Towing Home

[Ikestaa]

Bob,
Right now, we are planning on picking up our car on the 20th of December. We are not really sure though how to get it home. We have a Suburban and thought about renting an enclosed trailer somewhere. Is there anywhere around ERA that would rent us a trailer, such as Uhaul, that wouldn't have to be returned where we got it? What kind of dimensions would we need to tow the car and all of the boxes if we had an enclosed trailer or truck? Thanks in advance for any information.

[cobrajeff]

I was going to tow my Cobra home from ERA, also. It was about seven years ago, but the weather was just about like this - pretty "iffy" in the snow belt. I called my insurance company, State Farm, and asked if my insurance would cover this $30k load of "parts" (an FIA roller) in-transit in an enclosed trailer. "No!" was the answer - they would not consider it a "car", or COVERED, until it was completely assembled, titled, and registered.

That's when I decided to go with ERA's regular transportation carrier, Intercity Lines. The move was smooth and uneventful - they did a really nice job (and THEY provided the insurance coverage).

That ultimately led me to looking for other avenues for insurance. I selected Parish, who WOULD insure my unfinished "pile of parts" during the 18 month construction phase. Both choices worked well for me.

BTW, my ERA FIA fits comfortably in an 18' enclosed trailer. I'd guess you'd want a 20' or maybe 24' to carry the car with boxes of parts.

Good Luck with your car!

Jeff Burgy

[Bob Putnam]

Ike,

Car shipping dimensions are in the front of the manual (and below).



The car will also fit in some of the rental "cube vans". Just depends on how much dirt you'll tolerate.

Lots of people have used rental trailers too.

[Ikestaa]

I am not sure about a plain old trailer though. How much of a problem would snow, or rain be for the car? Could the boxes fit in the back of a Suburban?

[computerworks]

..similar discussion:
http://www.ffcobra.com/ubb/ultimateb...c;f=1;t=010640

[Great Asp]

Ikestaa,

I think what Bob is really saying is that when you pick up the car, you should check all of those dimensions.

Just kiddin ya. I would use the open trailer, no problem. It is impossible to rent an enclosed trailer (I tried). You might see if someone in your local club has a rig. If you have not pulled an enclosed before, it is a little different than an open trailer. For starters, you will need the electric brake gizmo in the tow vehicle, and you might need sway or equalizing bars. better to use the tow vehicle that goes with the trailer.

Hope this helps, and congrats on getting your ride!!!!!

Eric

[Bob Putnam]

Ike,

The boxes will easily fit in the Suburban, and you can stow almost all of them in the car if you want to. Bring large HD trash bags if you think there'll be inclement weather.

[Ikestaa]

Eric,
I wish it were "my ride." My dad and a I are building it, but he is footin' the bill, so it is not mine. But, I am pretty sure I will be able to drive it, and that's all that matters.

[SSSnake]

I'll probably have to wait 'til my dad dies to drive this car, provided he doesn't get buried in it. We'll see how long he lives after it's finished

Just kidding of course
Glenn

[Ikestaa]

My dad is a good guy. He trusts me (for some reason), so I think I'll get some time behind the wheel.

[RACER X #99]

Jeff,
Gives the best advise, Have an insured carrier deliver your car. If you try to save some money and have the misfortune of having your car damaged by doing it yourself. You will be pissed off at yourself for a long time. Besides you could run into some real crappy weather that time of year in CT.

My .02
Cranky

[Ikestaa]

Well, I think we have decided to have the car shipped home instead. We had some trouble finding a trailer, and it was going to be $680 to rent a 14' x 7' box truck to bring it home! This way we won't have to worry about weather, or wrecking it before it even gets built.

[Todd Hedges]

Want to know what works great for a roller?
Rent a U-Haul 18' box.
The body and frame are light enough to push up 10' long 2x8's and there is plenty of room for boxes.
Plus it is enclosed.

[CJ428CJ]

Ikesta,

I think you've made the right choice. Let the professionals move it and give yourself a little peace of mind. It might cost you a few extra bucks but you don't need to worry about messing anything up. Besides, how in the heck would you manage to strap it down in the back of a U-Haul. I've had problems adequately strapping down a dresser much less an entire car.

Congratulations on the car. You're gonna love it.

Chris

[Chaplin]

Since I am less than 150 mi. away from ERA, I was thinking about having it delivered on a flat bed and then taking the boxes in a separate vehicle. My question is though, how many additional boxes will I get? I have basically ordered a roller. Will I be able to fit everything into a Toyota Tacoma PU or should I borrow a minivan??

Thanks,
Mike

[Jim Holden]

Chaplin:

In my experience, everything should fit in the Toyota (provided you don't take an entourage up to ERA to "assist"). Most of the main parts are already loosely bolted on (i.e. radiator, gas tank, dash, windscreen, hood, trunk, lights, etc.) to the kit.

Stuff can be put in the trunk of the car. The bulkiest pieces are the seats and if the weather is good, they can ride in the car. There is a box for the wiring harness and another for the interior carpet. There is the suspension and then smaller boxes for misc. stuff such as seat belts, etc.

Morty MacTavish

[Turk]

I remember the day mine came.
The car with the tires and wheels already attached. That left only three boxes that had to be carried separately. Nothing to it.

TURK
Have fun, I miss my ERA!

Bob you guys haven't heard the last from me!

[Todd Hedges]

Sounds like Turk is dreaming of a by-gone era (ERA) - pun intended. Hey I might consider trading 611 for a Z06 with less than 1,000 miles on her.

[Ikestaa]

BLASPHEMOUS

[427Aggie]

Why would you want a car that starts loosing value the minute you put the key in it Todd?

Matt