Car shipping- U-Haul option for noobs?
Posted by UnionTrain@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 17 comments
Hello I need to ship my E30 from Reno to Sacramento, I was debating my options and renting a U-haul is easily my cheapest option.
Issue is I’ve never driven a U-haul or had a trailer before, so I need a reality check, is this a viable option for a noob to do? I’d obviously follow the directions for securing the car, it’s just driving the damn thing over a mountain pass that has me worried.
cshmn@reddit
The U-Haul car trailers work pretty well and are easy enough to use. They have surge brakes, so relatively idiot proof.
A U-Haul box truck will have enough power and decent mirrors. You will want to leave it in tow/haul mode, there is a button with a picture of a trailer and a little trailer icon will light up in the instrument cluster. This will keep the transmission in lower gears so you're in the powerband and it'll downshift automatically for engine braking going downhill.
You won't have a problem with height on the Interstate or most highways, but for the beginning and end of your journey, pay attention to height clearance signs on overpasses. Legal height for a truck is 13'6" so as long as the overpass is at least that high, you're more than fine.
In that heavy pig, I would shoot for about 40-45 MPH and 3500-4000 rpm going up the mountain and the same or a bit slower coming down, 35-40 MPH and 3500-4500 rpm descending. That's probably pretty close for going over a steep mountain pass. The idea is to let the engine do most of the work holding you back and to avoid getting the brakes hot so you can still come to an emergency stop if needed. You'll be in the right lane with the trucks. Remember you can go down a hill too slow a hundred times, but only once going too fast.
Lastly, you will need to go through the scale in Truckee with your rental truck. 5MPH approach and idle on to the scale. Keep your window rolled down. Read all the instructions on any digital signs and watch the lights on the display as you cross. Make sure your shit looks presentable. All lights must work, the tires have to be decent and your car needs to be strapped down properly. Make sure you know where the paperwork is in case they do stop you, for the rental truck and the trailer.
UnionTrain@reddit (OP)
I appreciate you heavily on taking the time to write this, I’ll field a few more quotes on the job, 500 is my max if I gotta pay someone to do it. If no takers then I’ll be reading this comment like the Bible
S7alker@reddit
When my best friend moved out of state from cali the exodus was so bad we weren’t allowed a one way trip with the uhaul so we drove his car to his new home after picking up the uhaul from the new state for a round trip. Drove the uhaul back, packed it, drove it to new home, emptied and returned the rental. Wasn’t that bad considering how much more of a pain it is to tow your car with a big truck.
EveningBlackberry993@reddit
a u-haul ain't that bad for a first timer fr just take it slow and you'll be good
Disastrous-Group3390@reddit
I’ll add in: Watch your mirrors Swing wide Plan your parking
The trailer will want to clip curbs, ditches and sidewalks because it’s radius will put it half a kane over on right angle turns. Backing up with a trailer is hard and counterintuitive; avoid it. When parking, you’ll want big open spaces where you can pull in and pull out. Park in the empty lot next door to a restaurant and walk. Look for fuel before you really need it so you can be picky about your gas stations.
Barutano74@reddit
Do you have any friends that would drive it for you? If I lived out that way I’d do it in a heartbeat for a friend. Easy trip, fun car.
UnionTrain@reddit (OP)
I don’t trust the lil bugger unfortunately, brake booster needs work.
Jacklunk@reddit
How many miles? If it’s 200 you can get AAA to tow it
UnionTrain@reddit (OP)
150 miles, but I don’t have AAA as my insurance
Jacklunk@reddit
You don’t need aaa as insurance
Thereelgerg@reddit
So you're towing it, not shipping it?
UnionTrain@reddit (OP)
Weighing my options, one quote was 1260 dollars for Reno to sac
phasefournow@reddit
Are you talking trailer or truck? Car + trailer is a lot of weight for most cars to tow, especially is crossing mountains is involved. Not just that but your cars frame may not be suitable for a substantial tow hitch. Towing can be knarly, especially for a beginner and at highway speeds. Any inbalance and the trailer can suddenly start swinging back and forth...many YT videos out there of this. Backing-up takes a while to learn.
3rd party transport may not cost as much as you expect or just make two trips out of it.
UnionTrain@reddit (OP)
I would be renting a U-Haul truck and trailer
phasefournow@reddit
I'm not expert so will just say you have options, tow your car on a trailer 2 wheels down or with a tow bar, 4 wheels down. That usually requires the drive line being disconnected for several issues including cooling. I'd suggest starting by going to a local U-Haul outlet and talking to them about options and costs. They probably have an informational website.
u_siciliano@reddit
You just renting a trailer or truck too? Both can be expensive. If you have the truck to tow it, just take it easy and slow..
UnionTrain@reddit (OP)
Truck too, and they’re quoting me 250 for Reno to sac. I get a discount cause I’m going to Cali apparently