It takes work to transport a vehicle across a long distance. If you're relocating, moving for business, buying a car from another state, or just trying to save yourself a long road trip, it's critical to find a safe, reliable, and cost-effective car towing method. Sometimes, it's okay to simply tow a car yourself or with the help of a tow truck company. Other times, shipping a car with a professional auto transport company is much more effective and secure.
This guide will explore various car tow methods over long distances, from DIY towing options like dollies and flatbed trailers to hiring a professional car transport company.
Understanding Your Long-Distance Towing Options
Each method of towing a car has its own unique benefits and costs. It pays to understand your options and make informed decisions aligning with your needs and budget. The more you know about car towing techniques, the better off you'll be.
Tow Dollies
A tow dolly is a two-wheel trailer that lifts the front wheels of your car off the ground, leaving the rear wheels to roll along the road. You can rent a tow dolly for a few hours for less than $100 or buy one for a few hundred dollars, making it one of the most accessible and affordable options for towing a car.
Pros:
· Generally the cheapest DIY towing method, at least initially.
· Simple to rent from companies like U-Haul.
· Compact and simple to store when not in use.
Cons:
· Causes wear and tear on the rear tires.
· Not suitable for all vehicles, such as those with all-wheel drive (AWD) or low ground clearance.
· Requires a towing vehicle with adequate capacity and the correct hitch setup.
· Limited to short-to-medium distances due to the potential of drivetrain damage.
· Requires gas for the towing vehicle.
Flatbed Trailers
A flatbed trailer is a four-wheel platform that lifts your entire car off the ground. It offers more protection than a tow dolly because it holds both the front and the rear wheels. A flatbed also increases stability during car transport.
Pros:
· Eliminates wear and tear on tires and drivetrain.
· Suitable for all vehicle types, including luxury cars, AWD models, and classic vehicles.
· Less potential damage than a tow dolly, especially over long distances.
Cons:
· Rentals often cost several hundred dollars to over a thousand for longer distances.
· You'll need a towing vehicle with the horsepower and frame to support the weight of your car and the flatbed trailer.
· It's hard to maneuver a flatbed trailer if you're not used to it, especially in cities or on tight residential streets.
· Added fuel costs for the towing vehicle due to increased weight.
Professional Auto Transport Services
Hiring a professional auto transport company is often the safest and most convenient option for long-distance car towing. Your vehicle is loaded onto a carrier and transported with other vehicles along your same auto transport route. Open car hauling is the most affordable form of professional auto transportation, yet enclosed transport offers added protection from weather and road hazards.
Pros:
· Save time and headaches of shipping a car yourself.
· Your car is safe from wear and tear.
· Per-mile costs are lower than ever, making long distance car transport extremely affordable.
· Personalized service based on your needs and wants.
Cons:
· Upfront costs are often more than renting a tow dolly or flatbed trailer.
Is a Tow Dolly Less Expensive Than Shipping a Car Professionally?
Tow dollies and flatbed trailers are often cheaper out the door than cross country car shipping. However, a closer look shows that the cost to ship a car is much more similar than most people think.
Let's say you rent a tow dolly for $250. That seems cheap, yet it doesn't factor in fuel costs for the towing vehicle. If you're driving a long distance, you'll also have to add in necessities like food and potential hotel accommodations.
This doesn't even factor in potential maintenance from the wear and tear associated with towing a car yourself.
A flatbed trailer will cost more upfront than a tow dolly and will also require fuel and other on-road expenditures.
A professional car transport company includes gas and driver necessities at one upfront cost. You minimize the risk of damage to your vehicle compared to DIY towing, save time, and save money on the road. Altogether, you may pay just a few dollars more (or even less) to ship cars with professional automobile transport companies.
Prepare Your Car for Long-Distance Towing
If you decide that DIY towing is your best option, preparing your vehicle for the journey is essential to ensure safety and prevent damage.
Check Towing Vehicle Compatibility
Before towing, confirm that your car and towing setup are compatible. Key factors to consider include:
· Towing Capacity: The maximum weight your towing vehicle can safely pull, including the weight of the trailer and car.
· Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum weight the vehicle or trailer can safely carry.
· Tongue Weight Capacity: The maximum weight the hitch can bear.
· Trailer Hitch Class: Ensure your hitch matches the trailer and car's weight requirements.
Essential Pre-Towing Preparations
· Inspect Tires: Ensure all tires have proper tred and are fully inflated.
· Reduce Fuel Levels: A full tank adds unnecessary weight. Keep the fuel level of the towed vehicle to about one-quarter for transport.
· Remove Personal Items: Clear out the car’s interior and remove any aftermarket accessories to reduce weight and minimize potential damage.
· Properly Secure the Vehicle: Use safety chains, straps, and wheel blocks to stabilize your car on the trailer or dolly.
Cost-Saving Tips for Long-Distance Car Towing and Auto Transport
Whether you choose DIY towing or professional auto transport, these tips can help you save money:
1. Compare Car Shipping Quotes
Use online tools like the Nexus Auto Transport car shipping calculator to get instant, up-to-the-second price estimates. Comparing rates from multiple vehicle transportation companies ensures you find the right option for you.
2. Choose Open Transport
Unless you're shipping a high-value vehicle like a luxury sedan or classic car, open car carriers are the way to go for state to state car shipping. 95 to 98% of customers choose open carriers. It's the most efficient and cost-effective way to move a car professionally.
3. Schedule As Soon As You Can
Booking your vehicle transport well in advance can secure lower rates and give you more flexibility in choosing dates and services.
4. Rent Your DIY Towing Accessories
If you’re towing yourself, consider renting accessories like straps and safety chains instead of buying them outright. This is especially smart for one-time moves.
Professional Transport: The Smart Choice
Professional auto transport is the most practical and cost-smart solution for long distance car towing. A trusted auto transportation company like Nexus Auto Transport arranges door-to-door car transport services that take the load off your shoulders.
The best auto transport companies vet their trucking partners so your vehicle is transported safely and securely. Nexus offers car shipping solutions to all 50 states, regardless of the type of vehicle you're shipping or the complexity of the move.
Towing a car yourself makes sense for short-distance moves. However, it exposes your car to potential damage -- especially if you're not used to operating towing equipment. Professional auto transport requires no effort on your part so that you can focus on other things. Get your free quote from our AI-boosted Nexus Auto Transport car shipping cost calculator to get started.
