Car Hauler Trailers for Sale in Illinois: Sizes & Best Dealers

Key Takeaways

• Car hauler trailers range from compact 16' tandem-axle models to heavy-duty 24' tandem-axle units.

• Deck width matters as much as length: standard 83" decks handle most vehicles, while a 102" deck like the Load Trail CH0220 accommodates wider muscle cars.

• GVWR scales with size, from 7,000 lbs on entry models up to 9,990 lbs and beyond on 24' units, with payloads exceeding 6,200 lbs for two-car capacity.

• Buying direct from a stocking dealer like Poplar Bluff Trailer beats marketplace aggregators like Truck Paper and Equipment Trader for new 2026 inventory.

• At Poplar Bluff Trailer, we carry open, enclosed, and aluminum car haulers from Load Trail and Rice in multiple configurations, with deep in-stock inventory and easy financing for Illinois buyers.

All You Need to Know About Illinois Car Hauler Trailers

Illinois sits alongside Florida, Georgia, and Maryland as one of the highest-demand trailer markets in the country, which means inventory moves fast and the best-spec units rarely sit on lots for long. For buyers shopping for car haulers, that pace puts a premium on knowing exactly what deck length, width, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) you need before you start browsing.

Open car haulers remain the most popular choice across Illinois for their lower weight, easier loading, and more accessible price point. Enclosed builds make sense for high-value or show vehicles that need weather protection and security in transit, but they come at a premium most working haulers do not need.

Below, we break down each size class, from 16-foot entry models to 24-foot two-car units, and compare the top dealer options serving Illinois.

Car Hauler Trailer Sizes in Illinois

16' to 18' Trailers

The 16' to 18' range is your entry point into car hauling. It’s practical, maneuverable, and easy to store when not in use. A model like the 2026 Rice Trailers FMCR8218 82" x 18' 7k Tandem Axle Car Hauler (16+2 configuration) is a strong example of what this size class offers. The "16+2" designation means a 16-foot flat deck with a 2-foot dovetail at the rear, which dramatically reduces the loading angle for low-clearance vehicles.

What this size doesn't do well is handle long-wheelbase vehicles or dual-car loads. A full-size pickup truck or extended-cab vehicle can push right to the edge of an 18' deck, leaving no margin for tie-down positioning. If there's any chance your hauling needs will expand, sizing up to a 20' is usually the smarter long-term buy.

The 2026 Rice Trailers FMCR8218 82" x 18' 7k is a tandem axle car hauler with a GVWR of 7,000 lbs.

20' to 22' Trailers

This is the sweet spot for most Illinois buyers, and the sales numbers back it up. The 20-foot tandem axle car hauler covers the widest range of vehicles, from standard sedans and sports cars to full-size muscle cars and even light trucks. 

The 2026 Load Trail CH8320 83" x 20' Car Hauler 7k with Sport Box (18+2 configuration) is one of the most in-demand models at this size, offering a 7,000 lb GVWR, 83" deck width, and a built-in sport box for gear storage, all on a bumper pull hitch setup that works with most modern tow vehicles.

For buyers needing more raw capacity without jumping to a 24-footer, the 2026 Load Trail CH0220 102" x 20' Tandem Axle Car Hauler steps up to a 9,990 lb GVWR with drive-over fenders, giving you extra width and more hauling muscle in the same 20-foot footprint. That 102" deck width is notably wider than the standard 83", which matters when loading wider muscle cars, lifted trucks, or side-by-sides.

The 2026 Load Trail CH0220 102" x 20' features drive-over fenders and 24” cross-member spacing. 

24' Trailers

When one vehicle isn't enough, the 24-foot car hauler is the answer. At this length, you're looking at tandem-axle configurations, GVWR ratings that typically start at 9,990 lbs, and payload capacities that can exceed 6,200 lbs. 

A model like the 2022 Maxx-D Trailers A6X8024 24' x 80" Drop-N-Load Car Hauler, currently in Poplar Bluff Trailer's inventory, shows exactly what this size class delivers. It offers high working capacity for two-vehicle hauls or oversized loads that a 20-footer simply can't safely manage.

The 2022 Maxx-D Trailers A6X8024 24' x 80" is a Drop-N’-Load car hauler with a diamond plate steel floor. 

Best Dealers for Car Hauler Trailers Near Illinois

Poplar Bluff Trailer

At Poplar Bluff Trailer, we position our brand as one of the most stocked and straightforward dealers serving the Illinois region. Our inventory includes open, enclosed, and aluminum car haulers, all from well-regarded manufacturers such as Load Trail and Rice Trailers. 

Current 2026 models are already on the lot, including multiple configurations of the Load Trail CH8320 and CH0220, with specs ranging from 7,000 to 9,990 lb GVWR and deck lengths from 18' to 24'. 

Additionally, our inventory depth is unmatched by that of other local dealers. We stock multiple units of the same model in different configurations, meaning you're not waiting on a single allocation or settling for a spec that doesn't quite fit. We also offer easy financing options, rent-to-own options, and a smoother, quicker buying process than other dealers. 

Truck Paper

Truck Paper operates as a national marketplace aggregator, listing car hauler trailers from dealers and private sellers nationwide. For Illinois buyers, this can mean access to a wider price range and more obscure configurations, but it also means variable quality, inconsistent dealer accountability, and listings that may not reflect current availability. 

The company’s platform is useful for understanding market pricing and what's available regionally, but it requires more due diligence than buying directly from a stocking dealer.

Equipment Trader

Equipment Trader is another aggregator-style marketplace that covers a broad range of trailer types, including car haulers. Like Truck Paper, it pulls listings from dealers and private parties across multiple states, giving Illinois buyers visibility into out-of-state inventory. 

The search filters are reasonably functional. You can sort by length, GVWR, brand, and price, but the platform doesn't verify listing accuracy, and availability can lag what's actually on dealer lots. 

It's worth a browse if you're hunting for a specific used model or trying to benchmark pricing before visiting a dealer in person. However, for the new 2026 inventory with warranty coverage and dealer support, a dedicated stocking dealer remains the more reliable path.

Best Dealers for Car Hauler Trailers Near Illinois: Summary Table

Why Poplar Bluff Trailer Wins for Car Hauler Trailers in Illinois

To choose the right car hauler, you must match deck length, width, and GVWR to the vehicles you actually move. An 18' handles a single sedan, the 20'–22' range covers the broadest mix of cars and light trucks, and a 24' steps up to two-vehicle and oversized loads, with deck width and hitch setup rounding out the decision. Where you buy matters just as much: marketplace aggregators are useful for benchmarking prices and hunting used models, but for new 2026 inventory with warranty coverage and real dealer support, a stocking dealer is the more reliable route.

At Poplar Bluff Trailer, we stock open, enclosed, and aluminum car haulers from Load Trail and Rice in multiple configurations, often several units of the same model in different specs. Our inventory updates daily, pricing stays competitive through a high-volume model, and financing is easy. We provide flexible options, including no-money-down options subject to credit approval, and rent-to-own for buyers who prefer it. Browse our live inventory to find the right car hauler before it sells.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size car hauler trailer do I need for a standard sedan?

An 18' to 20' tandem axle car hauler with a 7,000 lb GVWR is the right fit for most standard sedans. The 2026 Rice Trailers FMCR8218 82" x 18' (16+2 configuration) handles the job cleanly, with a 4,915 lb payload capacity and a dovetail design that keeps the loading angle manageable for low-clearance vehicles.

Do I need a special license to tow a car hauler trailer in Illinois?

In Illinois, a standard (Class D) driver's license permits towing combinations with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or less, as long as the trailer's GVWR does not exceed 10,000 lbs, which covers all the trailers in this guide. However, your tow vehicle must be rated for the combined load, and Illinois law requires functional trailer brakes on any trailer with a GVWR over 3,000 lbs. Always verify your specific combination with the Illinois Secretary of State's office if you're unsure.

What is the difference between a gravity tilt and a standard car hauler trailer?

A gravity tilt trailer uses the weight of the vehicle being loaded to tilt the deck down automatically, eliminating the need for ramps. A standard car hauler uses fixed ramps or a dovetail section for loading. Gravity tilts are faster and easier to use solo, but they have a higher deck height at rest and can be trickier with very light vehicles that don't provide enough weight to trigger the tilt.

Are Load Trail and Rice Trailers of good quality?

Both are well-regarded in the trailer industry. Load Trail uses heavy-gauge steel construction, consistent weld quality, and a wide spec range. Rice Trailers has a strong reputation for its car hauler lineup, specifically for its solid frame construction and practical deck configurations. Both brands back their products with manufacturer warranties and have established dealer networks for parts and service.

What other types of trailers can I find at Poplar Bluff Trailer?

Beyond car haulers, Poplar Bluff Trailer stocks dump trailers, equipment, and gooseneck trailers, tilt trailers, utility trailers, livestock trailers, truck beds, and enclosed cargo trailers. Top brands include Load Trail, Maxx-D, Diamond C, Aluma, Rice, and H&H, across both steel and aluminum builds. Inventory is updated daily on the website, so what you see online reflects what's actually on the lot.

*Note: Prices shown are estimates based on current market conditions at the time of writing and may change without notice. Confirm trailer availability, specifications, and final pricing directly with Poplar Bluff Trailer.