|
|
SUPPORT ZPOST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS! |
Post Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
03-04-2013, 04:17 AM | #1 |
Enlisted Member
3
Rep 42
Posts |
Anyone U-Haul their Mc?
Thinking about purchasing smellyborrelli's Z4Mc. And if the drive and my inspection goes well I'd be bringing it home. No Problem, however, it is 600 mi or so.
I'd either 'tow' it with a tow dolly, or put it on a U-Haul trailer...Any advice? has anyone moved their car themselves? Yes, I realize I could just drive...I've got this thing about not driving my BMW's until April in that I live about 50 miles south of Ann Arbor Mi and I don't want rust on any of my cars... Thanks in advance... |
03-04-2013, 08:06 AM | #2 |
Colonel
1567
Rep 2,665
Posts |
To me, if you are trying to avoid salt and bad weather, the dolly doesn't seem like it would make much of a difference (assuming two wheel dolly?). The open trailer would be better and the enclosed trailer the best. Even with the open trailer, if you run into snow I think the surface of the car will be covered with salt.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 08:21 AM | #3 |
Enlisted Member
3
Rep 42
Posts |
Thx
I assume clear roads since its not in the forecast. My question may have been unclear. Has anyone transported their own vehicle using either method? As far as hooking it up and the actual drive. Since the roads will most likely be clear in the unlikely event of rain/snow I could cover it (on the trailer) and its only an 8 hr ride.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 08:47 AM | #4 |
Second Lieutenant
13
Rep 280
Posts |
Cover it and drive at 50MPH??
The flapping of the cover will do far more damage than the salt or rain will! Get a quote for it to be transported for you, probably close to the cost of the trailer rental - not to mention your time. It's going to be a 12 hour ride if it is 600 miles, you aren't going 75 MPH with that trailer... And not even close with a tow dolly. (Which is not a good idea for a RWD car anyhow). I had mine moved by Gran Turismo auto transport, enclosed, about 3x the distance, and it was around $1000. I'd do it again with them if I ever need to. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 09:11 AM | #5 |
Second Lieutenant
25
Rep 299
Posts |
I think if you really have only have 2 options, if driving the car is not an option.
1. Have it transported for you on a flat bed. 2. Rent a flat bed trailer from U-Haul. I have never personally done it with a dolly, but I know some people have said that towing a car with a dolly is not fun times, especially on long distances. I know everyone that I've talked to says the flatbed is the way to go, it's basically the same as pulling a boat or something like that. Trailering it is probably cheaper too.. If say you and a friend went down to pick up the car, you'd be paying double on the way back. Get yourself some good ratchet straps and drive away! 600 miles isn't that bad, easy day trip.
__________________
- Wes
2007 BMW M Coupe 2016 VW GTI |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 09:59 AM | #6 |
Captain
28
Rep 782
Posts |
I tried to load my Z4MR onto a uhaul trailer (car carrier not the dolly) and it would not work. the fangs get in the way and I was not able to to tie down the wheels properly, so I was not able to do it that way. I did notice on my way down that the budget car carriers are not setup in the same way and did seem to allow for the car to go all the way to the front so that the wheel could be tied down successfully.
__________________
2011 30i
[SIGPIC]/SIGPIC] |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 11:11 AM | #7 |
Second Lieutenant
13
Rep 280
Posts |
Also, bring some ramps for the rear wheels of the truck - in case you have clearance issues on the ramp. Raising the truck will lower the ramp significantly, and flatten the transition between the ramp and the trailer deck.
I have to do this with 2 of my cars to get them in my trailer. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 04:45 PM | #9 |
Colonel
187
Rep 2,138
Posts
Drives: Me
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Virginia Beach
|
If you are going to do this yourself, then:
A dolly is specifically NOT recommended by BMW and is stated "use at your own risk and possible damage to the vehicle may result". If using a car carrier, do NOT attempt to tie down the car using the wheels. The approved and accepted method is to use four T-Hooks. You pull the four plastic jackpads off (they are designed to come off) and insert the T-Hooks. I keep two T-Hooks in the car at all times for emergencies. . |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2013, 05:42 PM | #10 |
Enlisted Member
5
Rep 48
Posts |
I tralered my MC last summer. I rented a truck and car trailer from U haul. No problem loading the car the ramps were fine, the problem was I couldn't get the car forward enough on the trail to get the straps on. The issue was that the front of the car sits to low for the trailer, it interferes with the trailer stops. The fix was to load the car on backwards, no problems. The only issue was getting out of the car because of the trailer fenders.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-06-2013, 01:43 PM | #11 |
Accidentally in BMW
15
Rep 221
Posts |
Assuming driving is not an option, hiring a covered transport company is the next best (and possibly best) option. Insurance etc. is included and the cost will be balanced by peace of mind. No fuss, no muss, no personal responsibility if something goes wrong. Even an uncovered transport will work OK but have the shipper (or smellyborrelli) wrap the front and rear and doors... just like the new cars. Just ask that it be put on the top level. Don't worry about rain as the car is waterproof.
Regarding shipping cost, the price from "major city" to "major city" is generally much cheaper than door to door. Again, not sure where you are, but having the car dropped at a dealer (or friend or forum pal's home) in a major city nearby could save several hundred$. Experience. I realize it's still winter in some parts of the country, but the option of driving home in your new car is the most appealing to me - assuming the clear roads you mentioned. The time is the same and the cost is probably less... and the enjoyment would be definitely more. But I'm sure you have your reasons. Word of caution... no matter who puts it on the trailer/flat deck/etc. have someone knowledgeable (like smellyborelli) standing by to shout out if the fangs get close to touching at any point in the loading process. Without a doubt, they are the most vulnerable part of the car. CONGRATULATIONS! |
Appreciate
0
|
03-06-2013, 01:48 PM | #12 | |
Second Lieutenant
25
Rep 299
Posts |
Quote:
Good info, is there any way you could elaborate on this, or what I might search to find this out?
__________________
- Wes
2007 BMW M Coupe 2016 VW GTI |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-06-2013, 03:01 PM | #13 |
Colonel
187
Rep 2,138
Posts
Drives: Me
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Virginia Beach
|
This is only one source but you now get the idea:
http://www.awdirect.com/tie-down-hoo.../?ICID=FP1A3TA |
Appreciate
0
|
03-06-2013, 03:33 PM | #14 |
Accidentally in BMW
15
Rep 221
Posts |
I'm always learning something from Shipkiller...
Here's a version with an extra ring (for another couple of bucks). Ordering mine. Great advice. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mtd-340003 |
Appreciate
0
|
03-07-2013, 12:11 PM | #15 | |
Enlisted Member
3
Rep 42
Posts |
thx
Quote:
I am of the idea driving may be best...but I am ordering a set of these, actually all 4 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-07-2013, 03:57 PM | #16 |
MPOWERD
15
Rep 338
Posts
Drives: 2010 M6
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cloud Nine
|
If you end up getting a trailer, get it strapped down good and have the car in neutral when towing you don't want to mess up your gearbox.
__________________
2010 Dinan M6 Coupe--2006 Z4MC--1994 E36/M3 Track Prepped
BMWCCA #442445 YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Randy23185 |
Appreciate
0
|
03-07-2013, 04:24 PM | #17 | |
///Multiple
2992
Rep 4,243
Posts
Drives: M4 Coupe | M3 | Z4M Roadster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
iTrader: (1)
Garage List 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster [8.81]
2016 BMW M4 Coupe ( ... [10.00] 2018 BMW M3 (Euro D ... [0.00] 2011 BMW 335is Coup ... [10.00] |
Quote:
They also sent a 1:87 scale model of a tow truck with my order which my nephew enjoys!
__________________
The Coupe: 2016 M4 | Sakhir Orange | Black Full Merino Leather | CF Trim | M-DCT | More | ED 5/13/16
The Sedan: 2018 M3 | San Marino Blue | Black Full Merino Leather | CF Trim | M-DCT | ZCP | ED 7/18/18 The Roadster: 2006 Z4 | Interlagos Blue | Black Extended Nappa Leather | Carbon Leather Trim | Purchased 7/19/12 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-07-2013, 04:29 PM | #18 |
///Multiple
2992
Rep 4,243
Posts
Drives: M4 Coupe | M3 | Z4M Roadster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
iTrader: (1)
Garage List 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster [8.81]
2016 BMW M4 Coupe ( ... [10.00] 2018 BMW M3 (Euro D ... [0.00] 2011 BMW 335is Coup ... [10.00] |
Note for anyone removing the jackpads, they work like giant plastic pop rivets with a plastic center post. When you re-install them, remove the plastic center post first, put the jackpad into place and then whack it so that the plastic fingers are inside the hole, then insert the center post and push it in until it's flush.
__________________
The Coupe: 2016 M4 | Sakhir Orange | Black Full Merino Leather | CF Trim | M-DCT | More | ED 5/13/16
The Sedan: 2018 M3 | San Marino Blue | Black Full Merino Leather | CF Trim | M-DCT | ZCP | ED 7/18/18 The Roadster: 2006 Z4 | Interlagos Blue | Black Extended Nappa Leather | Carbon Leather Trim | Purchased 7/19/12 |
Appreciate
0
|
03-09-2013, 06:38 AM | #20 |
Colonel
187
Rep 2,138
Posts
Drives: Me
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Virginia Beach
|
If the weather cooperates, then it will be a great drive home.
I flew to TX to get mine and it was a two day drive home just about this time of the year. . |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|