Trailering a car - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

jola · 07-16-2008, 11:52 AM

I'm looking for a way to get a car shipped or trailered up from VA to my house. The car is heavy. One estimate I saw was 3950 lbs, but its been hard finding information on it so I'm still looking to confirm that. Unfortunately, the car is not running, so I can't drive it up here. For some reason Uhaul says a 1991 Suburban is not an adequate towing vehicle to use with their car trailer. Has anyone had good experience with any cheap shipping companies? Are there other places that may let me use a car trailer with a Suburban? It would have to be one where the car is lifted, not just the front wheels. Any help would be great.

~Joe

madness410 · 07-16-2008, 12:21 PM

do you have a friend who has a landscaping trailer and a truck? my friend did that to my car, he just strapped it down really well.

but then again my car is probably half a ton lighter than yours

Tru2Chevy · 07-16-2008, 01:23 PM

Just tell U Haul that you are towing a mid 80's cavalier, not the 2 ton beast that you are actually towing. You shouldn't have any problems with the Suburban then.....

- Justin

jola · 07-16-2008, 01:33 PM

OK so I made a mistake when I was filling in the trucks info and I can rent that trailer. I thought it was a 1/2 ton but its a 3/4 ton.

Next question: it is heavy and doesn't run. What would be the best way to get it on the trailer? A winch? Power winch or would a manual work? We won't have many people to push it.

Tru2Chevy · 07-16-2008, 01:36 PM

A winch is your best bet. Power will be faster, but a manual should have enough gear reduction built into it that a guy with average strength can winch a heavy car up on the trailer.

- Justin

jola · 07-16-2008, 01:52 PM

Would a winch bolt onto a trailer hitch?

Mike · 07-16-2008, 02:06 PM

i believe they make adapters for the hitch

jola · 07-16-2008, 02:08 PM

Alright thanks for all the info! I think I'll shop around and price out some winches.

WildBillyT · 07-16-2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jola

Alright thanks for all the info! I think I'll shop around and price out some winches.

If you aren't going to need a winch for anything else you can probably get by with just a come-along.

WayFast84 · 07-16-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildBillyT

If you aren't going to need a winch for anything else you can probably get by with just a come-along.

Just get a come-along But Harbor freight By the best buy near Woodbridge mall/best buy has some winches that would work and be a good deal for the one time use, if you must use a winch...

I also saw a Forrest green firebird At Menlopark mall that was pretty crashed up, I was wondering if it was your car? If its not, Ill post pics. If It is, I'm sorry

jola · 07-16-2008, 02:40 PM

Nope mine is in completely uncrashed condition. Post away. The come-along looks like the way to go.

Savage_Messiah · 07-16-2008, 03:06 PM

What are you getting?

WildBillyT · 07-16-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jola

Nope mine is in completely uncrashed condition. Post away. The come-along looks like the way to go.

I used one on a 4,000 lb Chevelle with extra drag in the trans. It worked well, but took some time. Definetly cheaper than a winch.

sweetbmxrider · 07-16-2008, 03:24 PM

what if you jack it up and back the trailer under it? or are you talking a full trailer as in 4 wheels off of the road?

jola · 07-16-2008, 10:26 PM

I'm getting a 1980's Jaguar XJ12, mwahahaha!

Another change in plans, my dad thinks the Suburban would be a bad move since the tranny seems to be struggling. It looks like I'll be shipping it up here. A few of them I priced were around $500 which is reasonable considering the gas I would use with the Suburban. The problem now is finding a week that is good for my uncle, since the shipping companies give a range of estimated pickup days unless you dish out several hundred for a guaranteed pickup date.

Thanks for all the advice anyways!