Hire a traileror call a tow?

Quick answer

If you have a ute or 4WD rated to tow 3,500 kg and the move isn't an emergency, hiring a car trailer is usually the cheaper and more flexible option: our CT177 is a fixed $120 for 6 hours or $180 for 24 hours, with no per-kilometre charge. A tow truck makes more sense if you don't have a suitable tow vehicle, the car has been in a crash, or you're stuck on the side of a motorway.

When hiring a trailer makes sense

• You have a ute or 4WD rated to tow the loaded trailer — see can my car tow a car trailer?
• The move can be planned — an auction pickup, a project car, a workshop shuffle or a track day.
• You need more than one trip. A day, week or month on the trailer costs the same however many moves you make.
• You want to choose the timing instead of waiting for a truck to become free.

When a tow truck makes more sense

• You don't have a vehicle rated to tow the load.
• The car has been in a crash, or is on the shoulder of a busy road — let the professionals handle it.
• The car can't be rolled or winched safely, for example with a seized wheel or no steering.

Comparing the cost

Our prices are fixed: $120 for 6 hours, $180 per 24 hours, $700 per week or $2,000 per month, plus a refundable bond. There's no distance charge.

Tow truck pricing varies between operators and usually depends on distance, time of day and the job. For a fair comparison, get a written quote for your exact trip and compare it with the trailer rate for the time you'd need.

Common questions