Date:         Mon, 16 Feb 2004 20:51:58 -0500
Reply-To:     David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Subject:      Re: o/t truck rentals...moving
Comments: To: Shaggy <shaggyinseattle@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <20040217011904.81124.qmail@web11306.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Shaggy wrote:
> ok folks, how much aprox does it cost to rent a truck
> to drive from NY to Seattle?

www.uhaul.com has your answer.

Plan an extra couple of days in case of breakdowns. When they say
"America's Moving Adventure" they don't mention that the "adventure" is
whether the truck will make it to your destination or not. ;)  They have
improved their equipment a lot in the last few years, though.  Reserve
early or be prepared to call around.  One-way trucks are scarce in some
areas.

> and will be towing my 82' Diesel Westy. any
> tips/advice for towing a vanagon that distance?

For that kind of distance, I would rent one of U-Haul's "auto
transporter" trailers.  They're only about $100 more than a tow dolly
(flat rate -- no mileage charge on trailers) and you have the peace of
mind of having all four wheels off the ground.  They're very stable with
a Vanagon loaded on them, and unlike a dolly you can back up without
unhooking.  When I towed my '82 on one, I loaded it back end first, so
the heavy end was over the tongue.  It may not really matter, but
putting the weight too far back encourages sway.  You'll want someone to
'spot' you as you drive up the ramps, since the alignment is a little
hard to judge.  Check the wheel straps after the first 30 miles or so,
they tend to settle in and loosen up a little at first.

--

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 VW Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon