Trailer Rental in the Northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area: Auto Transport Trailers and How to Choose the Right One

Vehicle transport requires more than selecting a trailer that appears large enough. You must match the trailer to the vehicle being transported, the towing vehicle, the hitch system, and the intended travel distance. You also need to confirm whether the rental is available for local use, a round trip, or a one-way move.

Route 12 Rental Co. provides trailer rental options for homeowners and contractors throughout the Northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area, including Arlington Heights, Palatine, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Inverness, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Northbrook, Glenview, Elk Grove, and surrounding communities. The company has served the area for more than 50 years and maintains a broad selection of moving, utility, equipment, and car hauler trailers.

Auto Transport Trailers for Rent

An auto transport trailer, also called a car hauler, is designed to carry a vehicle with all four wheels off the road. The vehicle is driven onto the trailer using loading ramps and secured with wheel straps, chains, or other approved tie-down equipment.

Auto transport trailers are commonly used for:

• Moving a car to a new residence
• Transporting a project vehicle
• Relocating a vehicle that cannot be driven
• Delivering a car to a repair facility
• Moving cars, trucks, SUVs, and similar vehicles
• Transporting vehicles during a long-distance move

A car hauler is different from a tow dolly. A tow dolly supports only the front wheels of a vehicle, while an auto transport trailer supports the complete vehicle. The correct option depends on the vehicle’s drivetrain, weight, dimensions, condition, and the rental provider’s requirements.

Trailer Types to Consider

Route 12 Rental offers a variety of trailer categories. Current sizes, designs, and availability can change, so confirm the specific trailer details before booking.

Trailer type	Common use	Important considerations
Auto transport or car hauler	Moving a passenger vehicle, pickup, SUV, or project vehicle	Vehicle weight, wheelbase, width, trailer capacity, tie-down system, and tow vehicle rating
Open utility trailer	Hauling landscaping materials, building materials, appliances, or equipment	Load distribution, cargo securement, weather exposure, and payload limit
Enclosed trailer	Protecting household goods, tools, furniture, or equipment from weather	Interior dimensions, door opening, interior height, and total loaded weight
Equipment trailer	Moving compact equipment, machinery, or jobsite tools	Ramp capacity, deck dimensions, trailer brakes, and equipment operating weight
Moving trailer	Transporting household goods during a local or long-distance move	Cargo volume, loading method, tow vehicle compatibility, and rental return terms

The Route 12 Rental trucks and trailers page provides information about the company’s trailer and moving vehicle categories. Call the rental department for current auto transport trailer availability and specifications.

How to Choose the Correct Car Hauler

1. Confirm the Vehicle’s Weight

Start with the curb weight of the vehicle you intend to transport. This information may be listed in the owner’s manual, on the manufacturer’s specification label, or through the vehicle manufacturer.

Do not use an estimated weight when the vehicle is close to the trailer’s limit. Additional fuel, tools, accessories, spare tires, and personal property can increase the actual loaded weight.

You should obtain the following information before reserving a trailer:

• Vehicle curb weight
• Vehicle length and width
• Wheelbase
• Tire size and condition
• Ground clearance
• Whether the vehicle runs and can be driven onto the trailer
• Whether the vehicle has functional steering and brakes

If the vehicle is not operational, tell the rental provider before pickup. A non-running vehicle may require a different loading method or additional equipment.

2. Check the Trailer’s Capacity and Dimensions

Every trailer has a maximum gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR. This rating includes the trailer itself and the vehicle or cargo being carried. The vehicle being transported must remain below the trailer’s maximum cargo capacity.

Also verify that the vehicle fits the trailer deck. A vehicle can be within the weight limit but still be too wide, too long, or too low for a specific trailer.

Ask for these trailer specifications:

• Empty trailer weight
• Maximum cargo capacity
• GVWR
• Deck length and width
• Ramp length and capacity
• Usable clearance
• Tie-down locations and equipment
• Brake and breakaway system requirements

Do not assume that every car hauler has the same dimensions or capacity. Route 12 Rental can help identify the available trailer that matches your vehicle and towing setup.

3. Verify the Tow Vehicle

The tow vehicle must be rated to pull the combined weight of the trailer and the transported vehicle. Review the owner’s manual and manufacturer rating label for the tow vehicle’s:

• Maximum towing capacity
• Gross vehicle weight rating
• Gross combined weight rating
• Hitch rating
• Maximum tongue weight
• Required electrical connection

The hitch receiver, ball mount, hitch ball, coupler, safety chains, and electrical connector must be compatible and properly rated. The lowest-rated component controls the allowable capacity of the entire combination.

If you plan to use a rented moving truck, confirm that the truck is approved to tow the selected trailer. Some rental truck providers limit which trailers may be used with specific trucks. The truck’s size, hitch equipment, and rental agreement may determine whether towing is permitted.

One-Way Trailer Rental Options

A one-way rental allows you to pick up a trailer at one location and return it at another approved location. This option can reduce the need to drive an empty vehicle back to the original rental location, but it is not available for every trailer or route.

Before requesting a one-way auto transport trailer rental, confirm:

1. Whether the specific car hauler is approved for one-way use
2. The permitted pickup and return locations
3. The scheduled return date and time
4. Mileage or route restrictions
5. Whether the rental must be paired with a specific moving truck
6. Whether additional one-way or drop-off charges apply
7. Whether the trailer may cross state lines
8. Whether the destination location accepts that trailer type

Availability depends on fleet location, demand, destination, and the rental company’s current policies. Do not assume that a trailer listed for local rental is also available for one-way use.

If you are planning a move from the Northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area to another Illinois location or another state, provide the full pickup and destination information when requesting a quote. Route 12 Rental can confirm current options, equipment requirements, and return instructions.

Loading and Securing the Vehicle

Follow the rental provider’s loading instructions and use only the supplied or approved tie-down equipment. The vehicle should generally be loaded facing forward unless the rental provider gives different instructions for a specific trailer.

Before driving:

• Inspect the trailer deck, ramps, tires, coupler, and lights.
• Confirm that the coupler is fully seated on the hitch ball and locked.
• Attach safety chains to the designated connection points.
• Connect the trailer wiring and test the brake, turn, and tail lights.
• Center the vehicle on the trailer.
• Set the vehicle’s parking brake when instructed.
• Place the transmission in the required position.
• Secure all wheels using the correct wheel straps or tie-downs.
• Recheck the tie-downs after traveling a short distance.
• Keep doors, hoods, and loose vehicle components secured.

Do not place additional cargo inside the transported vehicle unless the rental agreement allows it and the combined weight remains within all applicable limits. Personal property can shift during transit and may affect weight distribution.

Illinois Towing and Safety Considerations

Trailer operators must comply with applicable Illinois requirements for equipment, lighting, brakes, safety chains, dimensions, and load securement. The Illinois Vehicle Code is the appropriate source for current statutory requirements.

You should also follow the rental company’s operating instructions. For example, the auto transporter instructions published by U-Haul explain loading, securing, and operating procedures for that company’s equipment. Instructions can differ between trailer models, so use the documentation supplied with the trailer you rent.

Maintain additional following distance, allow more time for braking, reduce speed before turns, and avoid sudden steering or braking. If the trailer begins to sway, do not make abrupt steering corrections. Follow the rental provider’s instructions for regaining control.

Questions to Ask Before Reserving a Trailer

Use this checklist when contacting a trailer rental provider:

• Is an auto transport trailer available for my rental dates?
• What is the trailer’s empty weight and maximum cargo capacity?
• Will my vehicle fit the trailer deck?
• Is the trailer approved for my tow vehicle?
• What hitch ball, electrical connector, and brake equipment are required?
• Are wheel straps, chains, and ramps included?
• Is one-way rental available for my destination?
• Can I use the trailer with a Route 12 Rental moving truck?
• What identification, deposit, insurance, and payment requirements apply?
• What are the pickup and return inspection procedures?

Providing accurate vehicle and destination information will help the rental team identify the appropriate equipment and explain the rental terms.

Trailer Rental in the Northwest Suburbs of the Chicagoland Area

Route 12 Rental Co. supplies moving trucks, trailers, equipment, packing materials, and related rental services from its Arlington Heights location. The company serves contractors and homeowners throughout the Northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area and has maintained that local focus for more than 50 years.

For auto transport trailers for rent, car haulers, moving trailers, and towing information, review the trucks and trailers department or contact Route 12 Rental.

CALL 847-253-4404 TO CONFIRM AUTO TRANSPORT TRAILER AVAILABILITY, TOWING REQUIREMENTS, AND ONE-WAY RENTAL OPTIONS.