Hauling bug

[doc1369]

So I am moving for sure. I need to haul my bug from las Vegas to Portland. Who out there has had to move with one? What Is the best way to move one? Are there any bug moving no no's?
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Fatchicks: Daily drivers, donor cars, collectibles. What can't they do?

[fss106]

post an ad on Uship.com, its just like ebay except people bid on what you need moved. I just shipped my bug from PA to Colorado, had about 6 different bids and ended up getting a good deal from a professional mover with an enclosed trailer that lived in my area. theres no commitment either... if you dont get a price you like you can ignore all bids
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'71 super beetle convertible (autostick)

[doc1369]

Thanks! anyone know the exact size and weight of a bug?
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Fatchicks: Daily drivers, donor cars, collectibles. What can't they do?

[doc1369]

nevermind, got it
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Fatchicks: Daily drivers, donor cars, collectibles. What can't they do?

[julrich366]

If you have a hitch on another vehicle, you may want to price an "Auto Hauler" from UHaul. (The larger one in which you drive the bug up onto the platform -- not the one where just the front wheels go on a cradle and the back wheels stay on the ground).

I've used an auto hauler twice when I've bought VW's that are a fair distance from me. Pretty safe way to transport them and had no trouble driving the trailer with a Honda Ridgeline about 1000 miles both times.

That will give you another price option to see if you want someone else to haul or for you to haul yourself.

UHaul is the only one I know that rents them... Penske only rents auto haulers if you also rent a truck from them.
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- John
'74 Vert ..lot's to still do.

[jeepinoffroad04]

i've always used the little beetle tow bar that hooks to the beam... i did an 800 mile one way trip like that.. just leave it in neutral and it'll follow your nose wereever it goes! (on and its like $70)

[harryset]

Moved mine from San Diego to Northern Minnesota, using the VW tow bar.
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'72 Standard
Proud owner of a "Hoover Bit"

185 60's up front, Empi disc kit, 2 1/2" drop spindles, 185 65's in back, stock drums.

Sound Deadening by Secondskin

[doc1369]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to a swap meet on the 6th so hopefully I can find a tow bar. I like the idea of the hauler too, have to see how much they want. That website wanted 1400 to move him in a open trailer with a month window . Might have to break into that biz
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Fatchicks: Daily drivers, donor cars, collectibles. What can't they do?

[Lotrat]

[harryset]

[Wolfgangdieter]

Flat tow with the front beam clip on works great - 980 miles from FL to VA. Recent new towing laws (vary by state) require chain to tow and towed vehicle -- or big fine.
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CMC '57 Porsche Speedster Replica and Dolphin boat tailed full pan VW MOD-T Street Buggy

[Randy in Maine]

Last time I did the towbar, lights and safety chains was about $120 ready to roll. I got the tow bar from aircooled, the LED tow lights on e-barf,a dn the chains locally.

Portland, Maine to Salt Lake with no real issues.

[Finks]

Well I was going to go the Uhaul rout, but then found out that they won't rent to me because I have a Ford Explorer. Even tho it is a 2002 and before the whole Firestone fiasco. You see some of those blowout happened when the Explorers had Uhaul trailers, so now they won't rent to Explorers.

What do you think about this tho, my neighbor has a Ford F150, I go to Uhaul, in his truck, rent the Auto Hauler, bring it home, throw it on the Explorer, pick up the beetle, bring it home then return the trailer on the F150.

It's that or buy a towbar.

Oh yeah, Randy, do we have to have lights and safety chains in Maine? I am picking it up in Augusta area. It will all be during the day time.

[TonyPgh]

[Wolfgangdieter]

Since the safety chain law is only in some states - buy $12 of chain and use just in case you are stopped in state you are merely passing thru. Magnetic base stick on lights are often onsale at Harbor Freight for $9.99 (from $29.99). Car out of gear, brake off and steering unlocked. Other than longer stopping distances - you won't know its there after 1/2 hour.
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CMC '57 Porsche Speedster Replica and Dolphin boat tailed full pan VW MOD-T Street Buggy

[Finks]

I will be picking up the car 4 hours away from me in the same state.

[Randy in Maine]

I use the lights and chains because it is a safety thing + I have them. Not sure if it is a state law.

Lots of people with beetles (and there is a difference between std beeltes and supers) have tow bars. I bought mine out of aircooled.net and had it in 2-3 days.

I only have a bus tow bar now, but I do have lights and chains you could borrow.

[sharkinfested]

[julrich366]

As Harry Callihan said once in one of the Dirty Harry's, "Do ya feel lucky?"

Even if only 4 hours, there's no way I'd use a tow bar without a safety chain and lights. The hassles you'd run into if someone rear ends you and says "I couldn't see your brake lights", bar pops off of hitch (it can happen), etc.. for the lack of about $10 of chain and fairly cheap tow lights at Harbor Freight.

In Ohio both are law...and the Ohio Highway Patrol does enforce. (I know since my dumb ass son was pulling a trailer without a safety chain and his trailor lights not working, went by a "Statey" who saw and quickly gave him a $160 ticket.
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- John
'74 Vert ..lot's to still do.

[Finks]

I assume then that if I rent from Uhaul these items come with the auto hauler. Will ask tomorrow.