There comes a time when many need to use an Auto Transport to tow a vehicle that has a low ground clearance. There are a few extra steps that need to be taken in order to do this. Keep in mind that these techniques are present for consideration when other options are not available. We also suggest that you always proceed slowly when loading, and have an observer present to watch the clearance as you load.
When transporting a vehicle with low ground clearance, the key is changing the angle the vehicle is coming onto the equipment. There are a couple ways to accomplish this. Using the landscape is an effective way to manage this situation. If there is an elevated curb or inclined driveway are available you can back the trailer up so the ends of the ramps are supported evenly thus allowing the vehicle to be loaded from the raised area.
An elevated curb or driveway may not be available. That’s OK, there is another technique for loading a low ground clearance vehicle. You can take a 2 x 8 board and place it against each ramp end. If your vehicle’s front end is longer you will need a longer board. 
With some vehicles there may be a need to increase the clearance even further. The ground clearance can be increased by using a second board. When using a second board, the end of the ramp is placed on top of the lower board. 3 boards can be used as well in this scenario you would place the ramp on top of the second board. Again you should always have an observer watching the loading and checking the ground clearance.
Now that the trailer ramps are setup to begin loading the vehicle, you may also need to prepare to clear the tire stops on the trailer as well. 
If the front end is not adequate to clear the 6 inch tire stops at the front of the trailer, an 18 inch piece of 2 x 8 can be placed on the trailer deck to increase the ground clearance. These boards should be centered under the tires. If the front end of the vehicle is longer it may need a second board to the rear of the tire-strap attachment bar. Do not place any board over the top of the tire strap attachment bar, and remember to remove any loose boards placed on the Auto Transport for loading purposes.
Low clearance vehicles may also have an issue opening the driver’s door when on the auto transport. The fold-down fender requires 8 inches of clearance when it is in the down position, which is about the same as normal sidewalks. In the case they cannot open the door fully, the person who drove the vehicle onto the auto transport may have to exit through the window. Then they will need to reach in to get the window rolled up or cover the opening with a tarp to prevent possible weather damage.
For more tips when towing check out out Safe Trailering section on Moving Insider.
Have you ever needed to tow a low ground clearance vehicle? Are you a towing expert? Let us know in the comments below.
