Car Transporters Types Explained: A Comprehensive Guide
Car transporters play a vital role in the automotive industry by moving vehicles from one location to another. They are available in various types, each designed to cater to different needs and budgets. Some car transporters are designed for specific purposes, such as carrying broken-down or uninsured vehicles locally, while others are built to transport thousands of vehicles across the globe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of specialist car transporters and their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision when buying a car transporter.
Hi, my name is Wojtek, and I have over 15 years of experience working in the vehicle recovery and towing industry, from answering phone calls to working on the roadside. As a recovery vehicle operator, I have dealt with many scenarios,using specialist trucks and equipment and today, I am going to help you understand the difference between the different types of car transporters.
- Single Car Transporter Trucks
Single car transporters trucks are probably the most common way of transporting a car. These trucks are most of the time small 3.5-ton vehicles capable of moving one car on a fixed back platform (AKA Beavertail Trucks). Sometimes thay can also be a covered transporters, where a large SUV or 4×4 tows a covered transporter trailer.
- Advantages
The advantages of a single car transporter are that these trucks are usually small and very handy to operate. Most of the time, a standard B type driving license is sufficient to drive them. They are also significantly cheaper to insure compared to larger 7.5-ton recovery trucks. Also, if you are moving your own car to a racetrack, for example, you are exempt from driving hours regulations and the use of a tachograph. You also won’t need a driver CPC to operate one of them if you’re not doing it for work or reward.
Another advantage of single car transporters is their cost. They are usually cheaper to buy than larger trucks. The reason being there are simply more 3.5t car transporters for sale on the market due to the simple fact that those are also easy to build, and many engineering companies specialize in building them. Therefore, they are readily available for sale. If you are on lookout for a single car trasnporter for sale, make sure to visit our car transporter for sale listing page.
- Disadvantages
As much as they are handy to operate as single car transporters, those small trucks are limited to the weight they can carry, also known as payload. Most of the time, those vehicles would weigh empty at around 2000kg to 2600kg. If they’re only 3.5-ton gross trucks, that only leaves a payload of about 1000 – 1500kg’s, which is not much when considering that most reasonably new vehicles would weigh in at about 1900 to 2200kg’s. In simple terms, loading a car over 1500kg will make the whole process illegal, the insurance will be voided, and possibly a fine and seizure of the transporter, most of the time with the car transported as well.
Another disadvantage of loading a car onto a 3.5-ton transporter is that it requires the use of loading ramps, which can pose a significant danger if not handled properly. In addition to being a manual task, the process of loading a car onto a transporter can result in significant damage to the vehicle if not executed with care.
One of the biggest risks associated with loading ramps is the potential for the car to fall off the ramp during the loading process. This can cause damage to both the car and the transporter and can also result in injury to the user. It is critical that the loading ramps are used correctly, and the user takes all necessary precautions to ensure that the car transporter is not overloaded (Safe to use) and that loading process is executed safely.
If you only need to use a single car transporter once or twice, you can find single car transporters for hire here: single car transporters for hire.
2. Multiple Car Transporters
Multiple car transporters come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small trucks towing multiple car transporter trailers to large articulated trucks capable of moving up to 16 vehicles at once. Additionally, there are car transporter ships that transport thousands of vehicles across the globe.
- Advantages
Multiple car transporters offer several advantages, including their ability to transport multiple vehicles at once, reducing fuel usage, wear and tear, and the overall cost of car transportation for customers. This results in a more efficient and cost-effective way of transporting vehicles.
Another advantage of multiple car transporters is the reduced carbon emissions they produce compared to transporting cars individually. This is a critical factor for businesses that prioritize sustainability and aim to reduce their carbon footprint. To read more on how Tow Republic is committed to reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable future, read our zero emissions statement.
- Disadvantages
Disadvantage of using multiple car transporters is the increased risk of damage to the vehicles being transported. When multiple vehicles are loaded onto a transporter, there is a higher chance of them bumping into each other, causing scratches or dents. Additionally, if the transporter is involved in an accident, multiple vehicles could be damaged at once.
Another disadvantage is that multiple car transporters may not be suitable for transporting oversized or unique vehicles that require specialized equipment or handling. In such cases, a single car transporter may be a better option.
Overall, multiple car transporters can be an efficient and cost-effective option for transporting multiple vehicles. However, the potential risks of damage should be considered when deciding which type of transporter to use.
