Broke down: Shipping/Towing Company Recommendations?

[chimivee]

Looking for suggestions to get my van shipped/towed about 600 miles home from northern CA to southern CA.

Long story is that we are traveling and my 86 syncro is dead in Garberville, CA, stuck in 3rd. Linkage is okay, so it’s pointing toward trans 3-4 death. We’re considering towing to German Motorworks in Arcata, north of Eureka. They would get trans rebuilt at German Transaxle in Bend. There would be some added expense, travel and logistics along with this.

So considering alternative of getting the van shipped home to rebuild locally at Rancho Transaxle. If you know any good shippers (or have other ideas) I’d love to hear.

Thanks
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-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc

[danfromsyr]

sorry for your problems and dilemma.

and I don't have any towing recommendations

but any thoughts to a uhaul and a tow bar/dolly/trailer

to flat tow you'd need to remove the drive shaft.. and CV drive axles
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[iliketowalk]

Here's what I would do:

I doubt very much you're going to find someone to move it (and you) cheaper than that.
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1986 Weekender "Birch"

[shagginwagon83]

That's what I had in mind above. I wonder if would be cheaper to rent the truck from another rental place
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan

[jberger]

Also... please consider the guard transaxle drop in upgrades for your rebuild. You can piss a lot of coin at any number of “rebuilders” and end up with a time bomb. There are known issues that quite a few samba members have worked hard to correct. Knowledge is power.

J

[kamzcab86]

[ledogboy]

If DIY is $570, it may be worth a call to a shipper. I have used 4 Corners in the past to ship my van to NY and the price has varied in the $1k - 1,400 range. NY is a hell of a lot further than 600 miles, so....

http://www.fourcornerstransportservices.com
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1986 Westy Weekender
Now a full camper
1.8t Syncro conversion
Some people call him Maurice...

[Mulcheese]

We broke down in Dickinson ND last summer. We decided on the U-Haul method, cost close to $800 in the end to get back to Mn. I could have had a shop in ND repair but then that would have cost us 2-3 days in a hotel, food, and stuck in ND with nothing to do with 2 kids and 2 dogs. It was worth it to get home that night. I was also able to diagnose the problem and not rush to conclusions, which many shops will do. I also was able to put the parts in that I wanted and do it myself so I know it is done the way I want it.

I did consider a hauling company but the estimate was close to $1000 as some had said. These companys also pick-up and drop-off at their convenience, is what I understand. I didnt like that.

U-Haul seems expensive but I feel that it was the best option for the situation.

Good luck
Pat
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82 Westy: Air is cool!

[elizer]

Contact a shipping broker. I am not sure of what road you are on but if its a major throughway and a truck don't have a full load you might be able to get a really good deal last minute.

[danfromsyr]

I know it's also not what the OP asked for, but I'll slip this in here

towbar for under $100.. and a Uhaul pickup/van.

as mentioned, with trans stuck in 3rd, you'd need to remove the driveshaft and rear half shafts. might be too much work for the OP in a time of crisis..

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...p;start=20
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[Ahwahnee]

[ng]

I used the U-Haul truck/trailer method, no problems.

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1986 Syncro Westy "Braunbaer"
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=607112

[0to60in6min]

James is on vacation with his girlfriend and his dog and he's on his way to visit me in Cottage Grove,OR - he made 600 miles and broke down 300 miles from destination.

it's very unfortunate for him to break down so far away from me otherwise I'd lend him the gearbox of my 2nd Syncro which was rebuilt few months ago with about 100 miles on it.

now about the logistic for him to get home and together we already talk about it over the phone.

1. rent a truck with a trailer and tow it home (my recommendation)
2. get a car shipper at ship it home, rent a car.
3. tow it to the nearest shop, leave it there for repair, rent a car to get home, take a fly back later to get the van (the most expensive option)

update:
after I talk to him on the phone this morning: he will get AAA to tow it to Ukiah (80 miles South of him), get a truck with a trailer and tow it straight to Rancho Transaxle near his home.

[dobryan]

If he has the AAA 200 mile towing he can get it 200 miles, then have it dropped off and call in the remaining 100 mile tow. BTDT.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[Ahwahnee]

[vanagonjr]

[Wildthings]

If you have it shipped you also have to get yourself home at additional cost. You need to factor that into any price comparison.

I did a 300+/- mile one way U-haul rental for $300 last year.

[Abscate]

Rent out a $1500 trailer for one week for $300

And people think capitalism is dead.
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.ssS!

[chimivee]

Towed van to U-Haul in Ukiah. Tow driver helped me load it onto the trailer, which was a PITA. Tipped him well and we are rolling. Thanks so much all.
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-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc

[kamzcab86]