Alright, fellas, sorry i haven't posted in a LONG time but i've been busy...you know how it gets. Anyway, my girl and I are working on moving from Ohio to Los Angeles and we really want to do most of it all in one trip. We have a 2004 Saturn that we're going to drive and my Chevy that I'm concerned about. I think we'll be getting a U-haul for whatever furniture we bring but like I said, the Chevy is my main worry. Mustang II front end and a Nova rear end with 4 inch blocks. We'd planned on just towing the Chevy behind the U-haul but now that I put blocks, I have concerns. Would I be able to just take the blocks out and tow it or do you guys think I'd need a rollback trailer? What would you guys do? I'd LOVE to be able to drive it out there, but given all the stuff we have to move, this isn't an option. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give! Frank
Frank, Since your renting a u-haul truck just rent a car trailer to put on the back. You drive that and the GF can drive the Saturn and follow behind. Other than that you are gonna either have to arrange a transporter like BenD or fly back to get it and then drive it out. The cost of the trailer would probably be the least involved and you wouldn't have to worry about break-downs, it being lowered so much, fuel cost and worst of all more time out of work. You'll be able to find plenty of good hot rod cruises out there once you get settled in.
well, the last time i took it to a garage they couldnt get it on the ramp because it was too low.that's my main concern
Is your concern getting it on and off the trailer? I've moved with the Uhaul trailers several times and you can do stuff like back up to a curb and pull the car on from the yard to reduce ramp angle. I've also run the cars half on, then jacked up each ramp individually and slid 2x4s under the end to allow the car on without dragging the belly. Whatever you do, if there's a car on the trailer, the very last thing to load is your floorjack, a couple stands and blocks of wood, and a toolbox. Those trailers are pieces of garbage and you should plan to have some kind of h***le, just cause you're a mechanical person that can spot the problem. The 25 customers before you weren't and blissfully used it that way. good luck
Having your girlfriend drive the daily and you pull the Chevy behind the U-haul on a trailer certainly makes the most sense and you can pack both the Saturn and Chevy full of stuff as well as the U-haul. With 2 x 2 and 4 x 4 you can get any car on and off a trailer....ask my how I know. I can't get on a trailer, hoist or anything without alittle help. Ralfs56 built these so we can get the arms of the hoist under Big Olds. When I call for a rollback for a breakdown I make sure they know they have to bring wood to use as ramps with them.
I had problems before as to loading my bagged truck on my car trailer.......so I bagged my Trailer too.......It lays Flat I drive on and throw the air to it and off he go
Ol_skool_Chevy, that's an interesting option,however i dont have anything bagged or own the trailer yeah,i have a feeling boards will become my best friend during this trip... i just gotta get the stupid thing on and off again. thanks for the suggestions,everyone! got any more, keep em comin!
I have some wooden ramps like Denise's that I back the rear wheels of the tow vehicle onto and it usually gives me the proper trailer angle for loading. Be sure to tie the Chevy off at the axles and not the frame. It will tow a lot smoother if the Chevy suspension is allowed to operate rather than fight it's restraints. Can't tell you how many SCARY tie down jobs I see on the highways. I typically use a 3/8" chain at the front and TWO 10K lb. ratchet straps and axle straps around the rear axle tube. Be sure not to crush a brake line with the axle straps. If possible always put the rear straps to their prospective corners, like the right rear tie needs to hook the right rear of the trailer. If you crisscross the straps and one fails, the car could possibly slide on the trailer and put too much slack in the one that's left. Also be aware of any sharp edges that might possibly cut the strap as the car goes thru it's normal suspension travel range. Also, once the front end is chained down, put the car in neutral and then ratchet the back down. Once everything is tight, then put the car in gear and apply the emergency brake. Best of Luck!
and keep them easily accessible during the trip, don't bury them. You might have to unload and reload the Chevy during the trip.
How about one of those trailers with the jack in the front? Tilt back trailers or whatever they're called....tilts the whole trailer just enough to get low cars on and off. U-haul might have one of those, but might cost a tad more.
when i moved to tulsa from houston we got a uhaul truuck and a trailer to pull my 60 starchief. she followed in the pathfinder no problems and the starchief was slammed 3 inches she scarapped everywhere. good luck on the move
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