Challenge Transportation backup plan from Chicago

Hi GRM,

I'm hoping to be able to borrow a truck and trailer from friends and family to bring my car down to the challenge. However, that isn't a foolproof plan yet, and a few things need to happen in quick succession to make it possible. I've done lots of towing of cars before, I just don't currently own the implements needed to get the job done.

If that all falls through, I am thinking about backups. I see so far:

• just drive the car down (id like to keep this as a backup backup because I know I would be heartbroken if I drive 950 miles only to break down and not compete 50 miles from the event).
• rent a truck and trailer (uhaul looks like it will be $2k for the week, ouch)
• line up something else to borrow or rent - I would absolutely be willing to pay, just would like to be much less than 2k
• buy a cheaper car hauler ( like this: $4400 - ford PSD hauler ) and then re-sell after the event. I know I would lose tax/title/insurance, but I bet I could get much closer to breaking even than $2k. Problems here with unknown maintenance for a 2k mile round trip.

Anyone been through this process before and have insights? Anyone semi close by have an extra spot on a trailer they would be willing to sell? Anyone have a rig they would be willing to rent me (I can satisfy whatever insurance or replacement clauses the owner would need to feel comfortable)? Anyone have a rig and want to attend the challenge but don't have a car or team?

I'm planning to drive a Buick Roadmaster down from Columbus IN (just south of Indy). If you can limp to my place, I would be happy to tow your Challenge car with my Challenge car. She's rated for 5,000 lbs

The only problem is I don't own a dolly/trailer. Also it's missing a cylinder head right now and I haven't driven it more than 2 miles since buying it last week

I have given this more thought than you can ever imagine. Both forced thought last year and then an entire year to think it all over again.

I am driving the Infiniti down.
Once I get to Gainesville, should I experience an unspeakable horrible event I will then use my AAA service that gives 100 miles to get the car towed to a "friendly place" or the place of a friend in FL.
I will then arrainge to have the car shipped back to Ohio.
Myself and a buddy will return back to Ohio via a Hertz One-Way rental car.

Further info:
I recently had the Q45 shipped to me from Denver to Ohio. That cost just under 50 cents per mile the car traveled. I am near exact 1,000 miles from Gainesville. This means in one weeks time, I can have my car brought right to my door for $500.

Last year I returned from Gainesville by way of Hertz and that was $85, all in, for one day with a Chevy Cruise (leather, XM radio and great mpg.) One way rentals cost more than your typical in-town.

My total risk is about $585.
Your travel distance from Chicago to Gainesville is also about exactly 1,000 miles so your total risk should be about the same.

For those not familiar, I developed an engine tick/knock in last year's drag; Friday night.
I left the car at the track Friday night.
The next day, during the Concourse portion, I hatched a deal and sold the car to another competitor. He loaded the car on his trailer and another competitor gave me a ride back to the hotel that night.
I then made a Hertz reservation and Sunday morning I had the hotel's free shuttle take me to the Gainesville airport. Once their, I went to the Hertz counter. Drove that car back to the hotel where I grabbed by buddy and luggage and pointed towards home. 17 hours later, I was home.

I could have shipped that car home too ($500) and then added additional funds to fix the car once home.
That could have meant that I spent $500 to ship it and $500 more to fix it = $1,000.

Instead, I spent $1,000 to buy the damn near, exact car, 10 months later!

More specific answers. You wrote:

If that all falls through, I am thinking about backups. I see so far:

• just drive the car down (id like to keep this as a backup backup because I know I would be heartbroken if I drive 950 miles only to break down and not compete 50 miles from the event).
  Have the car shipped to the event if you really have concerns. You could have the car dropped at "the friendly place."
  $500 will get it there.
  Part of my personal challenge is to drive the car down and back.

• rent a truck and trailer (uhaul looks like it will be $2k for the week, ouch)
  Ship it home on a real car carrier for $500

• line up something else to borrow or rent - I would absolutely be willing to pay, just would like to be much less than 2k
  Ship it home on a real car carrier for $500

• buy a cheaper car hauler ( like this: $4400 - ford PSD hauler ) and then re-sell after the event. I know I would lose tax/title/insurance, but I bet I could get much closer to breaking even than $2k. Problems here with unknown maintenance for a 2k mile round trip.
  Ship it home on a real car carrier for $500
  

I am available by phone, any time. John 419-541-1335 ... I've been there!

In reply to JohnRW1621:

I'm adding your phone number to fake CL personals as we speak

Just kidding, valid points. If the car doesn't run/drive even E36 M3tily, will they still ship it on a car carrier?

WOW Really Paul? wrote: Just kidding, valid points. If the car doesn't run/drive even E36 M3tily, will they still ship it on a car carrier?

When the Q45 was delivered, the Master Cyl was out. The car ran but the only way to stop it was with the parking brake.

Yeah, this guy came up and down the ramp with only the parking brake. The battery was also 100% drained but would start with the jumper pack as shown in the picture.

I do not know what non-running would have cost.
I am not sure if this Camaro was actually driven onto the trailer.

It was shipped by: http://www.toponetransport.com/
They have good reviews on Uship. http://www.uship.com/profile/kookov/

Interesting. You did this all through uship? I'm getting quotes closer to $1000 one way.

thanks for the offer maschinebau, as we get closer I will know more.

Rcutclif, I am leaving the 21th from just north of you on the WI/ILL state line if you want to travel with someone else in cause of trouble. I am driving subby down there and racing and then coming back later in the week, but going down you can have a backup if you drive or haul.

ckosacranoid wrote: Rcutclif, I am leaving the 21th from just north of you on the WI/ILL state line if you want to travel with someone else in cause of trouble. I am driving subby down there and racing and then coming back later in the week, but going down you can have a backup if you drive or haul.

Thanks for the heads up - a caravan is a good idea. I too am planning to leave early morning on the 21st, and then take it easy (as easy as 1000 miles in one day can be). There might be a few others who we 'pick up' along the way as well. At the very least I'll hit you up to exchange phone numbers in case either of us gets stranded along the way.

I'll be eating Portillos and thinking of you folks.

Good luck!

In Georgia, you'll get onto I-75 and hit the same path as most of the Ohio/Mich guys coming down.
If you go through Indy, you will be on the same path as Stan coming out of Indy.

Found this asking $4k

7.3 turbo diesel 5spd

and this asking $1750

390 big block 4 spd

Second one is probably too much work to be driveable before the challenge (for me), and the guy said it had a 4.11 rear (originally a 300 i6 truck), so it would not be great on the highway either. Screamingly cool though.

I think about how cool these things are, but then I think about the realities:

1. Even if I can buy one and resell and break even (longshot), I still will be out $400 in tax/title/license/insurance and $400 or so in gas, so $800 ish total.
2. NOT guaranteed that these beasts wouldn't break down either, though i bet every po-dunk town has a napa with parts in stock.

I contacted a shipping company and asked for a quote.