Choosing the Right Brian James Car Transporter Trailer for Your Needs
Choosing the right car transporter trailer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make if you regularly move vehicles for motorsport, recovery, trade, or business. The right trailer makes loading safer, towing easier, and transport more efficient. The wrong trailer, however, can limit what you can carry, increase running costs, or even put you on the wrong side of the law.
At Eakin Bros Ltd, we supply the full range of Brian James Trailers — a brand known for engineering excellence, smart design, and dependable performance. Using the principles found in their technical brochures, this guide walks you through the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect car transporter trailer for your needs.
Start With Your Vehicle Weight and Size
The first and most important step is understanding the weight and dimensions of the vehicle you plan to transport. This determines the minimum trailer size and payload you’ll need.
Vehicle Weight
Check the manufacturer’s data for the vehicle’s kerb weight. Then add a margin for:
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fuel
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tools
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spare wheels
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accessories
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straps and tie‑downs
If your vehicle weighs 1,500 kg, it’s safer to assume a transport weight closer to 1,600–1,650 kg.
Vehicle Dimensions
Measure or look up:
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overall length
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width (including mirrors if necessary)
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wheelbase
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ground clearance
Brian James Trailers offer a wide range of bed lengths and widths, so matching the trailer to your vehicle ensures proper weight distribution and safe loading.
Understand Payload and Why It Matters
Payload is the maximum weight your trailer can legally carry, and it’s calculated by subtracting the trailer’s unladen weight from its Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
Payload=GVW−Unladen Weight
For example, a 3,500 kg GVW trailer with an 800 kg unladen weight gives you a payload of 2,700 kg.
This is one of the most important numbers to get right. If your vehicle weighs 2,000 kg, a trailer with a 2,000 kg payload is not enough — you must account for extras like fuel, tools, and accessories. Choosing a trailer with a comfortable payload margin ensures safety, legality, and long‑term usability.
Choose the Right Bed Length and Width
Car transporter trailers come in a variety of bed sizes. Longer and wider beds offer more flexibility, but they also increase unladen weight.
Shorter Beds
Ideal for:
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small cars
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hatchbacks
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compact track cars
Medium Beds
Suitable for:
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saloons
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estates
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light commercial vehicles
Long Beds
Best for:
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4x4s
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vans
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long‑wheelbase vehicles
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motorsport cars with extended aero
Brian James Trailers provide multiple bed length options across their ranges, allowing you to choose a size that fits your current needs while offering room for future vehicles.
Consider Axle Configuration: Single, Twin, or Tri‑Axle
The number of axles affects stability, payload, and towing behaviour.
Single Axle
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lighter and easier to manoeuvre
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lower payload
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best for small, lightweight vehicles
Twin Axle
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the most popular choice
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excellent balance of stability and payload
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ideal for most car transport applications
Tri‑Axle
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superior stability, especially at higher weights
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smoother towing over long distances
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ideal for heavy vehicles or commercial use
Tri‑axle trailers are particularly popular with recovery operators and motorsport teams who need maximum stability and payload.
Decide Whether You Need a Tilt Bed
A tilt bed is one of the most useful features on a car transporter trailer. It allows the bed to angle downward, reducing the loading angle and making it easier to load low‑clearance vehicles.
Tilt Bed Benefits
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perfect for sports cars and track cars
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reduces risk of scraping bumpers or splitters
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eliminates the need for long ramps
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faster and safer loading
If you regularly transport performance vehicles, a tilt bed is almost essential. Brian James Trailers offer tilt bed options across many of their models, giving you flexibility depending on your needs.
Ramp Options: Length, Strength, and Storage
Ramps are a key part of the loading process, and the right ramps make a huge difference.
Shorter Ramps
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lighter and easier to store
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suitable for vehicles with good ground clearance
Longer Ramps
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reduce loading angle
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ideal for low or long‑wheelbase vehicles
Heavy‑Duty Ramps
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designed for heavier vehicles
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essential for commercial or recovery use
Many Brian James models offer integrated ramp storage, keeping ramps secure and accessible.
Think About Loading and Securing Features
A good car transporter trailer should make loading and securing your vehicle quick, safe, and straightforward.
Look for features such as:
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multiple tie‑down points
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integrated wheel chocks
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winch mounts
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side rails
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anti‑slip decking
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strong, reinforced chassis
These features not only improve safety but also make day‑to‑day use more efficient.
Match the Trailer to Your Tow Vehicle
Your tow vehicle must be capable of safely towing the trailer at its full GVW, not just the weight of the load.
Check:
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maximum braked towing capacity
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towbar rating
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Gross Train Weight (GTW)
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engine torque and braking performance
A trailer that exceeds your vehicle’s towing limits is unsafe and illegal. At Eakin Bros, we help customers match trailers to their tow vehicles to ensure compliance and safety.
Consider Future Needs, Not Just Today’s
Many buyers choose a trailer based solely on their current vehicle. But needs change — you may buy a heavier car, start transporting multiple vehicles, or expand your business.
Choosing a trailer with:
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a higher payload
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a longer bed
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a tri‑axle configuration
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a tilt bed
…can future‑proof your investment and save you money in the long run.
The Right Trailer Makes All the Difference
Choosing the right car transporter trailer is about more than just picking a size or style — it’s about understanding your vehicle, your towing setup, and your long‑term needs. Payload, bed size, axle configuration, loading features, and tow vehicle compatibility all play a crucial role in making the right choice.
At Eakin Bros, we supply the full range of Brian James Trailers and can guide you through every step of the decision‑making process. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, a recovery operator, or a business owner, we’ll help you find a trailer that delivers safety, reliability, and exceptional performance.