Relocating with a c5z
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Phoniex AZ
Relocating with a c5z
Hi everyone,
In about six weeks I will be relocating from Maine to Phoenix and am contemplating taking the z06. My first plan is to try to sell it and then upgrade while I'm out west but I don't want to give it away and may just take it.
The only options I'm comfortable with are enclosed transport by a professional company, or trailering it myself behind my budget/penske/etc. truck. Reliable, InterCity, and similar companies are quoting $2,500 for the move so trailering may be a good option.
That brings up the question of actually getting a c5 (that is slightly lowered) onto a rented transport trailer, securing it, and taking other precautionary measures for the 2,800 miles drive (taping, etc. ).
I'm curious if anybody out there has general tips or suggestions for this undertaking and also if anybody else has successfully completed a long-term move with a corvette and how you did it.
Thanks in advance.
In about six weeks I will be relocating from Maine to Phoenix and am contemplating taking the z06. My first plan is to try to sell it and then upgrade while I'm out west but I don't want to give it away and may just take it.
The only options I'm comfortable with are enclosed transport by a professional company, or trailering it myself behind my budget/penske/etc. truck. Reliable, InterCity, and similar companies are quoting $2,500 for the move so trailering may be a good option.
That brings up the question of actually getting a c5 (that is slightly lowered) onto a rented transport trailer, securing it, and taking other precautionary measures for the 2,800 miles drive (taping, etc. ).
I'm curious if anybody out there has general tips or suggestions for this undertaking and also if anybody else has successfully completed a long-term move with a corvette and how you did it.
Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,728
Likes: 142
From: Iowa
I completed a move across the country, with the car transported in a covered car carrier by a reputable hauler paid for by my employer who was financing the relocation. I wouldn't exactly call it successful.
While it was certainly on a covered carrier, it really didn't seem to matter. It was hauled from Washington to Iowa. Somehow, lots of dirt and debris still worked it's way into the trailer and literally covered my car. Then, the truck driver took his truck to get it washed...trailer and all. Water got IN the trailer and then he proceeded with the rest of his journey. My ZO6, which I keep very clean, was absolutely filthy and black. Disgusting. I was more than upset. Also, there was a promise that the car wouldn't be driven except at the pickup and dropoff points by the driver himself. This was not the case as there was extra mileage on the car on pickup. I still have no clue what was done with it, but it drove fine.
If I were to do it again, I would NOT hire someone to transport my car. I would absolutely do it myself, and that's my recommendation. Either drive the car as a fun road trip across the country, or tow it yourself by whatever method you think is best.
While it was certainly on a covered carrier, it really didn't seem to matter. It was hauled from Washington to Iowa. Somehow, lots of dirt and debris still worked it's way into the trailer and literally covered my car. Then, the truck driver took his truck to get it washed...trailer and all. Water got IN the trailer and then he proceeded with the rest of his journey. My ZO6, which I keep very clean, was absolutely filthy and black. Disgusting. I was more than upset. Also, there was a promise that the car wouldn't be driven except at the pickup and dropoff points by the driver himself. This was not the case as there was extra mileage on the car on pickup. I still have no clue what was done with it, but it drove fine.
If I were to do it again, I would NOT hire someone to transport my car. I would absolutely do it myself, and that's my recommendation. Either drive the car as a fun road trip across the country, or tow it yourself by whatever method you think is best.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 666
Likes: 2
From: western springs illinois
I completed a move across the country, with the car transported in a covered car carrier by a reputable hauler paid for by my employer who was financing the relocation. I wouldn't exactly call it successful.
While it was certainly on a covered carrier, it really didn't seem to matter. It was hauled from Washington to Iowa. Somehow, lots of dirt and debris still worked it's way into the trailer and literally covered my car. Then, the truck driver took his truck to get it washed...trailer and all. Water got IN the trailer and then he proceeded with the rest of his journey. My ZO6, which I keep very clean, was absolutely filthy and black. Disgusting. I was more than upset. Also, there was a promise that the car wouldn't be driven except at the pickup and dropoff points by the driver himself. This was not the case as there was extra mileage on the car on pickup. I still have no clue what was done with it, but it drove fine.
If I were to do it again, I would NOT hire someone to transport my car. I would absolutely do it myself, and that's my recommendation. Either drive the car as a fun road trip across the country, or tow it yourself by whatever method you think is best.
While it was certainly on a covered carrier, it really didn't seem to matter. It was hauled from Washington to Iowa. Somehow, lots of dirt and debris still worked it's way into the trailer and literally covered my car. Then, the truck driver took his truck to get it washed...trailer and all. Water got IN the trailer and then he proceeded with the rest of his journey. My ZO6, which I keep very clean, was absolutely filthy and black. Disgusting. I was more than upset. Also, there was a promise that the car wouldn't be driven except at the pickup and dropoff points by the driver himself. This was not the case as there was extra mileage on the car on pickup. I still have no clue what was done with it, but it drove fine.
If I were to do it again, I would NOT hire someone to transport my car. I would absolutely do it myself, and that's my recommendation. Either drive the car as a fun road trip across the country, or tow it yourself by whatever method you think is best.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 292
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Tejas
I had a car transported by Interstate, and pulled a classic behind my Tahoe. Alot less hassle just having Interstate handle it.
When I transported it, there was a stay over one night at a place with less than ample parking.. had to leave it where I basically watched it all night long.
Interstate takes good care of cars ... generally.
When I transported it, there was a stay over one night at a place with less than ample parking.. had to leave it where I basically watched it all night long.
Interstate takes good care of cars ... generally.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 15
From: Richardson TX
You can load a C5 on a uhaul car hauler. I've done it before. That would be my vote.
They even have a page explaining what you need to do to transport it safely:
http://www.uhaul.com/Articles/Tips/1...ound-clearance
They even have a page explaining what you need to do to transport it safely:
http://www.uhaul.com/Articles/Tips/1...ound-clearance
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 118
From: San Gabriel Valley California
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
Back when I moved from west Illinois, to Southern California, I shipped all my stuff in a transport truck, and drove my C5. We went through several national parks, and crossed the Rocky mountains several times (on purpose) on the way. Took lots of time. Great scenic adventure, especially in a Corvette.
Great trip.
You should too. You won't regret it.
Great trip.
You should too. You won't regret it.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 331
From: Ocala FL
That's what I did moving from PA to FL a few months ago. I drove my FRC down a week ahead of time, flew back to PA, then drove a FULL 26' Penske moving truck the following weekend. My dad has made the drive round trip from Tuscan AZ to where I was in Lancaster PA 3 times and said that it's a great way to see the country if you have the time to do so. I would STRONGLY encourage driving yourself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I moved from Illinois to Phoenix and 15 years later moved back to Illinois. I used a U-Haul trailer behind a U-Haul truck on both trips with my Corvette. It worked pretty well for me.
The one thing that helped me was to find a slope or two levels of ground so that I could put the drive on ramps nearly level to the floor of the trailer. Then I drove on.
If not doing the trailer myself, I would make another trip and drive it.
Good luck.
The one thing that helped me was to find a slope or two levels of ground so that I could put the drive on ramps nearly level to the floor of the trailer. Then I drove on.
If not doing the trailer myself, I would make another trip and drive it.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Phoniex AZ
Thanks for all of the input. Driving it myself isn't the best option since I don't have a ton of time to actually enjoy it and then I would still need to get all of my STUFF.
I think my next step is to get a closer look at the transport trailers available from Penske/Budget and see how that would work. I'm sure with enough boards and such I can make it work.
I will definitely be driving the car (or a future vette) on the return trip in 2 years.
I think my next step is to get a closer look at the transport trailers available from Penske/Budget and see how that would work. I'm sure with enough boards and such I can make it work.
I will definitely be driving the car (or a future vette) on the return trip in 2 years.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,434
Likes: 18
From: Bartlett IL
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11
I use this guy for all my shipping needs... he's a one man team and offers absolutely amazing service and respect toward the vehicles he transports.
http://www.vandamtrucking.com/
http://www.vandamtrucking.com/
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Phoniex AZ
I use this guy for all my shipping needs... he's a one man team and offers absolutely amazing service and respect toward the vehicles he transports.
http://www.vandamtrucking.com/
http://www.vandamtrucking.com/
I'll check that out, thanks!
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 93
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
I have had two experiences with transporting a car across big distances. Neither were with corvettes, but rather lowered air cooled beetles. The first time I used a transporter from PA to FL. The car arrived many days late, had body damage and a broken throttle cable.
Second time I learned my lesson, drive was from western Washington state to southern FL (about as cross country as you can get) Rented a Penske w/ trailer. Loaded fine, checked straps at every fill up and saw no loosening. Car arrived on time
and with no damage, although it was mighty dirty and carbs needed some love. I don't recall there being any damage from rocks etc.
Second time I learned my lesson, drive was from western Washington state to southern FL (about as cross country as you can get) Rented a Penske w/ trailer. Loaded fine, checked straps at every fill up and saw no loosening. Car arrived on time
and with no damage, although it was mighty dirty and carbs needed some love. I don't recall there being any damage from rocks etc.
