Car Trailer Loading & Securing Comparison Guide

You know how important it is to choose the right car trailer loading and securing method for your classic, exotic, or race car. Making the wrong choice can lead to costly repairs to your vehicle and ultimately an investment wasted.

There are many factors to consider before making a decision. We’ve compiled this guide to help you make the best choice for your budget and your car.

Pros and Cons of Car Trailer Loading

1. E-Track

E-Track is one of the most common methods of strap anchoring, as well as one of the most inexpensive as you can order DIY kits online for as low as $140. The E-Track strips are installed directly to an enclosed trailer floor and utilize straps in order to secure the vehicle in place.

Pros:

• Adjustability with 2 inch increments to place your straps, versus fixed position D-rings.
• Inexpensive.
• Enclosed trailer protects car.

Cons:

• Typical 2 strip E-Track kits only allow front-rear adjustment, not left-right. It can take 4 or more strips of E-Track to give you the adjustability to haul multiple width cars.
• Tire straps that are not parallel with each other can loosen and migrate off the tire.
• Proper installation requires reinforcement under the floor to bolt the E-Track to.

If you’ve never seen E-Track in action or are looking to learn how to install, check out this video.

2. Polystyrene Ramps

Polystyrene ramps are a simple and helpful way to get your car into your trailer. They are another budget friendly choice, with sets ranging from $275 – $634. They are made with high-density expanded polystyrene that is coated with a hybrid polyuria.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver.  High compression strength when used on a flat, hard surface.
• Decreases angle of approach to 4.3 degrees, preventing front end damage.
• Offers a variety of dimensions so you can choose what is perfect for your car and trailer.
• Budget friendly.

Cons:

• Have very low structural strength; must be placed on flat, hard surface to prevent ramp breakage.
• Are only a way to help your car get into the trailer.  Does not address vehicle securement.
• Need to invest in a secondary or tertiary system for full car protection.

Want to see polystyrene ramps in action? Check out this instructional video demonstrating exactly how to properly use the ramps.

3. Open Trailers

Open trailers, such as sliding axle trailers and tilt car trailers, are an easy to use solution. There are many kinds of open trailers for towing, therefore costs vary. An average estimate for an open trailer would be $5,000.

Pros:

• Allows easy access for car securement.
• Trailer is lighter and will use less fuel.
• Least expensive auto transport option.

Cons:

• Car is totally exposed to all elements:
  • Road debris
  • Inclement weather
  • Animal hits
  • Salt, sap, bird droppings
  • Tree scratches
• May need to re-detail the vehicle upon arrival at its destination.
• Offers no protection.

This video shows the ease of loading with a tilt car trailer in action!

4. Rail Ryder System

The Rail Ryder system is your all-in-one, one man, enclosed trailer loading system.  It features the lowest loading angle at just 4 degrees which ensures no damage to any vehicle that is being transported using the system.

Pros:

• Enclosed trailer.
• Industry lowest 4 degree loading angle.
• Over-the-wheel straps provide total securement.
• Will secure any wheelbase and any width vehicle.
• One man loading — no need to rope in your family or friends to help.
• No climbing out of windows.
• Can be retrofitted into many trailers.  
• Great ROI because one mistake could pay for the system.
• Customization enabled to fit your trailer.

Cons:

• May need to purchase a trailer.

The Rail Ryder loading system offers an amazing ROI providing you with peace of mind knowing that your car will arrive in the same condition as when loaded. Your car value will never take a hit because of a trailer incident. The price of the system varies based upon trailer variables. Watch Rail Ryder in action here!

Request a quote here, or call for a quote today, and experience the ease, security, and peace of mind that the Rail Ryder loading and securing system offers!