Sheridan Trailer Rentals Guide
Car Hauler vs Flatbed Trailer: Which Should You Rent?
Updated April 2026 · 8 min read
If you're trying to move a vehicle — bought a project car off Marketplace, selling a truck, or hauling an ATV — you've got two main rental options: a car hauler or a flatbed. They look similar at first glance, but the right pick depends on what you're moving and how much you want to pay.
Car hauler trailer: what it actually is
A car hauler is a purpose-built trailer for transporting one passenger vehicle. Defining features:
- Two ramps at the rear that fold down for drive-on loading.
- Tie-down points and straps built into the frame for securing tires.
- Often includes a winch for non-running vehicles or hard-to-load cars (low ground clearance).
- Length: typically 18-20 ft. Capacity: 5,000-7,000 lbs.
Our car hauler at $65/day includes straps, ramps, winch, and a spare tire — everything you need.
Flatbed trailer: what it is
A flatbed is a more general-purpose trailer with no built-in ramps and an open deck. Better for:
- Hauling lumber, building materials, equipment, or large objects that don't fit on a car hauler's narrow deck.
- Loading via forklift or crane (no ramps needed).
- Length varies widely: 10 ft up to 40 ft. Capacity from 3,000 lbs (small) to 20,000+ lbs (commercial).
The decision matrix
| If you're hauling... | Rent this |
|---|---|
| A running passenger car or pickup | Car hauler — easier loading via ramps |
| A non-running car or low-clearance vehicle | Car hauler with winch (ours has one included) |
| An ATV, motorcycle, or jet ski | Car hauler — fits with room to spare |
| A small tractor or skid steer | Flatbed — wider deck, ramp loading from rear or side |
| Lumber, fence panels, drywall | Flatbed or our utility trailer ($50/day) |
| Furniture, appliances, household goods | Utility/landscape trailer with included dolly ($50/day) |
Real-world Houston scenarios
“I bought a project car off Facebook Marketplace in Conroe.”
Our car hauler. The drive from Tomball to Conroe is 35 minutes, the loading ramps make solo loading easy, and the winch handles non-running cars. Total cost for a same-day pickup-and-return: $65 plus refundable $50 deposit.
“I'm moving and need to haul a washer/dryer.”
Skip both. Our utility/landscape trailer at $50/day with included dolly handles appliances better than either of these — flatbed has nothing to grip, car hauler's ramps are too narrow for an appliance dolly.
“Selling a tractor that's been sitting in my barn.”
If it runs, car hauler with winch backup. If it doesn't, you may want a true equipment flatbed (we don't rent those — try a heavy-equipment rental house). Most lawn tractors and small utility tractors fit our car hauler.
Cost comparison: us vs U-Haul, Penske, etc.
Big-name chains charge $80-120/day for car haulers in the Houston area, plus mileage on some. Our flat $65/day is local, simple, and includes the winch (chains often charge extra). The catch: you have to pick up in Tomball — which is 15-30 minutes from most of the Houston metro anyway.
Ready to book?
Reserve our car hauler online in under 3 minutes. Same-day pickup available, lock code delivered after payment clears, return whenever you're done — no restricted hours.
Need a trailer in Tomball, Houston, or surrounding areas?
Same-day pickup, 24/7 online booking, no hidden fees. Family-owned in Tomball, TX.