandem, tri-axle
- Materials — galvanised steel vs aluminium
- Braking systems — VSB1 compliance by weight
- Coupling & towing — hitch types, towball weight, safety chains
- Lighting & electrical
- Signage for business
- Full FAQ
Questions & Answers
What's the difference between a car trailer and a flatbed trailer?
They're closely related — a car trailer is really a flatbed trailer specifically fitted out with vehicle tie-down points and a ramp system suited to rolling a car on and off. A general flatbed may lack rated vehicle tie-down points and an appropriate loading ramp angle.
Do I need a beavertail trailer for a low car?
For genuinely low-clearance vehicles (some sports cars, lowered cars), yes — a beavertail or tilt-deck design significantly reduces the approach angle compared to fold-out ramps alone, cutting the risk of scraping the front bumper or splitter during loading.
Can I use a car trailer to carry anything other than a car?
Yes — utes, small machinery, ride-on mowers and similar wheeled equipment can generally use the same tie-down and ramp system, provided the item's weight and footprint suit the trailer's deck and rated tie-down points.