The Top 10 Car Shows to Attend in 2025

Neighbors Trailer

Aug 21, 2023
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5 min read
best car show

Top Car Shows Where a Car Trailer Rental Makes All the Difference

If you collect, restore, or just love cars, a proper car trailer rental turns a stressful long distance drive into a relaxed day at the show. Driving a classic or low mileage investment to the event exposes it to weather, road debris, and every pothole along the way. Renting a car hauler or enclosed trailer from Neighbors Trailer protects the paint, saves the miles, and lets you pull into the gate with a fresh detail. Below is a guide to the biggest shows in the United States and what to rent for each one.

Why Trailering Beats Driving

Car show judges score paint, chrome, glass, and undercarriage condition. A 600 mile round trip can chip paint, pit chrome, and leave bug splatter that costs hours to clean at the venue. Trailering also protects your investment from crashes, hail storms, and the fuel tank additives that can foul an unrestored carburetor. Most insurance policies give favorable treatment to cars moved on a trailer, which matters for both classic and modern collector vehicles.

Biggest U.S. Car Shows Worth Trailering To

Attendance numbers for a handful of marquee events are shown below. The bigger the show, the more valuable a safe trailer ride becomes.

Bar graph of attendance at top United States car shows

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SEMA Show (Las Vegas, NV)

The biggest automotive aftermarket event in the world. Held each November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Most exhibitors and show vehicles arrive by enclosed trailer from every corner of the country.

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (Pebble Beach, CA)

A premier classic and collector car event held the third Sunday of August. Cars on the show field are often irreplaceable; enclosed trailering is essentially mandatory.

Barrett-Jackson Auctions (Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Las Vegas, Houston)

If you are consigning a vehicle at a Barrett-Jackson auction, you need the car clean and ready on arrival. Most consignors ship via enclosed or open car hauler to protect the listing.

Goodguys Rod and Custom Nationals (Multiple Cities)

A traveling series of hot rod and muscle car shows held in cities across the country. Rentals with ramps, deck rings, and tie downs work perfectly for street rods and pro touring builds.

Woodward Dream Cruise (Detroit, MI)

The largest one day automotive event in the world, held annually in August. Over a million spectators line Woodward Avenue. A local car trailer rental lets out of town owners drop their car off fresh, then actually enjoy the cruise.

Local Cars and Coffee (Every Weekend)

Smaller events every weekend across the country. A quick open car hauler rental lets owners show cars that otherwise sit in the garage under cover.

Open Car Hauler vs Enclosed Trailer

Trailer Style	Protection Level	Best For	Typical Daily Rate
Open Car Hauler	Moderate (weather, debris exposed)	Daily drivers, project cars, short hauls	$85 to $175
Open Aluminum Hauler	Moderate, lighter to tow	Long distance open transport	$140 to $220
Enclosed Trailer 20 ft	High (weather and debris protection)	Classic and collector cars	$175 to $275
Enclosed Trailer 24 ft+	Highest (plus interior storage)	Full size trucks, show cars, tools	$225 to $395

What to Look for in a Car Trailer Listing

Ask owners about deck length (a full size truck needs 24 feet or more), loading angle, tie down point count, and whether the listing includes a winch. For long hauls, request a trailer with electric brakes on both axles and a trailer mounted spare tire. Our full car hauler loading guide covers the sequence from chocks to final tie down.

Insurance and NT Protect

Every rental on Neighbors Trailer includes NT Protect, which is automatically charged to the renter at checkout for a few dollars per day. NT Protect covers trailer damage and liability with a $500 renter deductible if a claim is filed. For high value show cars, confirm separately with your classic car insurance carrier that the vehicle itself is covered during transit.

Loading Your Show Car Safely

Load the car with the heaviest end forward, usually nose first on front engine vehicles. Use soft tie down straps through the wheels rather than around the frame to avoid scratching paint. A heavy hauling tips refresher is worth a read before any long transport, even for lighter collector cars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Open or enclosed for a classic car?

For any car valued above 30,000 dollars or with original paint, enclosed is worth the premium. Open haulers work well for drivers, project cars, and short distance show trips.

Can I rent a car trailer for a cross country trip?

Yes. Many Neighbors Trailer owners list multi day and weekly rates. Book early during show season, especially the week before Pebble Beach and SEMA.

What truck do I need?

Most open car haulers up to 9,000 pound GVWR tow behind a half ton pickup. Enclosed car trailers typically need a 3/4 ton or larger truck, especially for full size muscle cars and trucks.

Are there trailers with built in tie downs?

Yes. Many listings feature D rings or E track. Filter for this in the listing notes, or message the owner before booking.

Conclusion

Renting a car trailer for a major show saves your paint, protects your investment, and lets you arrive at the gate ready to detail and enjoy. Pick an open hauler for close events and an enclosed trailer for irreplaceable cars and longer hauls. Every Neighbors Trailer rental comes with NT Protect included at checkout. Book your show season hauler early on Neighbors Trailer and make the trip part of the event, not an obstacle to it.

Content updated April 2026