Drive it or Trailor it???????
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: St. Louis MO
Drive it or Trailor it???????
I need to get my 81 to Hersey PA for an NCRS event in mid July from St. Louis it looks like about 13 hours. I keep going back and fourt on renting a trailor or driving it. Any Thoughts?
Also would my 1995 six cylinder Explorer be enough to tow her? What does it cost to rent a trailor? Thanks for any input. Tim
Also would my 1995 six cylinder Explorer be enough to tow her? What does it cost to rent a trailor? Thanks for any input. Tim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Carmichael CA
Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Tim Parker)
Do you have a vette to tow it? No, so it should be an easy decision...drive it! Plan on two days so you can take a break half-way down and stay at a motel. I've made several long distance trips both towing and driving. And, the driving experience is awesome! I think U-Haul rents auto transports for around $250 for like a 800 mile trip.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Press "2" for English
Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Tim Parker)
i'd say drive it. i wouldn't hesitate to drive my car across country right now. although there is always a small list of 'extras' you would want to carry.
an exploder should be enough to tow the car unless there are considerable mountains that you would have to cross. my biggest concern would be the weight of the trailer. many of those rental trailers are so heavy, they're almost as much as the car you put on them.
an exploder should be enough to tow the car unless there are considerable mountains that you would have to cross. my biggest concern would be the weight of the trailer. many of those rental trailers are so heavy, they're almost as much as the car you put on them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Lake Villa IL
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Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Tim Parker)
I just went through this internal debate myself. Having never had my car as far as Bowling Green, I was concerned something would go wrong. But I didn't dump all this cash into my car to trailer it.
First off, you can trailer it with a 6cyl Explorer. My other vehicle is a 6cyl Mitsu Montero Sport. I've trailered my GTI and both my Datsun Z's (not at the same time) through the hills of PA with NO problem. The Vette is not that much heavier. You should be okay.
But I still say "drive it!" I packed a small tool kit (breaker bar with 3/4 in for lug nuts, 9/16's, 7/16's, 3/8's, 1/2, ratchet, small flat and phillips screwdriver, brake fluid, water bottle, oil, and ps fluid). Then, the two most important tools: CELL PHONE & CREDIT CARD! :yesnod:
That's it. You'll be fine. Enjoy it. It's great bonding time with your car.
:cheers:
First off, you can trailer it with a 6cyl Explorer. My other vehicle is a 6cyl Mitsu Montero Sport. I've trailered my GTI and both my Datsun Z's (not at the same time) through the hills of PA with NO problem. The Vette is not that much heavier. You should be okay.
But I still say "drive it!" I packed a small tool kit (breaker bar with 3/4 in for lug nuts, 9/16's, 7/16's, 3/8's, 1/2, ratchet, small flat and phillips screwdriver, brake fluid, water bottle, oil, and ps fluid). Then, the two most important tools: CELL PHONE & CREDIT CARD! :yesnod:
That's it. You'll be fine. Enjoy it. It's great bonding time with your car.
:cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Pearland TX
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Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Tim Parker)
Tim,
I've got an 20' open race car trailer and can tell you that my truck('86 F-150 - 300 straight 6) would not haul this vette without adding a weight distribution system between the frame mounted hitch and the trailer. The vette just weighs too much. I had no problems with a 2100lb Super Gas car, but these things weigh probably 3400-3500lbs. I'm not sure if rentals offer weight distribution systems, but ask if you inquire into renting one.
By the way... if anyone in the Houston area is thinking about going to the National Corvette Caravan and needs a trailer I'll consider renting mine out(includes weight distribution system, Superwinch, safety straps). You will have to have an electric brake set-up on your vehicle. The trailer is new and is just sitting in storage. Contact me if you are interested.
I've got an 20' open race car trailer and can tell you that my truck('86 F-150 - 300 straight 6) would not haul this vette without adding a weight distribution system between the frame mounted hitch and the trailer. The vette just weighs too much. I had no problems with a 2100lb Super Gas car, but these things weigh probably 3400-3500lbs. I'm not sure if rentals offer weight distribution systems, but ask if you inquire into renting one.
By the way... if anyone in the Houston area is thinking about going to the National Corvette Caravan and needs a trailer I'll consider renting mine out(includes weight distribution system, Superwinch, safety straps). You will have to have an electric brake set-up on your vehicle. The trailer is new and is just sitting in storage. Contact me if you are interested.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
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From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Matt Gruber)
Rent a cargo plane and parachute out over the event! Be at the wheel of course!. You will be the hit of the show :jester
Mark
[Modified by isosceles, 4:04 AM 6/1/2003]
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Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (REDSHARKONBOYDS)
Tim, I also was at that St. Louis meet. Judged the '68-'72 group. I do not know why you don't "caravan" into Hershey with one of the two NCRS Road Tours coming in from California and Missouri. I will be joining this Road Tour just east of Indianapolis, then spending the night in Columbus(Friday), then Saturday night(where all the Road Tours will be meeting)in Cumberland,MD. Sunday morning from there to Hershey. I will be "driving" my Orange '74 there. 
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Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (clutchdust)
hey, paul! something is amiss. where's the '80??? your not <gasp> selling off, are you?
I don't really even have time anymore for the remaining "four" I still have, but they're not going anywhere soon :yesnod:
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Press "2" for English
Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Paul Borowski)
well, if they're getting to be THAT much of a headache, i'm sure i could fit one of the '68s in my garage and *ahem* make sure it doesn't get neglected. <wink, wink, nudge, nudge>
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From: State of Confusion
Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Tim Parker)
DRIVE THE THING!!!!! Duntov didn't mean for these Corvettes to be 'trailer-queens'. I say this, as the owner of a Black '82 that gets driven to Shows, not trailered. My 12-second, 1-MPG, '79 Z28 gets trailered (to the track AND Shows); it has slicks, open headers, and an 8", 5000-stall converter. If you DO decide to trailer, I assume you'll be going I-70 (Pa. Pike) thru Pa. Be aware; from Exit 8 (New Stanton) to Breezwood (Exit 12), it is VERY mountainous, going over the Alleghanies. your Exploder may go 'up' the Hill; coming down is another story (did I mention your '81 has 4-wheel disc-brakes, making the 'coming down' easier than towing?).
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From: FL
Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Ganey)
I have driven mine cross country twice. Only problem was the plug on the alternator that came loose in Missouri. Did this with no spare tire, AAA, and a cell phone.
DRIVE IT! :steering:
DRIVE IT! :steering:
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Rockn-Roll)
Do you have a vette to tow it? No, so it should be an easy decision...drive it! Plan on two days so you can take a break half-way down and stay at a motel. I've made several long distance trips both towing and driving. And, the driving experience is awesome! I think U-Haul rents auto transports for around $250 for like a 800 mile trip.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Up in the down WHA
Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (zymurgist)
Drive it! :auto:
I've driven mine from Williamsport PA (1.5 hrs N of Hershey) to just west of Louisville KY (home) twice, and the drive is really nice... all that open road is just waiting for you
I've driven mine from Williamsport PA (1.5 hrs N of Hershey) to just west of Louisville KY (home) twice, and the drive is really nice... all that open road is just waiting for you
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Re: Drive it or Trailor it??????? (Tim Parker)
Put 1200 miles on my vette (round trip) going to the cruise-in. I'd drive it if were mine.