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Trailering my C3

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Old Mar 28, 2018 | 08:33 PM
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Default Trailering my C3


Several weeks ago, I bought a 1980 C3 out of Jacksonville, Florida. Next week, I intend on using my 16 foot, tandem axle dovetail utility trailer. The inside width of the trailer is 76 inches. Will this work, I mean, Have any of you hauled a C3 on this type of trailer? It is a 16 hour drive from Texas to Florida, and now I am getting a bit nervous.

Thanks for any input!

STONE

Last edited by Stones8TC3; Mar 31, 2018 at 09:31 AM. Reason: Add Picture
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Old Mar 28, 2018 | 09:33 PM
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1980 Corvette overall Length: 185.3 inches. Width: 69.0 inches. Height: 48.0 inches. Curb Weight: 3,336 pounds. Wheelbase: 98 inches

Last edited by Tonio; Mar 28, 2018 at 09:34 PM.
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Old Mar 28, 2018 | 09:44 PM
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just make sure your tires and bearings are good


then hit the road and enjoy

o'ya take pics
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Old Mar 28, 2018 | 10:44 PM
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do not put a cover on the car when you tow it, the cover will beat up the paint.
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Old Mar 28, 2018 | 11:43 PM
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Hope your sides are low or you might have a issue getting out once on the trailer. Good luck and enjoy your trip..
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 02:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Tim 1973
Hope your sides are low or you might have a issue getting out once on the trailer. Good luck and enjoy your trip..
Haha, I spent last weekend shortening the sides on my car trailer because I was sick of climbing out the roof of my Vette...
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 05:08 AM
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That is the type of trailer I use for taking the 6t8 to the track. Max distance traveled is about an hour. I secure to the frame of car. Trailers nicely, just make sure you balance the car on the trailer [more tongue weight that tail]. Enjoyed your last comment about the fender height. Been there done that. T
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 10:10 AM
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When securing the car to the trailer, attach to unsprung components. Don't attach to the frame itself....you want the car's suspension to be able to articulate to road irregularities. If you attach to the car's frame, when it bounces the straps could come undone/fall off/snap. I attach the car to my trailer with tire straps. This allows the whole suspension to articulate. It's also easier, less messy and doesn't mar any chassis components.
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 10:16 AM
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I tend to rent a U-Haul car hauler on a daily rate and haul it both ways. The one way rate is crazy expensive, but the daily rate makes it very affordable I have found. I carry the replacement insurance as well.

They are heavy and track very nicely behind my truck, are easy to load and unload as well. Straps hold the front tires in place. No issue with getting in and out of the car too.

Good luck with your decision and best regards,

David
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Metalhead140
Haha, I spent last weekend shortening the sides on my car trailer because I was sick of climbing out the roof of my Vette...
If you lived closer You could come get my Trailer... As Chapter2 said try to use tire straps..

Tm
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by AllVettes4Me
I tend to rent a U-Haul car hauler on a daily rate and haul it both ways. The one way rate is crazy expensive, but the daily rate makes it very affordable I have found. I carry the replacement insurance as well.

They are heavy and track very nicely behind my truck, are easy to load and unload as well. Straps hold the front tires in place. No issue with getting in and out of the car too.

Good luck with your decision and best regards,

David

Second this. I was quoted the 2 way rate for a single day and was charged over $100.00 more when I picked it up.It was a 5 hour drive one way to pick it up. Never got it settled with UHaul either.

The best thing about the Uhaul trailer is the fender folds down so you can open the drivers dooor to get out of the car.


If the fenders are to close to the door I would run to a big box home store and buy some planks and screw them down to the trailer to lift the door above the fenders or atleast to increase the gap. If its close and you hit a bump , when the suspension moves it will cause the 2 to make contact.

Use lots of straps

Take pics
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 04:26 PM
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Agree with above... more weight forward. I used tire straps in front, straps & ratchets to the frame in rear. I had no clearance issue, doors were over the fenders.
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Old Mar 29, 2018 | 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Stones8TC3
Several weeks ago, I bought a 1980 C3 out of Jacksonville, Florida. Next week, I intend on using my 16 foot, tandem axle dovetail utility trailer. The inside width of the trailer is 76 inches. Will this work, I mean, Have any of you hauled a C3 on this type of trailer? It is a 16 hour drive from Texas to Florida, and now I am getting a bit nervous.

Thanks for any input!

STONE
I have a 16 foot, tandem axle dovetail car hauler trailer and my 71 fits just fine.
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 06:05 AM
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Default Thanks for the input!

Thank each of you for your input. I bought this car a little over a month ago and due to work schedule, finances, and logistics, I am very limited on my trailer options. The side rails on my trailer are 13" tall, so I had already assumed that I would be climbing out of the car, the width was my biggest concern over the body rubbing or touching the rails during loading or transport. The loaded trailer weight is not a concern because I have carried much heavier loads. With a new battery, the car starts and drives, so we WILL be able to driver her onto the trailer. I have long ramps so as not to high center the vehicle while loading...We will also jack the front of the trailer up to further lower the rear.
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 07:02 PM
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Here is my 71 on the 16' trailer
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 07:56 PM
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I rented a U-Haul trailer when I bought my 73 last year. It was a couple hundred miles and the trailer was great.
They are rated for the weight of a C3 and set up with the tire straps so there is no guess work on where to set the car.
The U-Haul also has a fold down drivers side fender so you can squeeze out of the drivers door once you get it on the trailer.
My 73 drove right on, but I took a couple 2"X 6" board 4' long to give me additional bottom clearance if needed. I didn't need them after all.
I took two additional straps and attached them to the rear end just to give me a little more trust that nothing would move around. But I'm ****.
I would go with the U-Haul again.
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Old Mar 30, 2018 | 08:14 PM
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If the fenders don't flip down then drive the car on to wood at 4 corners to raise the door above the fender.


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Old Mar 31, 2018 | 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by karol
If the fenders don't flip down then drive the car on to wood at 4 corners to raise the door above the fender.


Sweet! Though I need the side rails on mine for most of the applications that I use it for, I wish they weren't on it right now! The boards are a great Idea, Thanks for the tip!
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Old Apr 4, 2018 | 09:21 PM
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Originally Posted by karol
If the fenders don't flip down then drive the car on to wood at 4 corners to raise the door above the fender.


I was considering anchoring mine the way you have, but I was concerned the straps would mark my aluminum wheels. Did you pad them with something?
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Old Apr 5, 2018 | 12:57 AM
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I use tire straps when securing vehicle to my trailer.


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