Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Transporting Tub on Dolly
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 3 2020, 09:32 AM
So the answer to this has been surprisingly difficult for me, even after searching here.
Basically I need to move a tub, currently on a dolly on 4 casters, 2 hours from my house in VA to my new house in MD. I've got a truck with hitch. U-Haul has a 6-12 trailer with ramp, but a) not sure if that will fit the 12+ foot tub, and b) it's surprisingly difficult to find any of those available near me. Anyone moved a tub on dolly with one of those? If not, could I use one of their 15 foot enclosed trucks? But those don't really have ramps, do they?
Don't know anyone with a car carrier or a flatbed. I guess the best option would be renting a basic flatbed, but cursory googling doesn't seem to show any providers in my general area. Any tips on what brand providers or types of services for this so I can narrow the search?
TIA
Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 3 2020, 10:01 AM
Hi Rob - When I picked my tub up, it was on a poorly constructed 2x4 dolly that lost a wheel in the first 4 feet, (in VA). We actually used some plywood sheets on top of the U-Haul ramp and rolled the car up the ramp into the back of the truck. Now there were 3 of us and it was not easy. I would suggest having 5 or 6 guys and with the ramp and the muscle you could probably lift it with the dolly into the rear of the truck. Now we had the largest U-Haul truck you could rent and had plenty of room in the truck for the tub and all of the parts.
When we off-loaded the tub, we had about 6 guys and we just picked it up and set it on the ground. Then Kent made a quality dolly out of 4x4's with some large caster wheels and that was the ticket to move it around. Rolled like a charm. 
[attachmentid=733000]
Posted by: PanelBilly Mar 3 2020, 10:10 AM
Penske Truck rental normally have flat bed trucks. I’ve rented them in the past.
Posted by: mepstein Mar 3 2020, 10:19 AM
1 put some suspension on it
2 find a low flatbed trailer and roll it in with a dolly.
3 talk to an equipment rental place and see if you can hire them to move it.
4 find a neighbor with a forklift
5 stay away from mark’s crazy ideas.
I picked mine up, already on a tall stand, so it slid easily into a box truck. When I got home, I honestly had no idea how I was going to get it out of the truck until I approached a neighbor that I had never talked to before in 15 years of living in the neighborhood. He was over in 5 minutes with his forklift. I’m on the side of a hill, just to make things more challenging. But ask around, you never know. I’m happy to help, just ring me ahead and I’ll drive down.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: TonyA Mar 3 2020, 10:46 AM
Easton is 2.5 hours from me. From where in VA and when? I have flatbed trailer with a electric winch and electric tilt. 
Not promising you but I may be available to move it for you.
Posted by: Bmw635 Mar 3 2020, 10:53 AM
Or check local Craiglist for flat bed car trailer rental for about $50/day.
https://delaware.craigslist.org/trb/d/newfield-rental-tilt-trailer/7075184731.html
Posted by: mlindner Mar 3 2020, 10:56 AM
Tony has the answer for you, dolly on a car hauler. Strap down good and your off. 
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 3 2020, 10:57 AM
Tony, that's an exceptionally generous offer, thank you! My house in VA is in Sterling outside of DC. That's 3 1/2 hours from you, and a pretty long trip. Maybe I could rent it from you if I cant' find another option? I could drive up and get it from you up there potentially and make a big loop out of it. Thanks again for the offer
I called Penske - they don't seem to rent flatbeds 
I can call Mark's neighbor (whom I've never met before) and see if he wants to drive his forklift down here on the DC beltway 
. Seriously, I was thinking I may end up putting suspension back on it, but what a pain. I'd have to round it all up - some of it is in VA and some in MD.
Rob's idea of renting an enclosed truck may be the best, if I can find enough local muscle to help get it in (and then off) truck.
Posted by: cary Mar 3 2020, 12:03 PM
Motor mounts still on ? Rear tie down point.
Has tow loop on it ? Front tie down point.
Don't forget to ratchet strap tub to dolly.
Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 3 2020, 05:12 PM
Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Mar 3 2020, 06:47 PM
You could rent the 6 X 12 U-Haul trailer and build the rolling cart under the car so that the body is on top of the walls of the trailer. This will probably mean a trip to U-haul to take measurements and lots of straps since the load will be a little top heavy. This is what I would do. Drive slow and watch the corners.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Stuckon914 Mar 3 2020, 08:26 PM
Rent a uhaul car trailer that has a ramp and use a car to slowly pull it up the ramp. I moved a jag chassis years ago with one other person. I didnt have a dolly, I think we used 3 inch pvc with plywood on top. It’s slow but you can move a lot.
I’m in Rockville if you need a hand.
Posted by: bkrantz Mar 3 2020, 10:03 PM
Got anything to hoist with and from? Lift it off the dolly and set onto a trailer?
Posted by: VegasRacer Mar 3 2020, 10:21 PM
1.) Buy a used trailer. (Craigslist, Auto Trader, eBay.)
2.) Use it for as long as you want.
3.) Sell it for a profit.
I have purchased 3 used trailers, used them for months/years, and easily flipped them for a profit.
Posted by: rgalla9146 Mar 4 2020, 07:24 AM
Use 4 x 4s to raise the dolly wheels off the surface of the trailer.
This places the dolly firmly and pevents damage to the wheels.
Don't tie down with the 914 tow loop, it's not suitable.
I've added suspension to transport it's takes an hour +/- ....pre-assemble to ensure
you have complete usable hardware.
I've also carried/slid chassis onto car a trailer. Not the worst. Requires healthy
people.
Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 4 2020, 01:50 PM
You could rent the 6 X 12 U-Haul trailer and build the rolling cart under the car so that the body is on top of the walls of the trailer. This will probably mean a trip to U-haul to take measurements and lots of straps since the load will be a little top heavy. This is what I would do. Drive slow and watch the corners.
I’ve moved a 914 tub with one of these, clearance is tight, but no need to raise above the rails. 2 of us and a couple of furniture dollies we’re able to lift and slide in.
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 4 2020, 04:34 PM
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'm currently working with Tony to see if that will work (914Wolrd is a great place 
), but that's a really long drive for him, so I am open to suggestions.
You could rent the 6 X 12 U-Haul trailer and build the rolling cart under the car so that the body is on top of the walls of the trailer. This will probably mean a trip to U-haul to take measurements and lots of straps since the load will be a little top heavy. This is what I would do. Drive slow and watch the corners.
I’ve moved a 914 tub with one of these, clearance is tight, but no need to raise above the rails. 2 of us and a couple of furniture dollies we’re able to lift and slide in.
So, with a tub on a body dolly, you CAN fit on the 6 x 12 trailer? I don't have the exact dimensions of the dolly, but it's just slightly narrower than the body itself. Will that clear the trailer wheel fenders?
Posted by: mepstein Mar 4 2020, 04:50 PM
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'm currently working with Tony to see if that will work (914Wolrd is a great place
), but that's a really long drive for him, so I am open to suggestions.You could rent the 6 X 12 U-Haul trailer and build the rolling cart under the car so that the body is on top of the walls of the trailer. This will probably mean a trip to U-haul to take measurements and lots of straps since the load will be a little top heavy. This is what I would do. Drive slow and watch the corners.
I’ve moved a 914 tub with one of these, clearance is tight, but no need to raise above the rails. 2 of us and a couple of furniture dollies we’re able to lift and slide in.
So, with a tub on a body dolly, you CAN fit on the 6 x 12 trailer? I don't have the exact dimensions of the dolly, but it's just slightly narrower than the body itself. Will that clear the trailer wheel fenders?
We have a uhaul rental with trailers just two miles away from school. I can measure if you want.
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 4 2020, 04:52 PM
That would be awesome, Mark, thanks. I gather the width of a 914 is about 65 inches. The dolly, as mentioned, is probably a couple of inches narrower.
Posted by: mepstein Mar 4 2020, 05:37 PM
That would be awesome, Mark, thanks. I gather the width of a 914 is about 65 inches. The dolly, as mentioned, is probably a couple of inches narrower.
I'll do it tomorrow.
Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 4 2020, 09:33 PM
The fenders/wheel wells are on the outside of the 6x12, it’s a clear box inside.
Posted by: Specracer Mar 5 2020, 06:39 AM
My shell came with a cart that is four 4x4's (in a square, stacked at the corners. Then is on GOOD quality casters. The casters are basically under the jack points. This shell came on this cart from SC via U-Ship with out issues. Has also moved 2 more times, going out for paint.
Posted by: mepstein Mar 5 2020, 11:04 AM
UHaul trailer bed is 75x144 however the back is only 58 wide.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 5 2020, 11:20 AM
Mark, thanks so much for checking that for me. That helps -- except it probably rules out being able to roll a dolly/tub onto one of those things. I think I need at least 65+ inches.
Hmmm....may have to go with one of the other options.
Posted by: mepstein Mar 5 2020, 11:28 AM
I would also call a towing company for a quote. Roll it up on one of their flatbeds. Might save a lot of time and hassle.
Posted by: euro911 Mar 5 2020, 11:50 AM
Rent a U-haul vehicle transport trailer. That's what I've used several times in the past. Approx $120.
https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/Auto-Transport-Rental/AT/
Ask them for 'one-way' price and 'round-trip' price. If you're planning to drive back to VA within a few days to move more stuff to MD, the round trip rate is better.
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 5 2020, 11:54 AM
It's completely stripped -- no suspension or wheels. Although I'm thinking maybe that is the best thing to do at this point -- pull the pieces together to reassemble and just rent a car carrier. I did submit a request for a quote. First guy I called said $525.
Posted by: TonyA Mar 5 2020, 12:18 PM
I am still an option. I don’t mind long drives just the traffic sometimes. Tuesday still looks good. As they say someday I’m gonna ask you for a favor. Forgetaboutit
Posted by: mepstein Mar 5 2020, 12:44 PM
It's completely stripped -- no suspension or wheels. Although I'm thinking maybe that is the best thing to do at this point -- pull the pieces together to reassemble and just rent a car carrier. I did submit a request for a quote. First guy I called said $525.
Ouch.
If you want to do the suspension thing, I have rear trailing arms with hubs already in and rear shocks/springs that will bolt up quickly. On the front, I have a fairly complete front suspension. I took the steering rack off but it will still work to move a car. All the stuff is extra parts so I only need back in the far away future.
Let me know and I can bring down any parts you need and help you install.
I also have a harbor freight winch that makes it easy.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 5 2020, 12:57 PM
Tony, again your offer is extremely generous -- I just hate to make you drive that far roundtrip, and in terms of traffic -- this is the DC area, so in and around the beltway there's ALWAYS the possibility of traffic. If you're up for it, let's coordinate I guess
Thanks, Mark. I also greatly appreciate all the help and input -- if necessary, I think I can round up the suspension pieces. I generally know where the parts are now.
I submitted an RFQ through one of those bid sites. I'm getting several quotes now in the $300 to $325 range. Just FYI.
Posted by: 914forme Mar 5 2020, 01:42 PM
Prices are not bad to minimize the hassles of loading and unloading. A good flat bed operator can drop a car about anywhere.
Posted by: mepstein Mar 5 2020, 01:46 PM
Prices are not bad to minimize the hassles of loading and unloading. A good flat bed operator can drop a car about anywhere.
It probably saves you quite a bit of time & effort compared to doing it yourself.
Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 5 2020, 02:18 PM
You need the uhaul trailer without the easy load ramp. The tailgate on this one goes the full width.
https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/6x12-Utility-Trailer-Rental/RO/
You may be starting to overthink this...
Posted by: mepstein Mar 5 2020, 02:24 PM
You need the uhaul trailer without the easy load ramp. The tailgate on this one goes the full width.
https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/6x12-Utility-Trailer-Rental/RO/
You may be starting to overthink this...
That one wasn't at the uhaul near me but it looks like it would work.
With a winch and ramps, it could be a one man show. The tubs are pretty light when you have even a hand winch to use.
Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 5 2020, 02:27 PM
Ah, found the pics...
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 5 2020, 03:24 PM
Hey Pat,
Thanks for the pics. Yeah, maybe I am overthinking this. I'm a logistics / Project Manager guy by background and profession, and I don't like risk and unknowns. Didn't want to rent something, drive it 2 hours, and then get a bad surprise.
So I see you just loaded the tub (no dolly) in the trailer without the ramp. That makes sense, and it seems like the 6x12 trailers w/o ramp are much easier to find and reserve. If Tony and I can't hook up easily then that could work.
It looks like the back end of the tub hangs over the end of the trailer a bit -- did you just secure the tailgate to it as best you could?
Thanks again for everyone's help and patience.
rc
Posted by: euro911 Mar 5 2020, 03:53 PM
Just tie the tailgate in the down position with some rope.
Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 5 2020, 08:46 PM
Hey Pat,
Thanks for the pics. Yeah, maybe I am overthinking this. I'm a logistics / Project Manager guy by background and profession, and I don't like risk and unknowns. Didn't want to rent something, drive it 2 hours, and then get a bad surprise.
So I see you just loaded the tub (no dolly) in the trailer without the ramp. That makes sense, and it seems like the 6x12 trailers w/o ramp are much easier to find and reserve. If Tony and I can't hook up easily then that could work.
It looks like the back end of the tub hangs over the end of the trailer a bit -- did you just secure the tailgate to it as best you could?
Thanks again for everyone's help and patience.
rc
I hear you on the overthinking part, I’m the same way
The car is actually on 2 furniture dollies, better would be 1 in front and 2 in back as there s nothing to support the tub in the middle on the back. Me and another lifted the font of the tub on the trailer/dolly, then picked up the rear and slid in.
The tail did hang out, I forget what I did, but I remember dissembling the chains or something to keep from dragging or hitting the tub. I had a bunch of ratchet straps, and over strapped everything. Drove about 80 miles with that setup, no problems. Lots of places to strap the body so it didn’t move on that trailer.
Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Mar 5 2020, 09:46 PM
Another idea would be to load the chassis on a bed of old tires, it would cushion the body and you could rachet strap hard onto the tires. I'm a big fan of rachet straps.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: TonyA Mar 9 2020, 10:28 AM
Rob, i just sent you a PM I am all set. I have you covered on he the ratchet straps, chains binders, pull cables etc. 
Posted by: BeatNavy Mar 10 2020, 06:27 PM
Well, the short answer to my OP question ("how to transport a tub on dolly") is: hope you find a guy as nice and generous as Tony. Tony brought his flatbed down all the way from PA to VA, we loaded up the tub, strapped her down, and made our way across the post-apocalyptic landscape known as "I-495, the Capital Beltway." All arrived safe and sound, and now I can start working on the vast amounts of metal work that still need to be done on this thing.
Thanks again to Tony. It was great to meet you again, and thanks for all your help. My only regret is we had separate cars and couldn't swap 914 stories on the way down. And thanks to 914World for letting those of us with a similar hobby/affliction meet and help each other 
Departing the AO (Sterling):
On the Capital Beltway (shocker, stop and go traffic due to accident 
)
Safely put to bed in her new home in MD.
Posted by: TonyA Mar 11 2020, 02:24 PM
Thanks Rob no problem. You have a great spot there to have a BBQ. Just give me two trees near the water to set up my hammock and I am in.
Posted by: ValcoOscar Mar 11 2020, 03:01 PM
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=20596
D'man of the day 
Oscar
Posted by: infraredcalvin Mar 11 2020, 09:43 PM
Congrats! Good to see her safe and sound in a nice deeeep garage!
Awesome members here, good one on you Tony!
Posted by: euro911 Mar 12 2020, 08:39 AM
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)