How to Tow a Car Trailer: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps from reservation to drop-off and you will have a safe, straightforward tow every time. Each step calls out what to check, what to rent, and what to avoid.

1. Step 1: Match Your Equipment to the Job

   Before booking on RNTR, gather three numbers: your tow vehicle's maximum tow rating, its gross combined weight rating (GCWR), and the curb weight of the vehicle being hauled. Add the car's weight to the empty trailer weight and confirm the total stays under both limits. Choose between an open car trailer, a two-axle steel trailer, or a tow dolly based on your vehicle type and move distance. If the car is low-clearance or immobile, look for an air tow drop bed trailer listing in your area.

2. Step 2: Inspect and Connect the Trailer

   When you pick up the rental, do a full walkaround before attaching anything. Check tires for proper inflation and visible damage, inspect safety chains for intact links, and verify that all running lights, brake lights, and turn signals work by having a helper stand behind the trailer while you cycle through them. Attach the trailer coupler to the correct hitch ball size, lock the coupler latch, cross the safety chains under the tongue in an X pattern, and plug in the trailer wiring harness. Tug the tongue upward by hand to confirm the coupler is locked — it should not lift off the ball.

3. Step 3: Load the Vehicle Correctly

   Position 60 percent of the vehicle's weight in front of the trailer axle to prevent dangerous trailer sway. Drive the vehicle onto the trailer slowly using the built-in ramps, keeping it centered between the fender rails. Once positioned, set the parking brake and shift into park. Attach at least four ratchet tie-down straps — one at each wheel or through designated tie-down points in the frame — and tighten until snug without over-compressing the suspension. For a tow dolly, follow the manufacturer's strap routing specific to the front wheel cradles.

4. Step 4: Pre-Drive Safety Check

   Walk around the fully loaded rig one more time before leaving. Confirm all four tie-downs are still tight, safety chains are dragging at the correct height (low enough to catch the tongue if the coupler fails, not so low they contact the road), and the trailer license plate is visible and lit. Check your mirrors — if you cannot see beyond the trailer's rear corners, adjust or add towing mirrors before driving. Note the combined length of your rig so you can plan lane changes and turns accordingly.

5. Step 5: Drive with the Load in Mind

   Increase your following distance to at least four seconds — more on the highway. Brake earlier and more gradually than you normally would, since the added weight extends your stopping distance significantly. Avoid abrupt lane changes, which can trigger trailer sway. If sway does start, do not brake suddenly — instead, hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and let the rig slow on its own. Keep speeds at or below posted limits and check tie-downs every 50 miles or after any hard stop.

6. Step 6: Unload and Return the Rental

   Park on a flat, stable surface before unloading. Release tie-downs in the reverse order you applied them, then carefully back the vehicle down the ramps with a spotter guiding you. Once the vehicle is clear, raise and secure the ramps, disconnect all wiring, remove safety chains, and unlatch the coupler. Before returning the trailer to the RNTR provider, sweep debris from the deck and verify no tie-down hardware was left attached. Return on time to avoid extra day charges, and document the trailer's condition with photos at both pickup and drop-off.