Picking up new 914 project. Any tips tricks for loading an inop 914 on a U-haul trailer? Options

[914rrr]

Hi guys, I'm picking up a inop roller 914 tomorrow in Louisville KY. I'm looking for ideas for loading this 914 on a U-Haul car transport trailer. It will likely be just my wife and I and we may need some mechanical assistance to load it.

Q: Has anybody figured out a way to temporarily mount a hand crank boat winch on said U-Haul trailer?

Another potential 914 parts car has a broken passenger side suspension console. Any ideas for loading that on a U-Haul trailer would be appreciated as well.

[BillC]

Maybe you can use a come-along instead of a winch? It's the same sort of thing as a winch, but has a hook on the end of the ratchet section.

[914Sixer]

Please make sure you have a spare short chain to run though the front tow hook to u-haul trailer frame. Had ratchet straps come loose. Only thing that saved car was the extra safety chain I put on.

[914rrr]

Maybe you can use a come-along instead of a winch? It's the same sort of thing as a winch, but has a hook on the end of the ratchet section.

Thanks, that looks like a quicker, easier solution. Something like this?
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-cable-w...ller-61964.html

[914rrr]

Please make sure you have a spare short chain to run though the front tow hook to u-haul trailer frame. Had ratchet straps come loose. Only thing that saved car was the extra safety chain I put on.

Thanks, likely have to run some chain through the front suspension arms as this 914 has / had AC and I'm sure the front tow loop, due to hacking up the floor pan, has been severely compromised.

[914rrr]

Q: How much drop on the hitch, if any, would I need for a 2011 Ford F-150 / Lincoln Navigator to hitch up the U-Haul Trailer?

... Or could I use a straight multi-ball hitch?

[FlacaProductions]

Yes - like that - but with potentially no front tow hook you may be tempted to use the rear tow eye. Don't do it. Don't tow/trailer a 914 backwards - you'll blow out the rear window and maybe blow off the roof, too.

Maybe you can use a come-along instead of a winch? It's the same sort of thing as a winch, but has a hook on the end of the ratchet section.

Thanks, that looks like a quicker, easier solution. Something like this?
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-cable-w...ller-61964.html

[914rrr]

Yes - like that - but with potentially no front tow hook you may be tempted to use the rear tow eye. Don't do it. Don't tow/trailer a 914 backwards - you'll blow out the rear window and maybe blow off the roof, too.

Maybe you can use a come-along instead of a winch? It's the same sort of thing as a winch, but has a hook on the end of the ratchet section.

Thanks, that looks like a quicker, easier solution. Something like this?
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-cable-w...ller-61964.html

Great advice and cautionary tale! I haven't tried or experienced the 914 backward tow results, but heard from a parts customer or 2 (used windshields) that had their 914 windshield blow out while towing backwards!

[flmont]

also make sure your come-a-long cable is long enough a definite hassle if it's not,..Have fun..

[BeatNavy]

Both 914 projects I trailered home had one or more frozen calipers. That can make things trickier unless you have confirmation that it actually, you know, rolls. If not, bring enough tools to remove calipers as needed.

[914rrr]

Both 914 projects I trailered home had one or more frozen calipers. That can make things trickier unless you have confirmation that it actually, you know, rolls. If not, bring enough tools to remove calipers as needed.

Ah yes, been there, done that! Confirmed they weren't frozen, bringing tools and pry bars just in case. Quasi-bonus, the brake lines are rotted away... so no fluid, no pressure!

[burton73]

The last 70 914 4 I saved from the wrecker had not only flat tires but after I sold it to someone here to build a 6 conversion had the parking brake froze up and when the flatbed picked it up it had to drag the frozen rear brakes.

Good suggestions. I must work this out when Eric picks up my blue 74 with no brakes in the new year. It does roll and we will have a number of people helping

Bob B

[930cabman]

Both 914 projects I trailered home had one or more frozen calipers. That can make things trickier unless you have confirmation that it actually, you know, rolls. If not, bring enough tools to remove calipers as needed.

Ah yes, been there, done that! Confirmed they weren't frozen, bringing tools and pry bars just in case. Quasi-bonus, the brake lines are rotted away... so no fluid, no pressure!

Sounds like a project, keep us posted and hb a few pics of the before?

[infraredcalvin]

All good suggestions, also beware if the ramp lips hitting the bottom if tHe car is lowered or tires flat.

I’ve used ratchet straps to pull a 914 on the trailer, it works but takes forever, the come along you linked to is much better and faster.

I’ve also used a uhaul open trailer (6x12) & furniture dollys to transport no suspension parts cars, the width barely accommodates a narrow body car,.

Be smart, problem solve, and you should be fine. Good Luck!

[Dlee6205]

I've used Uhauls to haul home many 914s...

Bring a wheel chock or block of wood. The come along is not going to be long enough to do a single pull. I usually have to block the car halfway up the ramp and reposition the come along.

Depending on the state of the car, I also jack up the front of the trailer so the ramps are more in plane with the trailer bed. If you don't do this the engine bar could get hung up on the back of the trailer coming over the ramp/lip. I've had that happen plenty of times.

[sixaddict]

I have normally used portable winches ….obviously a bit more than the come along but really reasonable.
Walmart …tractor supply.n
I used jumper box to power it ….and it is piece of cake.
The uhaul auto transporters tow nicely ….
Just did a 6 hour each way haul…..empty you forget it’s there even with Tundra etc. The car in avatar was pushed with two people but no resistance as calipers are not on car.
As others have said use chains that are there as extra safety measure.

[mepstein]

Hit the easy button and hire a flatbed. I just did it with one of my cars yesterday.

I’ve picked up cars with locked up calipers. The winch on the flatbed moves the car whether or not the wheels roll.

[JeffBowlsby]

Flatbed is the way to go. Barring that forget the comealong, use:

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/wi...inch-61237.html

[808 WRX]

Bring a wheel chock or block of wood. The come along is not going to be long enough to do a single pull. I usually have to block the car halfway up the ramp and reposition the come along.

Depending on the state of the car, I also jack up the front of the trailer so the ramps are more in plane with the trailer bed. If you don't do this the engine bar could get hung up on the back of the trailer coming over the ramp/lip. I've had that happen plenty of times.

Yes, both of these!

You can use the safety chain to help reposition the come-along.

Jacking up the front of the trailer helps, especially if the floors are rusty and hanging down (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[watsonrx13]

Congratulations... BTW it didn't happen unless there are pictures.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/first.gif)

Regards, Rob Watson