Transporting Vehicles with Low Ground Clearance

Vehicles with low ground clearance, such as sports cars, modified vehicles, or specialty cars, can be more challenging to load onto trailers. The good news? With extra care and the right techniques, many low-clearance vehicles can be transported using a U-Haul® Auto Transport, Tow Dolly, or Toy Hauler. The key is reducing ramp angles, moving slowly, and stopping immediately if clearance is not adequate.

Key Takeaways Loading a low-clearance vehicle onto a trailer is a two-person job that may require wooden boards to reduce the ramp angle. Before you begin loading, confirm the vehicle is centered and that the front tires will fully contact the ramps before driving forward. Always drive up the ramps slowly and steadily, and stop if clearance cannot be maintained.

Important Safety Notes Before You Begin

• Always load on level ground with the tow vehicle in park, engine off, and the parking brake engaged.
• Load with two people: one driver and one observer positioned safely to the side.
• If your vehicle has a front splitter, removing it will make the loading and unloading process easier.
• If your vehicle cannot be loaded without scraping or contact, do not proceed.
• Any special techniques used during loading should also be repeated during unloading.
• U-Haul is not responsible for vehicle or cargo damage caused during loading or unloading.

Using Shims to Reduce Ramp Angle

One of the most effective ways to increase clearance is by reducing the ramp angle with wooden boards, also called shims. These 2” x 8” boards cost $7-10 at big box retail stores, but they are a one-time purchase — once you have them, you can use them to transport your vehicle as many times as needed. Be sure to cut them into 12-inch sections so you can add and remove them to create the right ramp angle for your vehicle.

How to Use Ramp Shims

• Place a 2" x 8" wooden board (shim) flat on the ground at the base of each ramp.
• If additional clearance is needed, stack a second board and place the ramp end on top of it.
• In some cases, a third board may be used, with the ramp resting on the second board.
• Boards should be stable, flat, and positioned evenly on both sides.

For vehicles with long front overhangs, longer boards may be required to create a smoother transition.

How to Load a Low-Clearance Vehicle Onto a Tow Dolly

Loading a low-profile vehicle onto a U-Haul Tow Dolly requires careful setup, reduced ramp angles, and slow, guided movement. Using 2" x 8" shims can help prevent contact with ramps, bump stops, or the vehicle’s front fascia.

Set Up Before Loading

• Park on level ground and engage the towing vehicle’s parking brake.
• Confirm the Tow Dolly is securely connected to the hitch with the coupler level in the down position.
• Verify Tow Dolly lights are working correctly.
• Pull the ramps fully out and position the tire straps for easy access.
• Assign one driver and one spotter to stand safely to the side.

Reduce the Ramp Angle

• Cut 2" x 8" lumber into 12-inch sections.
• Place three sections under each ramp to lower the approach angle.
• Make sure boards are stable and evenly positioned on both sides.

Address Front Clearance

• The vehicle should have at least 6 inches of clearance at the front fascia.
• If clearance is less than 6 inches, place a 2" x 8" board in the Tow Dolly’s front pan to prevent contact with the bump stop.
• Stop immediately if the vehicle appears likely to scrape.

Load and Secure the Vehicle

• Drive up the ramps slowly with the observer guiding from the side.
• Center the tires on the dolly platforms.
• Position each tire strap in the center of the tire and tighten evenly.
• Install security chain while avoiding fuel lines, brake lines, and electrical components.
• Leave about 7 inches of slack in each chain.
• Secure the steering wheel using the vehicle’s seat belt and tighten it by sliding the seat back.

Final Checks

• Store the lumber securely — you’ll need it again when unloading.
• Check tire straps and security chains after 1 mile, again at 50 miles, and at every fuel or rest stop.

How to Load a Low-Clearance Vehicle Onto an Auto Transport

Loading a low-profile vehicle onto a U-Haul Auto Transport requires proper hookup, reduced ramp angles, and slow, guided movement. We recommend using 2" x 8" shims to help prevent contact with ramps, tire stops, or the vehicle’s front fascia.

Set Up Before Loading

• Park on level ground with the tow vehicle in park and the parking brake engaged.
• Confirm the coupler, safety chains, and emergency brake chain are properly connected.
• Verify Auto Transport lights are working correctly.
• Pull the ramps fully out and position the tire straps for easy access.
• Assign one driver and one observer to stand safely to the side.

Reduce the Ramp Angle

• Use 12-inch sections of 2" x 8" lumber as shims.
• Place one or more shims under each ramp to reduce the approach angle.
• Make sure the boards are stable and evenly positioned on both sides.

Address Front Clearance

• The vehicle should have at least 6 inches of clearance from the front fascia to the ground.
• If clearance is less than 6 inches, place 2" x 8" boards in the trailer’s front tire-stop pockets to prevent contact.
• Repeat on both sides and stop immediately if scraping is likely.

Load and Secure the Vehicle

• Before driving the vehicle up the trailer ramps, lower the Auto Transport fender so the driver can exit safely.
• Drive up the ramps slowly with the observer guiding from the side.
• Center each tire strap on the middle of the tire and tighten evenly, leaving about 6 inches of slack before ratcheting.
• Install the security chains, avoiding brake lines, fuel lines, and electrical components.

Final Checks

• Store the lumber securely — you’ll need it again when unloading.
• Check tire straps and security chains after 1 mile, again at 50 miles, and at every fuel or rest stop.

How to Load a Low-Clearance Vehicle Onto a Toy Hauler

Loading a low-profile vehicle onto a U-Haul Toy Hauler requires two people, careful setup, and close attention to clearance. Reduce ramp angles and move slowly to help prevent contact with spoilers, air dams, or the vehicle underbody.

Set Up Before Loading

• Park on level ground in a straight line with the tow vehicle in park, engine off, and parking brake engaged.
• Confirm the coupler is securely attached to the hitch.
• Verify Tow Hauler lights are working correctly.
• Unhook the front security chain from the D-ring and set it aside for easier access later.
• Make sure all D-rings are lying flat against the trailer bed.
• Pull the ramps fully out and lower them to the ground.
• Assign one driver and one observer to stand safely to the side.

Reduce the Ramp Angle

• Position the vehicle behind the trailer, engine end forward, and centered as much as possible.
• If additional clearance is needed, place wooden boards under the end of each ramp to lower the approach angle.
• Boards may be repositioned during loading to maintain clearance.
• If adequate clearance cannot be achieved, do not load the vehicle.

Address Front Clearance

• Watch closely for splitters, air dams, or underbody contact as the vehicle approaches the ramps.
• If necessary, remove splitters or air dams to allow safe loading.
• Wooden boards may also be placed at the front of the trailer to help the vehicle clear the front tire stops.

Load and Secure the Vehicle

• Drive slowly up the ramps with the observer guiding from the side.
• Keep the vehicle doors closed and proceed steadily onto the platform.
• Continue forward until either the rear tires are centered on the rear tire line decals, or the front tires are resting firmly against the front wheel stops — whichever comes first.
• Do not brake suddenly or ram the front tire stops.
• Shift to park, turn off the engine, and engage the parking brake.
• Confirm all tires are straight and fully supported on the platform.
• Using your own straps, secure your vehicle onto the Toy Hauler following proper strap rated weight requirements for your load and tie down points suggested by your vehicle owners manual.

Final Checks

• Push the ramps back into the storage compartments until the latches fully engage.
• Store any wooden boards in the vehicle — you’ll need them again when unloading.
• If you have questions, visit your nearest U-Haul center or use the U-Haul App for additional guidance.

Transport Your Low-Clearance Vehicle With Confidence

Not sure which trailer is right for your vehicle? Visit your local U-Haul center or start a reservation online to compare options and get guidance before you load.

 

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