One of the most challenging logistical aspects when you are planning a move, whether on your own or with a moving company, is figuring out how to transport your car. Driving it yourself is the simplest way, but it is not always possible. If you are driving the moving truck yourself, and don’t have another driver to take your car, things can get a little more complicated.
There are a few options to get your car from one place to the other, and the best choice depends largely on how many drivers you have, whether you are moving DIY or with professional help, and how far you are moving.
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Towing Options
Self-Towing With A Tow Dolly
One option to move your car without using a moving company is to self-tow. While it’s possible to tow a car across the country, this is usually a better choice if you are moving a shorter distance. There are two main pieces of equipment you can use to do this: a tow dolly or a car trailer.
A tow dolly is a dolly designed specifically for towing cars. The dolly lifts the car’s front two tires, while leaving the rear tires on the ground.
Tow dollies can be slightly different, and the requirements to use them vary a little depending both on the company and the car’s measurements. But, some basic requirements across the board are that the vehicle must have front-wheel drive and lockable steering. If you aren’t sure if your vehicle meets these requirements, you can look in your owner’s manual, or consult your dealership.
Loading A Car On A Tow Dolly
If you decide to self-tow, you’ll need to know how to load your car on the dolly securely. Let’s breakdown this process step-by-step.
Make sure you fully extend the ramps so the ends touch the ground. Next, lay the tire straps on the ramp, double-checking that they are in the middle. Most tow dollies have a strap ratchet that you will have to unlock in order to move the straps.
After placing the straps, drive the vehicle forward onto the ramp, centering the tires. There should be a stop at the end of the ramp—you will want to keep driving until your car touches that.
Next, wrap the straps around the tires. The straps should be centered, coming over the top and down to the inside of the tire.
Feed the loose end of the strap through the ratchet, and pull it to adjust its length. The strap needs to be secure, so that the car can’t move, but not overly tight. When you have them where you want them, lock the strap ratchets.
Lock the vehicle’s steering and put the car in neutral. Make sure to disengage the parking brake so that the wheels can spin.
Don’t forget to collapse the ramps when you are finished. It is a good idea to test drive the vehicle before you set off on your trip, to ensure everything is properly secured.
If you are looking for a visual explanation, check out this instructional video on how to load a car onto a U-Haul tow dolly.
Self-Towing With A Car Trailer
A car trailer is different from a tow dolly in that it has four wheels, and the whole vehicle goes on top of the car trailer, rather than two wheels being on the ground. Car trailers can be used with cars that have front-wheel, four-wheel, and all-wheel drive.
If you have a larger vehicle, or your vehicle doesn’t have lockable steering and front-wheel drive, a car trailer may be a good fit for you. Rentals are slightly more expensive than tow dollies, but it won’t break the bank. U-Haul and Penske both have affordable options for tow dollies and car trailers. They provide a list of requirements your vehicle must meet on their respective sites.
Loading A Car On A Car Trailer
The left side of most car trailers folds down so that you can get out of your car after you have driven it onto the trailer. There should be some form of a release pin that can be removed, allowing you to fold the driver’s side fender down before you start the process.
After folding the driver’s side fender, extend the ramps fully, until they touch the ground. Release the tire straps from the strap ratchets and center them. The difference between this and prepping a tow dolly is that the tire straps are on the bed of the trailer, not the ramps, and there are four straps, not two.
Center your car on the ramps and drive forward until you reach the stop at the end. Secure the tire straps (as explained in the tow dolly section).
Often there are safety chains as well for extra security. Where you attach these will depend on the make and model of your car. Consult your owner’s manual to ensure that you attach the chains in an appropriate place for your car that won’t cause any damage.
Verify that your vehicle is in park and engage the parking brake. Since all of the tires are on the trailer and securely strapped the tires won’t need to spin. Refold the driver’s side fender and stow the ramps.
Always test drive a short distance to make sure you don’t encounter any problems. For a visual explanation, check out U-Haul’s video on how to load a car onto a U-Haul auto transport.
Shipping A Car
Shipping a car is another great option, especially if you are moving across the country. This is more expensive than other options, but it can be an easy way to make sure everything goes smoothly. If you decide to ship your car, there are a few really important things to consider.
First, you will want to make sure you do your research and choose a reputable company. Reading reviews of the moving companies you are considering is imperative to make sure your car is in good hands.
It is a good idea to get quotes from multiple moving companies and compare them, to make sure you are getting the best deal. Prices for shipping cars vary depending on the details of your move, but most moving companies offer a free quote online or by phone.
Another important thing is to verify that the company has some type of insurance to cover possible damage to your vehicle during the move. Even with the most reputable companies, there’s always a possibility something may happen during the move if you’re shipping your car across the country. Having these safeguards in place are crucial to protect your car.
If you aren’t sure where to start, Montway Auto Transport and Ship a Car Direct are two well-known companies for shipping cars. Regardless of what company you decide to use, make sure to do your research, so your move goes as smoothly as possible. Check out our post, How To Ship A Car Across Country During A Move, for more details on the process!
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Conclusion
Ensuring the safe transport of your car is a crucial part of planning your move. Whether you decide to move on your own or ship your car, following these guidelines will help you smoothly transition to your new home. If you’re ever unsure about something, be sure to consult your car’s owner manual, and don’t be afraid to ask your moving company any questions you may have. Safe travels!
Hannah Boland is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is studying writing and criminology with plans to go into a Journalism career. In her free time she enjoys surfing, kayaking, and being out in nature.
