Re: I just cant wait!

Posted by ScottG On 2010/2/23 23:36:37

When I was trying to find a way to get my '47 home from Illinois I found U-Haul to be a real "pain-in-the-neck." They wouldn't rent me a trailer until they confirmed that their equipment could handle the car. I had no problem with that but, of course, the Clipper wasn't in "the computer system" so I had to wait around for their corporate office to research the issue. A couple days later they called to tell me that they weren't sure if the their trailer could haul it safely. After another round of giving U-Haul the car's width, track, weight, etc...their corporate expert still couldn't give me an answer. Then he asked the dreaded, "who made Packard, anyways?" question. Arrgh!

Instead I contacted a couple of local businesses that sell trailers and found one that rents car-haulers. It was big enough and heavy enough to do the job with no hassles and it cost less than $100. Obviously, I don't know if this option is available in your area, but if it is, I highly recommend it. Besides, dealing with someone that actually knew something about trailers (as opposed to the $8/hr U-Haul clerk who's never heard of AMC, let alone Packard) boosted my confidence about the entire endeavor.

AND...regardless from whom you rent the trailer from...make sure it has a spare and heavy duty tie-downs. If I remember correctly, U-Haul wasn't going to provide either item.

Lastly, I wish you luck getting the car on the trailer. The fellow I bought mine from had an old wrecker that he used to winch the car up onto the trailer. It was a bit nerve-wracking watching the tow line stretch and hearing the car groan, but it worked and nobody got hurt. Without that, I think the four of us would still be trying to shove that beast up those ramps!

Good luck on the wonderful inheritance. (A 526 sure must beat getting Grand-pap's beer bottle-cap collection!)