What Makes the Hauler Custom Unique?

The Hauler Custom is heavily inspired by vehicles from pop culture. Its overall shape and front grille guard resemble the Goliath from the 1982 TV series Knight Rider, while details like the barred windows, sloped roof, and side ridges borrow from the UniSol truck in Universal Soldier (1992). This combination gives it a distinct, aggressive appearance that’s not just cosmetic—it also affects gameplay.

Design Features

The Hauler Custom is a variant of the standard Hauler, keeping the general truck layout but with several notable upgrades:

  • Front Grille Guard: Razor-sharp with spikes along the bottom and criss-cross detailing. It’s mostly visual but contributes to the vehicle’s intimidating presence.

  • Cabin: Appears longer, featuring ladder-style steps, grab handles, and storage compartments along the sides. Windows are reinforced with horizontal frames, limiting visibility for thrown weapons.

  • Rear Section: Similar to other industrial trucks with a fifth-wheel for trailers, large fuel tanks, curved mudguards, and square-shaped tail lights. Turning signals are slightly orange, integrated into the rear lights.

  • Colors and Details: The primary color is applied to the cabin, fuel tanks, and front mudguards, while secondary color accents window supports, grab handles, exhaust shields, and rear details. Wheels are the same design as other industrial trucks but with spiked bolt details.

Most players don’t notice the subtle design differences at first, but these details contribute to its unique identity among GTA 5 vehicles.

How Does the Hauler Custom Perform?

Speed and Handling

In general, the Hauler Custom is much faster than most commercial trucks. Its acceleration rivals that of the Phantom Wedge, allowing it to reach top speeds quickly. However, it has limited traction on the rear wheels, which can cause the truck to drift around corners or struggle when pushing other vehicles. Off-road driving is also challenging; steep terrain often causes wheelspin.

Braking is another weak point. The Hauler Custom requires more distance to stop compared to its acceleration, especially when towing a Mobile Operations Center. Going downhill can be tricky, so it’s best to plan routes carefully to avoid accidents.

Compared to the Phantom Custom, the Hauler Custom offers slightly better steering due to its shorter wheelbase but sacrifices pushing power. The barred windows prevent using thrown weapons, which is important to know for combat-heavy missions.

Armor and Durability

One of the strongest points of the Hauler Custom is its armor. With a full upgrade, it can withstand a surprising amount of damage:

  • 22 RPG rockets

  • 49 Railgun KEP rounds

  • 66 Homing Launcher missiles

  • 11 tank shells from a Rhino, Khanjali, or APC cannon

  • 34 tank shells from an APC cannon

  • 55 Heavy Sniper Mk II explosive rounds

  • 3 Anti-Aircraft Trailer Flak rounds

The bullet-resistant windows allow occupants to survive up to 15 rounds from most firearms before breaking. Its strong body means collisions with other vehicles or obstacles rarely deform the truck. Players should note that if the MOC trailer is destroyed, the Hauler Custom will despawn regardless of its own condition.

Modifications and Customization

The Hauler Custom can only be modified at a bunker vehicle workshop. Unlike standard vehicles, it’s limited in customization options: bulletproof tires and tire smokes are the only upgrades available. The default paint is metallic black for primary, secondary, pearlescent, and wheel colors, which suits most players aiming for a stealthy or tactical look.

How Players Usually Use the Hauler Custom

Most players use the Hauler Custom primarily in Mobile Operations missions, especially for towing the MOC. It’s also effective in high-speed chases and as a protective transport for valuable cargo. Because of its speed, durability, and armored windows, it’s often favored over other trucks for quick insertions or extractions.

One thing to keep in mind is that the limited ability to use thrown weapons from inside can be a drawback in missions requiring active combat. Planning with teammates and using the truck’s durability to absorb damage is generally more effective than relying on offensive capabilities.

Interestingly, some players who want quick access to high-end vehicles or want to jumpstart their operations may consider ways to Sell GTA 5 Accounts. While not part of gameplay itself, this shows how valuable fully equipped vehicles like the Hauler Custom are in the community.

Where to Find the Hauler Custom

The Hauler Custom is not available in the open world by default. Players can acquire it by purchasing a Mobile Operations Center through Warstock Cache & Carry. Once selected as the main cab, it costs $1,400,000. It also appears in certain missions, such as:

  • Cover Blown: Towing a fully-upgraded MOC to avoid destruction by Merryweather.

  • Work Dispute: Appearing as a target for enemies during the final mission of the Mobile Operations missions.

Knowing these appearances helps players anticipate when and where the truck might show up, especially in free roam or multiplayer sessions.

The Hauler Custom is a versatile vehicle for players who want a mix of speed, durability, and style. Its unique design, strong armor, and performance make it a reliable choice for both missions and free roam activities. While it has some handling quirks and limited combat capabilities, experienced players can use it effectively by understanding its strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re towing a Mobile Operations Center, navigating tricky terrain, or just cruising around Los Santos, the Hauler Custom is one of the most practical and visually distinctive trucks in GTA 5.