Iron CapitalTrailer RentalsComparison
Car Hauler vs. Tow Dolly vs. Shipping: Moving a Vehicle to or from Colorado Springs
For most vehicle moves, a car hauler trailer is the safest and most flexible option: all four wheels off the ground, no mileage on the car, and you control the schedule. Ours rents for $100/day ($600/week) in Colorado Springs. A tow dolly is cheaper but front-wheel-drive-only; professional shipping typically runs $1–$2 per mile and you wait on a carrier's window.
How do the three options actually compare?
| Car hauler rental | Tow dolly | Auto shipping | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $100/day · $600/week at Iron Capital | Roughly $50–$75/day at national chains | Commonly $1–$2/mile; quotes vary by season & route |
| Wheels off ground | All four | Front two only | All four |
| Works for AWD/4WD/RWD | Yes | Generally no — FWD only without driveline work | Yes |
| Miles added to the car | None | Rear-tire wear | None |
| Schedule | Yours — same-day pickup often available | Yours | Carrier's pickup window, often multi-day |
| Also hauls your stuff? | The tow vehicle and cab are yours to pack | Limited | No personal items in most contracts |
When is the car hauler the right call?
Whenever the vehicle is automatic, all-wheel drive, lowered, or simply worth protecting — which covers most vehicles on the road today. Our 2026 Lamar 18 ft car hauler carries cars, trucks, and UTVs on an 83-inch-wide deck with slide-in ramps, a dovetail for low approach angles, and a 7,000 lb GVWR. The winch and straps are included, so a non-running project car can still be pulled aboard. Full specs are on the car hauler rental page.
When does a tow dolly make sense?
A dolly earns its keep on one narrow case: a front-wheel-drive car, a short move, and a tight budget. The front wheels ride on the dolly while the rears roll on the pavement — fine for a Civic across town, a problem for anything AWD or RWD, where towing with driven wheels down can damage the transmission unless the driveshaft is disconnected. U-Haul's own guidance restricts dollies largely to front-wheel-drive vehicles. If your car isn't FWD, the $25–$50/day you save disappears into risk.
When should you just ship it?
Long one-way moves where you can't or don't want to drive a tow vehicle back — think Colorado Springs to the East Coast. Brokered open-carrier transport commonly quotes in the $1–$2 per mile range for a 1,000+ mile run (check any carrier's FMCSA registration at fmcsa.dot.gov before paying a deposit). The trade-offs: you work inside the carrier's pickup window, the car rides with strangers' schedules, and personal belongings usually can't travel in it. For a move within Colorado or a neighboring state, a week with the car hauler at $600 usually beats the quote — and you keep the schedule.
What we tell people planning a move
The pattern we see at the yard: one-way movers rent the car hauler, tow the car behind the moving truck, and pack the tow vehicle to the roof — the trailer pays for itself in saved shipping and zero waiting. We're family-owned, open seven days a week, and if you're also moving furniture, our guide to what size trailer you need for a move covers the household side.
How do I book the car hauler?
Reserve at bookings with a $50 booking fee that applies to your total, or call or text 719-661-3946. You'll need a valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and a credit card for the refundable deposit — details on the rental FAQ.
Quick answers before you book
Can I tow an AWD vehicle on your car hauler?
Yes — that's the point of a full trailer. All four wheels ride on the deck, so drivetrain type doesn't matter. AWD and 4WD vehicles are exactly the ones that should never go on a two-wheel tow dolly without driveline modifications.
What tow vehicle do I need for the car hauler?
The trailer is 7,000 lb GVWR; with a typical 3,500–4,500 lb car aboard, most properly equipped half-ton pickups and larger SUVs handle it. Check your tow rating and use a brake controller — the trailer has electric brakes.
Can I rent the car hauler one-way to another city?
Our rentals are picked up and returned at our Colorado Springs location. For a round-trip move it's often still cheaper than shipping; for a true one-way cross-country move, compare a shipping quote at $1–$2/mile against the weekly rate plus your drive back.
Will a non-running car load onto the trailer?
Yes. Every rental includes a winch along with straps and slide-in ramps, so a dead vehicle can be pulled up the dovetail. Tell us it's a non-runner when you book and we'll make sure you're set up at pickup.