Car Trailer FAQ
The full question bank from every section of this guide, plus general buying questions, in one place.
Buying a Car Trailer
See the full guides for detail: ramps & loading, tie-downs, and axle types each cover one part of the buying decision in depth.
Questions & Answers
What size car trailer do I need?
Match deck length and width to the largest vehicle you'll realistically carry, plus tare/GTM rating to trailer tare plus that vehicle's full weight — not just the trailer's empty tare.
Does my car trailer need brakes?
Almost certainly — loaded car trailers (trailer tare plus a full vehicle) exceed 750kg GTM easily, and frequently exceed 2,000kg GTM, requiring all-wheel brakes plus a breakaway system. Full detail in the braking systems guide.
How many tie-down points do I need?
At least four rated structural tie-down points, one near each corner of the loaded vehicle, at a minimum 35° strap angle. Full detail in the tie-downs guide.
Beavertail, fold-out ramps, or tilt deck?
Beavertail and tilt-deck designs give the shallowest approach angle, best for low-clearance vehicles. Fold-out ramps are simpler and lighter but need a steeper approach angle.
Single, tandem or tri-axle?
Tandem is the practical standard for a typical passenger vehicle — better stability and tyre-failure redundancy than single axle. Tri-axle only for heavier or multi-vehicle loads.
Galvanised steel or aluminium?
Galvanised steel for strength and durability under vehicle wheel loads; aluminium for lower tare weight, which directly increases how much of your tow vehicle's capacity is left for the vehicle being carried.
What coupling and safety chains do I need?
A 50mm ball hitch up to 3,500kg loaded ATM, pintle hook to 4,500kg. Safety chains scale from one AS 4177.4-2004 chain up to 2,500kg to two 800 MPa chains above 3,500kg — calculate against full loaded weight, not trailer tare alone.
Are portable loading ramps regulated?
Yes — under the Consumer Goods (Portable Ramps for Vehicles) Safety Standard 2017 and AS 2640:2016, requiring a minimum 1.2:1 base-to-height ratio and roll-back prevention.