Best way to move chassis and body?

[Zedn]

Hi,

Im currently considering the logistics of purchasing a body and chassis in Vic and transporting to Sydney.

I have access to a toyota hilux tray back (4x4 1tonne diesel) and can hire whatever trailer is required.

Im guessing it wouldnt fit on the back of the hilux. What sort of trailer is best to use? I would prefer not to hire a full size car trailer as last time i drove with one i found it quite stressful due to the width (staying in the lanes in Sydney traffic) and the truck guzzled the diesel with the weight.

Any recommendations? Im guessing people have tried different methods.

Liam

[Aussie Mike]

I towed my chassis/body kit from Sydney down to Melbourne. Me and a friend did it in one day, Melbourne-Sydney-Melbourne and sharing the driving. If I did it again I'd take 2 days as driving up and back without a break was hard work and I was knackered afterwards.

I borrowed a friends tandem car trailer. It was a pretty easy tow as there isn't a lot of weight in the Cobra body chassis.

I towed it with an F100 but a Hilux would have no trouble, especially a diesel.



The scariest part was peak hour traffic in Sydney with a big tandem trailer on the back. The lanes are so narrow and everyone is in such a hurry. I was amazed we got out of there without incident.



Grab a mate and hit the road. Turn it into an adventure.

Cheers

[Aussie Mike]

Just thinking about it again... If you had to hire a trailer and tow it down and back, stay overnight somewhere etc It's probably going to turn into a fairly expensive exercise. It might pay to check with some of the freight companies on how much they will charge to ship it.

I did it because the trailer was borrowed and my F100 was on LPG and it's the sort of trip you do with a friend to get out of town for a laugh. I still probably spent $250 in fuel and $100 on junk food and pub meals up and back.

Cheers

[stiffy]

Aussie,


The best part of picking up a car is the road trip.
A mate called the other day (pissed) asking where Echuca is (he lives in Sydney). He called the next day saying he has just bought a car in Echuca from Ebay.

So I picked him up from Tulla and we drove to Echuca. The car was only $657.00 so it wasn't the best VR Commodore I have seen but for the price.

The best part was the 3 hours of talking crap and eating Mackers....

STIFFY

[stephen low]

Liam

Judging by your previous post, sounds like you are considering the purchase of a genuine replica Bongailas. Whatever kit, welcome to the madness.

When I transported just my chassis for sandblasting I managed this on just a 6 x 4 trailer. Used three large timber cross bars and centralised the chassis for balance.

With a body on top, this will make the whole shebang a tad longer but I reckon you could get away with a slightly larger (longer) trailer and manage the same outcome without going to a whole full car trailer. Just a chassis and body isn't that heavy.

Downside is that parts of the kit will be a tad more exposed to traffic if overhanging a smaller trailer.

Good luck.

[Aussie Mike]

An alternative idea on the best way to move a body

[boxhead]

I had mine shipped to Alice Springs from Sydney with a freight company.
Not sure what the actual price should have been as I think there was a mistake somewhere (they only charged me $100 or $120 from memory).

[Zedn]

wow, i have been quoted over $900 from 2 companies

[sambo]

I used Door To Door Car Carrying to bring my Cobra down from QLD. I think it was around $600 from memory. Ph. 1800 366 723.

Sambo

[Mando]

I remember seeing that movie, I thought it was great. Thanks Mike.

Regards.

[gjkrv8]

Last year I used a mob (I cant remember their name but can find out if you like) to get my rolling chassis from NSW to VIC and it cost 700 bucks. although I'd say a roller is cheaper (than chassis/body) as it went on a "car carrier etc".

Rgds

Gregg

[Merv and Sharon]

I was thinking that it may be good at some stage to have a series on car trailer types that suit Cobras. Most of us face the issue of either building, buying or more frequently - hiring one.

It would good to have something that covered designs, ramp types and lengths (I think we have all been caught with this one at some stage!), widths, tilts (and dampers for same) and wheel axle arrangements.

I have no desire or space for a car trailer but each time I have to hire one I learn something new.

Merv

[Philm]

Looking back I wish I had purchased a trailer at the start of the build.

When you add up all the tilt trays, trailer hire and stuff it makes sence to buy one. Finish your car then sell it, you may even make a few bucks.

I have had my tailer built to suit the cobra. It was a standard design but the guys made me bring over the car load it it and measure ball weight etc. The axels were then moved so a perfect weight distibution as achieved.

The trailer is low to the ground and uses the rubber torsion suspension.

Thanks

Phil

[sambo]

Anyone considering the purchase of a Cobra trailer in Melbourne, speak to Marty Govert at Kenmer Engineering. I've had a loan of one of his trailers on numerous occasions and it made the job that much easier. Hydraulic tilt tray, ramps, enclosed at the front to protect from stone chips, etc.

Sambo

[Merv and Sharon]

That sounds brilliant Sambo and thanks also Phil. I think we could build up the perfect 'spec' for a Cobra trailer in this way. Also where does one get a tilt tray? Here on the Sunshine Coast in QLd I have used Uhaul (none) and Kennards (also)?

Merv