Moving Guide
Tow Dolly vs. Auto Transport: Which Option is Right for You?
Need to move a car to your new home? Relocating a vehicle can feel overwhelming, especially during a big life transition like a cross-country move or military relocation. Read our guide to learn what tow dollies and auto transport trailers are and which option may be right for you!
Why Would You Need a Tow Dolly or Auto Transport Trailer?
Tow dollies and auto transport trailers are both vehicle transportation solutions for those relocating to another city. There are several reasons you might need a tow dolly or car transport trailer, including needing to move a vehicle that's not in working order, needing to transport an extra vehicle during a move with no one to drive it, and not wanting to add mileage or risk wear and tear to a vehicle during a long-distance move.
Tow Dollies vs. Auto Transport Trailers
Both an auto transport trailer and a tow dolly can safely get your car from point A to point B, but they work in different ways and have unique advantages. Understanding the difference will help you choose the best fit for your budget and vehicle.
What Is a Tow Dolly?
Often the cheapest way to tow a car, a tow dolly—or car dolly—is a small two-wheel trailer that lifts a car’s front wheels off the ground while the rear wheels roll on the road. The tow dolly attaches to the hitch of another vehicle while the towed wheels are strapped in and shifted into neutral. Though designed primarily for front-wheel-drive vehicles, tow dollies can also be used on vehicles with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive if the driveshaft is first disconnected.
What Is an Auto Transport Trailer?
An auto transport trailer is a four-wheel, dual-axle trailer that lifts an entire vehicle off the road for transportation. After attaching the trailer to your moving vehicle, you drive or winch the car up a full-length ramp until it rests on the deck, then secure all four wheels. Because all car components remain stationary during the journey, a car transport trailer rental causes no wear and tear to the towed vehicle. You'll need a vehicle with strong towing capacity to pull a car transport trailer—make sure to consult your owner's manual to confirm before attempting the drive.
Which Solution Should You Choose?
Whether you choose a car tow dolly or an auto hauler depends on where you're moving, how far you're moving, what level of protection you want for your vehicle, your budget, and more. For more information on which option would be best for your circumstances, refer to the chart below.
Factor | Auto Transport Trailer | Tow Dolly |
Ideal Use | Long-distance and cross-country moves, can handle tougher terrain | Short and local moves, best on flat roads |
Typical Rental Cost | $65 to $100 per day, or $250 to $400 for a one-way trip | $75 to $120 per day, or $200 to $450 for a one-way trip |
Weight/Size Limits | 5,000 to 7,000 lbs | 4,000 to 5,500 lbs |
Wear & Tear on Car Wheels | None—no road contact | Back tires can see some wear, depending on the distance towed |
Additional Advantages | Easier to use, better vehicle protection | Easily stored, more affordable, and more fuel-efficient due to reduced weight |
Preparing to Move a Car
Before you head off with your towed vehicle to your new home, there are a few things you should do to safeguard it. Consider these tips before getting on the road:
Check any local or state regulations regarding auto transport trailers or tow dollies.
Document the trailer or dolly condition with photos before loading, in case of insurance disputes.
Remove loose items inside the towed car, as bouncing can fling objects and tear upholstery.
Disable alarms that could drain the towed car's battery during transport.
Make sure the towed car's tire pressure is adequate to prevent excessive heat build-up.
Use a spotter to guide you while loading the car to verify undercarriage clearance and prevent scraping.
Check all harnesses and chains to make sure everything is secure. Confirm your breakaway cable is intact and you have working lights for your car hauling device.
Fold in the towed car's mirrors to avoid side-swipe damage on narrow lanes. Adjust the driving car's mirrors so you have rear-corner visibility.
When you reach your final destination, park towed car on level ground , checking its vehicles before driving it on busy roads.
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Moving soon? Find in-depth moving resources, guides, calculators, and more on the Extra Space Storage Moving Hub. And if you need storage throughout the moving process, we have thousands of locations across the U.S. to help with your transition. Find self storage near you!
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Author Profile
Quinn Johnson
Quinn Johnson is a moving expert and author for Extra Space Storage. He's moved over 15 times, including internationally, and helped countless others between their own homes. He's happy to lift some boxes for a friend as long as he's paid in pizza. As a writer and content creator for Extra Space Storage since 2019, Quinn shares helpful moving tips and info to alleviate the common stresses of moving.
