2018 Sure-Trac 16' Car Hauler — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $5,000–$9,000. There is 1 high-severity known issue you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
Sure-Trac builds honest, well-made steel car haulers at fair prices. The 16-foot is the most common size for a single vehicle. At 7 years old and likely used for car hauling, inspect the tie-down D-rings, diamond plate, and wheel bearings.
Known Issues for the 2018 Sure-Trac 16' Car Hauler
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
D-rings for vehicle tie-downs take constant load from strapping. Inspect the welds around each D-ring for cracking or pulling. A failed D-ring under load causes an accident.
Repair cost range: $50-$200 per D-ring to re-weld
Diamond plate steel rusts from outdoor exposure. Check for lifting, splitting, or heavy rust that compromises the surface.
Repair cost range: $200-$600 to replace sections
Car haulers at 7 years need bearing inspection. Check for play and heat.
Repair cost range: $100-$300 per axle
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗D-ring welds cracked or pulling from the frame
- ✗Diamond plate with significant rust lifting or structural damage
- ✗Bearing play or heat after towing
Good Signs
- ✓D-ring welds solid on inspection
- ✓Diamond plate surface solid without significant rust lifting
- ✓Bearings repacked within 2 years
Found a specific Sure-Trac 16' Car Hauler?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2018 Sure-Trac 16' Car Hauler in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.