hypotheticallly, what if? - Diesel Forum

fordmedic · 08-02-2008, 11:59 AM

I live in Southern, Ca and my best friend lives in the central part of Oregon ( about 1000 miles from home). If I get into a sitiuation where I cannot drive betsie ( 1996 F350 psd crew cab drw) what are my options? Just curious? Thanks Karl

DonWarkentin · 08-02-2008, 12:34 PM

Greyhound bus, amtrak, airplane.

fordmedic · 08-02-2008, 03:09 PM

I dont think the truck will fit on any of the above.

eagleeye · 08-02-2008, 05:00 PM

Rent a car, meet half-way, carpool. What is it exactly you are asking? You want to be there or you want to be there with the truck?

fordmedic · 08-02-2008, 08:34 PM

If I break down and cannot get her running, can I rent a tow dolly and a truck from one of like those haul it yourself places and get her home? Obviously, remove the drive shaft.

eagleeye · 08-02-2008, 09:08 PM

You can do that but I would think that for what it would cost you could make a sizeable repair, even on the road.

**bugman** · 08-02-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordmedic

If I break down and cannot get her running, can I rent a tow dolly and a truck from one of like those haul it yourself places and get her home? Obviously, remove the drive shaft.

I had to tow a 89 F350 swd 4x4 on one that UHaul rents and would never do it again. The truck barley fit and top speed was 40mph for 150 miles. You would never get a dual wheel truck up on the trailer. Also I do not believe that they would rent you one if you told them what you were going to haul on it. The best would be for you to fix it on the road or get a rollback to come get you and your check book.

Jim

fordmedic · 08-02-2008, 11:44 PM

Of course I have a copy of the "help network" in the glove box

chuckster57 · 08-03-2008, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordmedic

Of course I have a copy of the "help network" in the glove box

You can add me to the list. Driveway has lots of room and I have been "wrenching on the side" for the last 35+ yrs. LOTS OF TOOLS

fordmedic · 08-03-2008, 12:50 AM

Wow thanks for the offer. This makes me want to make a road trip up there. lol

amb2958 · 08-03-2008, 11:28 AM

If I were in that situation, with a vehicle broke down away from home, I'd look into either repairing it where it was or having it trucked back by a local company when they are in the area and will be deadheading home. I've had several friends who purchased vehicles online in other parts of the country who had a local flatbed trucking company pick up and deliver them for less than 700 dollars, usually about 500 from as far away as California. For them it helps with the fuel costs and they can usually find other misc. freight heading the same direction to make some money on the trip.

DonWarkentin · 08-12-2008, 04:14 PM

U-Haul: Moving equipment guide: Moving trucks, cargo trailers, utility trailers, vehicle trailers

The auto transport trailers that uhaul rents have maximum payload of 4,000 lbs, not nearly enough for your truck.

U-Haul: Moving equipment guide: Moving trucks, cargo trailers, utility trailers, vehicle trailers

Uhaul tow dollies can only handle a vehicle of 3,900 lbs, even less.

http://www.budgettruck.com/Portals/0..._Guide2008.pdf

Budget truck dollies and car carriers can carry no more than 4460 lbs; so those are no help either.

Ryder rents big trucks that could carry your Betsy home if she can't make it on her own. You will need a class A license to drive one. You also have to have a business to be allowed to rent the big trucks. Also, you will need a forklift to load Betsy onto the flatbed trailer. They do not make one-way rentals; so you have to return the truck to the same location where you picked it up.

With online reservation, the cost to rent a single rear axle tractor in Portland, Oregon is $94.35 per day plus $0.15 per mile. The flatbed trailer adds $29.75 per day plus $0.03 per mile. Remember that you must return the trailer to the location where you picked it up; so consider round trip mileage.

http://reservations.ryder.com/StartC...ervation2.aspx

Auto Transport, Ebay Motors Auction Car Shipping, Quotes, Hauling

United auto transport would be another option.

Transport Reviews.com - Ratings and Reviews of Auto Transport Companies - Your Source For Finding a Quality Auto Transporter!

Here is a site where you can read reviews of auto transport companies.

Of course, if you can fix it yourself or get it fixed at a reasonable cost on the road or towed to a nearby repair shop, that would probably be a lot more economical. Or find some friends to help you.

LC · 08-13-2008, 07:17 AM

shanks mare, or thumb it.

yaric008 · 08-13-2008, 01:19 PM

U-haul says max speed is 45MPH with their car carrier. Give me a break, like anyone follows that especially if on the highway. I used one the other day to tow a car about 150 miles, had no problems. And even cruised around 65mph...

**bugman** · 08-13-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaric008

U-haul says max speed is 45MPH with their car carrier. Give me a break, like anyone follows that especially if on the highway. I used one the other day to tow a car about 150 miles, had no problems. And even cruised around 65mph...

But I bet that you didn't have a 7,000 lb truck on it either.