Renting a Car Carrier Trailer for the first time can be daunting, especially when towing a modified vehicle. This guide shares a firsthand experience of towing a 1997 Jeep Wrangler on 35-inch tires with a Penske car carrier trailer, offering practical tips and insights for a successful and safe journey. This 1500-mile trip from Maryland to Dallas, Texas provided valuable lessons for anyone considering a similar endeavor.
Choosing a Car Carrier Trailer Rental Company
Penske offered the best rates compared to U-Haul and Budget, guaranteed a pickup location, and provided a straightforward rental process. While this experience focused on a Penske trailer, the information provided may apply to similar car carrier trailers from other rental companies.
Understanding Car Carrier Trailer Specifications
Before renting, it’s crucial to understand the trailer’s specifications. The Penske car carrier had a load capacity of 4,050 lbs, a 3-point tie-down system, a 79-inch maximum vehicle width, a minimum 42-inch inside tire distance, and a maximum wheelbase of 125 inches. Importantly, the maximum tire diameter listed was 28 inches, smaller than the Jeep’s 35-inch tires.
Pre-Rental Inspection and Preparation
Always inspect the trailer before hitting the road. Check the tire pressure, which should be maintained at 50 PSI for this particular model. In this instance, the tires were significantly underinflated. Ensuring proper tire pressure is critical for safe towing. Verify the trailer’s weight capacity against your vehicle’s weight. The Jeep in this case exceeded the recommended weight slightly, so no additional cargo was loaded inside.
Beyond the provided tie-down system (ratchets and safety chains), investing in additional securing equipment is recommended. 31-inch axle straps (3,333 lb working load, 10,000 lb break strength) and heavy-duty ratchet straps (8ft and 25ft lengths with similar load ratings) were purchased for added security.
Securing the Jeep to the Car Carrier Trailer
The Jeep’s 35-inch tires presented a challenge with the provided wheel nets, designed for smaller tires. The solution involved removing the standard ratchets and using the purchased ratchet straps to extend the wheel nets, allowing them to securely fit over the larger tires.
For the rear, a cross-pattern arrangement using axle straps and ratchet straps connected to the trailer frame provided stability. Towels were used to protect the straps from the edges of the trailer deck. An additional 8ft strap was attached to the front axle and a trailer crossmember for extra security.
Conclusion
Towing a vehicle on a car carrier trailer, especially with oversized tires, requires careful planning and preparation. While rental companies provide basic equipment, investing in additional tie-down straps enhances security. Thoroughly inspect the trailer before use, ensure proper tire inflation, and utilize appropriate securing techniques for a safe and successful towing experience. This first-hand account demonstrates that with the right preparation, even a novice can confidently tow a modified vehicle across long distances.
