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Fans gather to autograph Dale Earnhardt's trailer during the Virginia 500.
Richar Dole/Allsport/Getty ImagesEver thought about how race cars are transported to the track? They aren’t spotted on highways or stuck in city traffic. Racing teams rely on specialized trailers to haul their cars to events.
Race cars are high-value assets that must remain in peak condition for drivers. Using them outside of races would lead to unnecessary wear, potentially impacting future performance. Trailers help teams minimize stress on the vehicle and maintain its competitive edge.
Although most racing teams choose to transport their cars to events using trailers, the equipment they use varies widely. Trailers come in diverse sizes and designs, from lightweight models towable by pickup trucks to massive ones requiring semitrucks. Newer teams often lack the budget for high-end trailers like those used by seasoned drivers such as Jeff Gordon. This article explores the different types of trailers available.
Some trailers are basic, designed solely for car transport, while others boast luxurious features comparable to five-star accommodations. We’ll explore the spectrum, from simple car carriers to advanced rigs that function as both mobile workshops and living spaces.
Towing a racing team trailer requires specific knowledge and skills. The task can be challenging and stressful, especially when hauling a high-value race car. Even routine actions like turning become complex maneuvers under such conditions.
To begin, let’s explore the fundamental specifications of racing team trailers.
Racing Team Trailer Specs
Back in the day, many drivers used open flatbed trailers like this one to haul their race cars.
RacingOne/Getty ImagesWhat does a racing team trailer look like? It largely depends on the team’s budget. The simplest option is a flatbed trailer, which lacks walls or a roof. Typically at least 14 feet (4 meters) long, these trailers often include safety features like D-rings, breakaway connections, and sway control, but they provide no shelter from weather conditions.
Enclosed trailers are roughly double the price of open ones. Their primary advantage is the added protection they offer to the vehicle. Even without extra features, many teams opt for enclosed trailers to safeguard their cars. These trailers vary widely in size, ranging from around 14 feet (4 meters) to as long as 53 feet (16 meters).
A key component of any trailer is its hitch system, which connects it to the tow vehicle. A bumper-pull hitch attaches to a rear-mounted hitch on the tow vehicle, while a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch features an overhanging front section that fits over the truck bed. Semi-truck trailers, as the name suggests, connect to the rear of a semitruck.
A fundamental feature of trailers is their wiring system. Basic systems power brake lights, side lights, and turn signals, while more advanced setups include auxiliary power, backup lights, and integrated brake systems.
On the higher end, what luxuries do premium racing team trailers offer? Here’s a glimpse of the high-end amenities you might find in top-tier enclosed trailers:
- Living spaces (bedrooms, lounges, bathrooms with plumbing, dining areas, and kitchens)
- Appliances like stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, and more
- Entertainment setups (LCD TVs, DVD players, gaming consoles, and satellite radio)
- Onboard power generators
- Solar panel systems
- Climate control for both living areas and car storage
- Tool storage and workbenches
- Durable flooring in the garage section, made of rubber, vinyl, or metal
- Electric or hydraulic landing gear for freestanding stability
- Car lifts or elevators to facilitate loading, with some trailers featuring two levels for transporting multiple vehicles
- Slideouts — expandable sections that increase interior space when extended
- Reinforced ceilings and viewing platforms
- Retractable awnings
Next, we’ll explore the various types of trailers used by racing teams.
Types of Racing Team Trailers
Race car trailers vary in design, with some featuring lifts and others using ramps for loading vehicles.
Marcos Townsend/AFP/Getty ImagesBelow are the primary categories of racing team trailers:
- Open trailers provide no shelter from weather or external hazards. The most basic models consist of a platform mounted on a chassis that attaches to a tow vehicle. Due to the lack of protection, most teams avoid these unless budget constraints require their use. Loading a car involves driving it up a rear ramp.
- Enclosed bumper-pull trailers attach to a rear hitch on the tow vehicle. They range from 14 feet (4 meters) to over 30 feet (9 meters) in length and may or may not include living quarters.
- Gooseneck trailers connect to a hitch in the bed of a pickup truck. Typically 36 to 53 feet (11 to 16 meters) long, they feature an overhanging front section often designed as living space or storage. Many include interior living areas.
- Semitruck trailers exceed 50 feet (15 meters) in length and can transport multiple cars. The front section is usually designed as living space, sometimes separated from the car storage area by a solid wall.
- Stacker trailers are taller, featuring two levels for vehicle storage. Cars are moved to the upper level using hydraulic or cable lifts. These trailers range from 24 to 53 feet (7 to 16 meters) in length.
Towing a trailer requires skill and attention. In the following section, we’ll share some essential tips for safe and effective towing.
Racing Team Trailer Towing Tips
Luxury race car trailers, such as the one used by Paul Tracy, often feature side entrances for added convenience.
Zoran Milich/Allsport/Getty ImagesIf you plan to tow a racing trailer, you may need a specialized driver’s license. States classify commercial driver's licenses into categories based on the combined weight of the tow vehicle and trailer. Be sure to review your state’s regulations to determine the specific requirements. For instance, in Georgia, you would need:
- Class A License is required for operating a semitruck and trailer combination exceeding 26,001 pounds (11,794 kilograms), with the trailer weighing over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms).
- Class B License applies to vehicles over 26,001 pounds (11,794 kilograms) but towing a trailer under 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms).
- Class C License is for vehicles under 26,000 pounds (11,794 kilograms) towing a trailer under 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms), or lighter vehicles towing heavier trailers, provided the combined weight doesn’t exceed 26,000 pounds (11,794 kilograms) [source: Georgia Department of Driver Services].
License requirements can be intricate. Review your local regulations to determine the appropriate license for your vehicle and trailer combination.
Before connecting the trailer, inspect your turn signals, brake lights, and backup lights. Ensure all connections are secure, including safety equipment and wiring. Test the trailer's wiring to confirm the lights function properly.
Practice towing your trailer in a spacious, open area like an empty parking lot before hitting the road. Focus on mastering the following skills:
- Making turns - Learn to navigate turns without hitting curbs or veering too far into other lanes. Towing requires wider turns, so take your time and stay cautious to avoid collisions.
- Accelerating and braking - Towing increases the mass of your vehicle, affecting momentum and inertia. This means you’ll need more time and distance to slow down or stop. Avoid sudden stops.
- Backing up - This is the most challenging part of towing. If possible, have someone guide you using hand signals. Place one hand at the six o’clock position on the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go. Proceed slowly and stay aware of your surroundings.
Mario Andretti’s stacker trailer was designed to transport several race cars at once.
Evening Standard/Getty ImagesWhen towing with a pickup truck, you might need towing mirrors. These mirrors either replace or extend your standard side mirrors, providing a broader rear view. Without them, spotting vehicles approaching from the side or rear becomes challenging. Many states mandate their use for towing trailers.
Trailer sway is the most hazardous situation while towing. This occurs when the trailer starts oscillating side to side. Braking or steering abruptly can worsen the sway. The safest approach is to ease off the accelerator and use the brake system to slow down gradually until the sway stops.
