Help shipping new 40 from Fresno to San Diego

[Cruiser1855]

Ok, so I bought my first FJ40 (had a couple of 62s) last weekend and the PO's friend, that is a car transporter, has flaked on me. Does anyone have a recommendation for dependable/affordable shipping companies in So Cal? Or any So Cal mudders that might be in the business? The whole online quote thing isn't very reassuring.
I'm going to post in MudShip as well, but thought I would try here first.

Any help is much appreciated....the waiting is slowly killing me...

 

[Cruiser1855]

Pic of my new lady

Pic of my new lady...

 

[ducktapeguy]

Drive it? Looks like it's in pretty good shape, it'd be fun weekend trip

 

[Cruiser1855]

Totally would, but the brakes need some work and the tires are about 11 years old. Just doesn't feel safe for what would be a 7-8+ hour trip at those speeds.

 

[youmustbecrazy]

how about renting a trailer? If you don't have a big enough rig to pull it you could also rent that, most likely would be cheaper. I brought home a cruiser on a rented trailer from Nevada, rented it one way there back to So Cal. Check with U haul or Ryder.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Totally would, but the tires are about 11 years old. Just doesn't feel safe for what would be a 7-8+ hour trip at those speeds.

I just drove from Guatemala to Portland, OR on tires that were at least that old (I got newer tires in Portland because of wear more than age). Keep the speed reasonable (a '40 is not a sports car) and you should be fine. I'd drive it before I'd trailer it though an auto transport would perhaps be best.

You will want to take care of the brakes though.

 

[73fj40lc]

First lesson

The first lesson with a 40 is to enjoy the trip and to not rush to your destination. If it is only 7 or 8 hours why would you pay someone to transport it? I got off work late at night grabed a few hours sleep. Then drove 7 hours to pick up my M101 cdn trailer and drove back home that same day.The tires were 20 years old but I had new spare tires for the trailer if I needed them. Get a good friend to go with you and trailer it if you have to. Just had a guy on mud drive from the west coast to the east coast trailering his 40 on a Uhaul car hauler. He is in the military and got re-assigned to Ft. Bragg. I believe that the Uhaul car trailer has surge brakes on it. You may have to use add ratchet straps to Uhaul's tire straps if you have over 31 in. tires on the cruiser.
Good luck and hurry and get it home so we can see more pics. PS: The bezel is on correct.

Totally would, but the brakes need some work and the tires are about 11 years old. Just doesn't feel safe for what would be a 7-8+ hour trip at those speeds.

 

[numby]

I'd drive it. If you break down it'll cost you a hundred bucks or so for a Uhaul trailer which will be a lot cheaper than paying someone else to haul it.

If you're decide to rent a Uhaul trailer you'll need to examine the wheel straps very carefully when you pick it up. The biggest tires I've ever been able to fit were 31X10.50s. If there's any evidence of fraying on the ends of the straps or they look like they've been cut get a different trailer or switch out the straps (they unbolt) or you won't have enough length to get a good bite with the ratchet mechanism. Us a few extra tiedowns from the frame to the trailer cross members to keep the 40 from bouncing around.

 

[k91]

Are you serious???????

Just drive it.

 

[ojaij40]

Hell, make sure you have a good spare, (or two) tinker with the brakes and go for it, I live near Ventura, and unless you luck out on traffic, your not going to make Fresno to 'diego in any 7 or 8 hrs. in a cruiser. Good Luck, looks great!!!

 

[mano002]

I shipped my SOA 40 with a company called hansens from Vancouver BC to Calgary AB, ~700 miles of highway and mountains. I think it was ~$600. I had the same issues, poor tires, a truck that hadn't been run in months. I think it was the safer way to move it.

 

[FJ40 TOOLMAN]

How much it worth to you to have it hauled its about 700 to 800 miles round trip lots of traffic. How soon do you need it hauled and does it have insurance.

 

[Cruiser1855]

Thanks for all the input guys.

I found a friend of a friend that will trailer it for $200 + gas. Keeps me from worrying about the safety of the brakes and tires and easily less than I could have rented a truck/trailer.

More pics to come once I get her home.

 

[antFJ]

uhaul would have cost not much more than that.. but if its with a friend then alright! good luck!

 

[ojaij40]

I agree, It's a good idea to have a friend along anyway, Report back with details of how it went.

 

[BrianSanDiego]

Cool man!
Another nice 40 in San Diego. Check out the San Diego section if you haven't already.
CA- San Diego Cruisers - IH8MUD Forums

And post up some pics when you get your new baby home!
Brian.

 

[FishNinJay]

Congrats! I'm waiting for mine too.

I'm using United Road, and their phone service seems ok. Mine is coming from Portland, OR to Orange County, CA for about $550. I haven't finalized it so I can't tell you about service, but the price seems reasonable and phone service has been ok. Anyone else have any issues with United Road (sorry to 'jack your post).

If it were me, I'd rent an unlimited miles u-haul with trailer, and drive up and back with a bud. Where are you in San Diego? I used to live in North County, just off the 56.

Best of luck! Sweet looking rig. I love that year and color! Good that you're getting a Cali car.. the smog issue sounds like a major PITA.

Again, congrats!

 

[73fj40lc]

Damn you all are killing me. I have had my 40 for 4 years and it still dosen't look anywhere as nice as this one. Too much to do and too little cash and time... the story of my life. Enjoy, she is a elegant lady.

Congrats! I'm waiting for mine too.

I'm using United Road, and their phone service seems ok. Mine is coming from Portland, OR to Orange County, CA for about $550. I haven't finalized it so I can't tell you about service, but the price seems reasonable and phone service has been ok. Anyone else have any issues with United Road (sorry to 'jack your post).

If it were me, I'd rent an unlimited miles u-haul with trailer, and drive up and back with a bud. Where are you in San Diego? I used to live in North County, just off the 56.

Best of luck! Sweet looking rig. I love that year and color! Good that you're getting a Cali car.. the smog issue sounds like a major PITA.

Again, congrats!