By Big car auctions are exciting for any vehicle enthusiast. You get to see classics, customs, collector cars, project vehicles, and dream builds all in one place. With Barrett-Jackson Columbus coming up June 25–27, 2026, at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, buyers will have the chance to bid on a wide range of vehicles and maybe even leave with something special.
But once the bidding ends, there is one big question every buyer needs to think about:
How are you getting that car home?
Whether you are buying from a major auction, an online auction, Facebook Marketplace, a private seller, or a local estate sale, transportation should be part of your plan before you place a bid. Winning the car is exciting, but getting it home safely matters just as much.
Know the Pickup Timeline Before You Bid
Before you bid on a vehicle, make sure you understand the pickup rules. Many auctions have specific timelines for when purchased vehicles need to leave the property. Waiting until after you win to figure out transportation can create unnecessary stress, especially if you are buying out of town.
Check the auction details ahead of time and ask questions like:
- When does the vehicle need to be picked up?
- Is there a loading area?
- Will staff be available to help?
- Does the vehicle run and drive?
- Are there any special requirements for pickup?
Even if you are not completely sure you will win, having a transportation plan in mind can make the entire process easier.
Decide If the Car Should Really Be Driven Home
Just because a car can drive does not always mean it should. Auction vehicles can include classics, collector cars, low-mileage vehicles, project cars, race cars, and vehicles with unknown maintenance history.
Driving the car home might sound simple, but it can come with risks. You may not know how old the tires are, how reliable the brakes are, whether the cooling system is ready for a long trip, or if the vehicle is properly insured and registered for the drive.
For many buyers, hauling the car home on a trailer is the safer choice. This is especially true if the car is valuable, not street legal, lowered, modified, or not fully inspected yet.
Choose the Right Trailer for the Vehicle
Not every trailer is the right fit for every car. Before you book or borrow a trailer, make sure the trailer can safely handle the vehicle you are moving.
For auction pickups, car haulers and enclosed trailers are often the most common options. An open car hauler works well for many standard vehicles, while an enclosed trailer can offer extra protection for high-value cars, collector vehicles, or cars traveling a longer distance.
Before choosing a trailer, check:
- Trailer length and width
- Payload capacity
- Ramp style and ramp angle
- Tie-down points
- Trailer brakes
- Winch availability
- Deck height
- Ball size and hitch requirements
- Whether the trailer works for low-clearance vehicles
A winch can be especially helpful if the car does not run or if you are unsure whether it will load under its own power. If you are hauling a lowered sports car, pay close attention to ramp angle and clearance.
Make Sure Your Tow Vehicle Can Handle the Job
Buying a car at auction? Your trailer plan is only as good as your tow vehicle. Before pickup day, confirm that your truck or SUV can safely tow the combined weight of the trailer and the vehicle.
Look at your tow rating, payload rating, hitch setup, brake controller, and ball size. You should also make sure your tow vehicle is ready for the trip, especially if you are driving several hours to pick up the car.
A few things to double-check include:
- Tow rating
- Hitch receiver class
- Ball size
- Brake controller
- Trailer plug connection
- Tire pressure
- Mirrors
- Tow vehicle insurance
If you are unsure, it is always better to ask questions before pickup day instead of realizing something does not match once you arrive.
Bring the Right Tie-Down Equipment
Securing the vehicle correctly is one of the most important parts of hauling it home. Make sure you have the proper straps, axle straps, or over-the-tire straps for the vehicle and trailer setup.
You should also inspect the trailer’s tie-down points before loading. Once the car is loaded, take your time securing it and check the straps again after driving a short distance.
Rushing this step can lead to serious issues on the road. A few extra minutes can make a big difference.
Ask Questions Before You Book a Trailer
If you are renting a trailer, do not be afraid to ask the host questions before booking. This is where the towlos chat feature can be helpful. You can message the trailer host directly and make sure the trailer is the right fit for your auction pickup.
You may want to ask:
- Does the trailer have a winch?
- What size ball does it require?
- Does it have trailer brakes?
- What is the payload capacity?
- How long are the ramps?
- Will it work for a low car?
- Are straps included?
- What time is pickup available?
- Is the trailer ready for a long-distance trip?
The more you know ahead of time, the smoother your pickup will be.
Plan the Route Before Pickup Day
Once you know where the vehicle is and where it needs to go, take a few minutes to plan your route. Towing a trailer can change how you drive, where you stop, and what roads make the most sense.
Try to avoid tight city streets, low-clearance areas, and routes with limited fuel stops. If you are towing a long distance, plan breaks where you can safely pull in, inspect the trailer, and check your straps.
It also helps to give yourself extra time. Auction pickup days can be busy, and loading may take longer than expected.
Use towlos to Find a Car Hauler Near You
If you bought a car at auction and need a way to get it home, towlos can help you find trailer rentals near you. Whether you need a car hauler, enclosed trailer, equipment trailer, or another towing option, towlos connects you with local trailer hosts so you can find the right trailer for the job.
You can search by location, compare trailer specs, review photos, and message hosts before booking. That makes it easier to find a trailer that fits your vehicle, your tow setup, and your pickup timeline.
Buying a car at auction should be exciting, not stressful. With the right trailer plan, you can focus less on the logistics and more on bringing your new vehicle home safely.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Car at Auction
Auction day is about more than placing the winning bid. It is also about having a smart plan for what happens next.
Before you bid, think through how you will pick up the vehicle, whether it should be driven or hauled, what kind of trailer you need, and whether your tow vehicle is ready. A little planning before the auction can save you time, money, and stress after the sale.
If you are heading to an upcoming auction or buying a vehicle from a private seller, start looking at trailer options early. The right trailer can make getting your new car home much easier.
