Enclosed car transporters for sports cars and rally cars

What is an enclosed car transporter?

An enclosed car transporter is a trailer designed for transporting cars, fitted with a roof and side panels. Depending on the model, the bodywork may be made of rigid panels, laminate or tarpaulin stretched over a sturdy frame.

The enclosed transport space minimises the car’s exposure to the weather and dirt generated whilst in transit. This is particularly important for high-value vehicles, those with delicate paintwork, or cars prepared specifically for competitions, exhibitions or photo shoots.

This type of trailer is also referred to as:

• enclosed car transporter,
• enclosed car transporter,
• container car transporter,
• container car transporter,
• enclosed car transporter,
• enclosed car transporter trailer,
• trailer for transporting sports cars.

Regardless of the name used, the primary purpose of the trailer is to protect the vehicle being transported and to ensure comfortable and stable transport.

Sports car transporter

Sports cars often have low ground clearance, a long front overhang, low-mounted bumpers, splitters and aerodynamic extensions. Loading such a vehicle onto a standard car transporter can result in parts of the bodywork or chassis catching on the ramp surface.

A sports car transporter should have a suitably shallow approach angle. A hydraulically tilting platform and additional ramps help to create a gentler transition between the road surface and the trailer floor.

Before choosing a car transporter, it is worth checking:

• the car’s ground clearance,
• the length of the front and rear overhangs,
• the wheelbase,
• the vehicle’s width,
• tyre width,
• vehicle weight,
• vehicle height,
• ability to open the doors after loading.

Large side flaps are particularly useful for wide sports cars. They make it easier to get out of the car and provide access to seatbelts, wheels and securing points.

Trailer for rally and racing cars

A trailer for rally cars can be used not only to transport the car, but also to carry additional equipment needed during competitions. Depending on the configuration inside the trailer, space can be set aside for wheels, tyres, tools, spare parts and service equipment.

For teams taking part in rallies, circuit racing, drifting and other motorsport events, the following are particularly important:

• easy loading of a low-slung car,
• the ability to secure the vehicle quickly,
• access via opening side panels,
• interior lighting,
• space for spare wheels,
• electric winch,
• stable construction for long journeys,
• protection of the car from the weather.

A motorsport transporter can be used to transport a car between the workshop, the track, the service park and the competition venue. The enclosed body also helps to restrict the visibility of the car being transported whilst parked and in transit.

Container-type trailer

A container-type car transporter has a rigid body comprising a roof and side walls. This design creates an enclosed space in which the car is shielded from direct exposure to rain, snow, dust and road grime.

The colloquial term ‘container car transporter’ most often refers precisely to a trailer with a fully enclosed, rigid body. In practice, one may also come across the terms ‘car transporter with a container body’ and ‘container trailer for transporting cars’.

A rigid body car transporter is suitable for transporting:

• sports cars,
• rally and racing cars,
• luxury cars,
• classic cars,
• vintage cars,
• collectors’ cars,
• exhibition cars,
• restored vehicles.

The full-height walls can also be used as a surface for displaying the team’s branding, sponsors’ logos or corporate graphics.

Tarpaulin-covered car transporter

A tarpaulin-covered car transporter is an alternative to the model with a rigid container body. The tarpaulin covering protects the car from rain, dust and dirt, whilst maintaining a relatively lightweight structure.

The opening sides and rear facilitate access to the vehicle being transported. This is particularly important when fitting transport straps, checking wheel fastenings or carrying out basic maintenance tasks.

A tarpaulin-covered car transporter works well as a trailer for transporting rally and racing cars. It can be used by motorsport teams, garages, tuning companies and private users.

Before choosing between a rigid body and a tarpaulin body, it is worth considering the frequency of transport, the value of the cars being transported, the expected level of protection and the maximum permissible gross combination weight.

Car transporter for classic and collector’s cars

Classic and vintage cars require special care during transport. Original paintwork, chrome fittings, hard-to-reach parts and delicate seals may be susceptible to moisture, dirt or small stones.

A car transporter for vintage cars allows the vehicle to be protected whilst travelling to an exhibition, a meet-up, an auction or a garage. The enclosed space also reduces attention drawn to the car whilst parked in car parks and at petrol stations.

Before loading a classic car, you should check the condition of the securing points, tyre pressure and whether the straps can be securely fastened. The vehicle should be positioned so as to maintain the correct axle load on the trailer and the correct load on the tow bar.

Trailers for transporting luxury cars

When transporting luxury cars and premium vehicles, it is important to protect the bodywork and maintain discretion. An enclosed car transporter minimises the car’s exposure to external factors and allows it to be delivered to a customer, a dealership or a motoring event without getting dirty during the journey.

Enclosed car transporters are used, amongst others, by:

• car transport companies,
• car dealerships and second-hand car dealers,
• detailing studios,
• restoration workshops,
• car importers,
• collectors,
• exhibition and auction organisers.

When choosing a trailer, you should compare the car’s weight with the tow truck’s actual load capacity. The GVW figure alone does not determine how heavy a vehicle can be loaded – you must subtract the trailer’s own weight from it.

Enclosed car transporter with a tilting platform

The hydraulically tilting platform allows the rear of the trailer to be lowered, reducing the approach angle. This solution is particularly useful when transporting sports cars, rally cars and track cars.

Additional ramps can further ease the transition between the road surface and the platform. Before driving onto the trailer, it is worth checking the clearance beneath the front bumper, the sills and the rear diffuser.

A vehicle that is out of order or lacks power can be pulled onto the tow truck using a winch. For regular use, an electric winch connected to a suitably rated battery is a practical solution.

How do you secure a car in a closed car transporter?

The bodywork protects the car from the elements, but it is no substitute for securing the vehicle properly. The car must be secured to prevent it from moving forwards, backwards or sideways.

Use straps designed for car transport to secure the vehicle. Wheel chocks and rails or fixing points fitted to the floor are also useful.

Before setting off, check:

• the positioning of the car,
• the load on the tow bar,
• the tension of the straps,
• that the tailgate and ramp are closed,
• the position of the wheel chocks,
• operation of the trailer’s lights,
• tyre pressure,
• securing of additional equipment.

After driving the first few kilometres, it is worth checking the straps and the position of the vehicle being transported again.

How to choose a flatbed trailer?

Before choosing a specific model, you should determine the dimensions of the largest and heaviest car that will be transported. The car transporter should have sufficient length, width and height.

The most important parameters of the trailer are:

• the length of the transport area,
• platform width,
• internal height,
• clearance dimensions of the loading opening,
• unladen weight,
• actual payload,
• gross vehicle weight,
• number of axles,
• approach angle,
• side opening mechanism,
• body type.

For frequent transport operations, it is worth considering additional equipment such as an electric pump, a winch, LED lighting, strap rails, wheel chocks, a wheel stand and extra storage compartments.

WIOLA enclosed car transporters

WIOLA enclosed car transporters are designed for the professional transport of sports cars, rally cars, racing cars, classic cars and luxury cars. The availability of both container-style and tarpaulin-covered bodywork options allows the trailer to be tailored to its intended use and the required level of vehicle protection.

Before placing an order, it is worth providing the sales adviser with the make and model of the car to be transported, its weight, dimensions, ground clearance and any planned additional equipment. This will enable the selection of the appropriate platform length, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), body type and solutions to facilitate loading.

Compare the available body-fitted car transporters and configure a trailer tailored to the needs of your business, motorsport team or car collection.