Moving freshly painted RSR clone from Inglewood CA to Encinitas CA - any good ideas??

[DW SD]

My car is done at the paint shop, where the saga began last October! Phase two begins in my garage, hopefully sooner than later. It needs suspension, exhaust, interior, windows, oil cooler, etc. I can pick it up on Friday (3/2), but need a way to get transport it home. My friend has an enclosed race trailer, but is not available until Monday. Unfortunately, I have work commitments on Monday so I'd have to postpone to the next Friday and would lose a weekend of wrenching in the garage.

I can always wait another week, but was hoping I may make it to Fontana in a few weeks. With another week at the shop that definitely won't happen.

I have a good tow vehicle (99 Landcruiser) so, I'm considering U-Haul trailers (open), maybe hiring a flatbed truck, been looking to rent or borrow another enclosed trailer, OR???

Anyone solve a similar problem in a creative way?

As always, thanks in advance!

Doug

[scottb]

It seems to me you'd want something enclosed. It would be horrible if the car got dinged by flying road debris even before you had a chance to put it together.

My $.02, FWIW. Good luck.

[pwd72s]

Originally posted by scottb
It seems to me you'd want something enclosed. It would be horrible if the car got dinged by flying road debris even before you had a chance to put it together.

My $.02, FWIW. Good luck.

agreed

[Joe Bob]

AAA premier will do a free 100 mile maximum tow.....

Whatver you do DON'T use a car cover on it and tow it on an open carrier....

[Dan in Pasadena]

Just a dumb question. If the car "needs suspension" then we can assume it is not a roller...so how do you move it around to even get in on a trailer?

[DW SD]

Really appreciate all the input!! The car is a roller, though I will be redoing the suspension very soon. It doesn't run because I need to install my new headers and exhaust.

I'll be calling AAA to see if they can put it on a flatbed for me. Towing it on the ground wouldn't be a good idea. The trip is close to 100 miles, will do a yahoo map and determine exact mileage.

Thanks again!!

Doug

[scottb]

I think AAA charges $7 per mile beyond 100 miles. Even if you have to go another 10-15 miles, you're only looking at about $100. Well worth it. Unfortunately, it will not be enclosed, so the car will be exposed to the elements. Being up on a flat bed, however, may put it above the "danger zone." Good luck, and let us know what you find out.

[DW SD]

I just did the map, it is 96.1 miles! I'm on with AAA right now. Will see what they say.

Great idea(s)!

Doug

[Joe Bob]

Standard AAA card won't do 100 miles....you have to have had a card for awhile to upgrade....if you already have a regular card...upgrade and then do the tow...

[DW SD]

I just spoke to AAA. I am a regular member. 4 years, now. They told me I need to upgrade to Premium and must wait a week before using the 100 mile towing service. I only get 7 miles, now, after it is $7 to $8 / mile. That's about $650 after the freebies.

HMMM, this probably won't work. Or puts me back where I started - waiting another week.

Great thoughts, however!

Doug

[Joe Bob]

Use someone else's card that is local to you....."I" can't...too far north.

[DW SD]

Good thought, will have to explore those options.

Doug

[Jack Olsen]

I think an open trailer is fine. You're going to be driving the car at some point, aren't you?

(That said, I got a nasty stone chip and a cracked headlight on last weekend's drive up to Thunderhill.)

If you're handy with a saw, you could even put together a leading-edge "shield" for a U-haul trailer out of 1/4-inch plywood.

[DW SD]

Jack,
Great thoughts! Yeah, the car won't be a garage queen. Open air and exposed to the road conditions will hopefully be a weekly (but not daily) occurrence.

Thanks to all!

Doug

[scottb]

Originally posted by JackOlsen
I think an open trailer is fine. You're going to be driving the car at some point, aren't you?

I had the same thought, Jack, but it would be a shame to get a "battle scar" while the car was up on a trailer.

Doug, is there any really important reason (other than an itch to get it done) not to wait a week? It sounds like you have a lot of work to do, and making it to Fontana is a longshot at best. It seems to me that the cost of the AAA upgrade versus $650 for the tow would make waiting a no-brainer.

[DW SD]

I can wait another week, if I have to. Logic and pragmatism will definitely prevail. That said, an acceptable solution for this Friday will be ideal!!! Hopefully, that can be practical, too. That's why I turned to the PP board for solutions ;-)

Appreciate the consideration!

Doug

[Bobboloo]

Just call some towing companies. They'll make a flat rate deal. I find it cheaper than AAA sometimes even though I'm a member. Request a carrier. I had a car towed (carrier) from Simi Valley to LAX. $100 flat rate.

[Zeke]

Call an independent. I have the name of a guy somewhere that works a father/son deal with a tow truck. They work primarily for local small shops and don't do the wrecks/bodyshop thing. If I can find the number, I'll shoot you an email. Meanwhile, contact your local shop. Andial sent me a guy 2 years ago that was 50 bucks to load and deliver. Wasn't far, but for some cash fuel money and on a off hour. I bet you can flatbed the thing for close to the cost of a rental trailer. Especially U-Haul. They'll nick you for almost a hun as it is if you get their insurance with a one day rental. And, you have to take it back! Twice the travel. Think of your gas when you add it up!

[944chick]

One other thing to remember is that AAA and many bigger tow companies will not tow a car that does not have current registration. Even on a flat bed. Small independants won't care.

[DW SD]

More great ideas!
Flatbed would be ideal, if not astronomical. Milt, please do send the contact info, if you can dig it up!

Thanks,

Doug