Trailering Your Classic Car

If you own a classic car, sooner or later you’ll need to trailer it. Whether it’s to get it off the road after a breakdown or simply to haul your project to the muffler shop to get exhaust bent up for it. Knowing the proper techniques will save you from a lot of heartache, frustration and expense.

Trailering a classic car requires careful planning and execution to ensure the vehicle’s safety and preservation. We join Mark Simpson and Pat Hazel as they demonstrate loading a classic Mustang onto an open trailer and properly securing the car to the trailer. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process and precautions to follow:

Process of Trailering a Classic Car

Choose the Right Trailer

- Enclosed trailer: Best for classic cars as it protects against weather, road debris, and prying eyes.
- Open trailer: Acceptable for short trips or low-risk environments, high profile and project cars, but offers minimal protection.

Inspect the Trailer

- Check tires (pressure and condition), lights, brakes, and hitch mechanism.
- Make sure the trailer is rated for the car’s weight and is structurally sound.

Prepare the Towing Vehicle

- Confirm towing capacity is adequate.
- Use a weight-distributing hitch and sway control if necessary.
- Ensure mirrors offer a clear view around the trailer.

Prepare the Classic Car

- Check for fluid leaks.
- Secure or remove loose parts (hubcaps, trim).
- Disable the alarm system and keep the fuel level low (to reduce weight and fire risk).
- Document the car’s condition with photos.

Load the Car

- Use loading ramps with a shallow incline to avoid scraping the underside.
- Center the car on the trailer for even weight distribution.
- Keep the car in gear (manual) or park (automatic), and use the parking brake.

Secure the Vehicle

- Use soft straps or axle straps with ratchet tie-downs to avoid damaging suspension, bodywork or brake lines.
- Secure at all four corners—preferably at the axles or designated tie-down points. Remember to secure the car below the suspension (i.e. wheels, axles and lower control ams)
- Apply equal tension on all straps and check clearance from the trailer sides and roof.

Final Checks

- Check all lights, brakes, and hitch connections before moving.
- Test drive a short distance and recheck the straps and connections.

Precautions to Take

- Avoid Over-tightening Straps: Can damage suspension or frame. Use just enough tension to prevent movement.
- Mind Low Ground Clearance: Use race ramps or low-angle ramps to prevent scraping.
- Protect from Elements (if using open trailer): Use a breathable car cover designed for towing.
- Drive Cautiously: Accelerate and brake gradually, avoid sudden maneuvers, and maintain moderate speeds.
- Stop Regularly: Every 50–100 miles, stop to inspect straps, tires, and hitch.