by "Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
Published 11/29/2017 at 21:30
by "Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
Published 11/29/2017 at 21:30
Tags: Radwood
; Dodge Ram
; Cummins
; Nissan 300ZX
; 300ZX
; CBR900RR
; Honda
; Diesel
STARS: 52
Bright and early tomorrow morning, I’m taking all the toys and heading west to the Radwood 2 car show out in Anaheim, California. Before I get going, I wanted to show you all what it takes (and what it costs) to move three vehicles halfway across the United States.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
This will be my first time attending the show and I’m pretty excited to be a part of it. It’s a unique kind of event that features vehicles from the ‘80s and ‘90s, or in other words, the only kind of vehicles that I own. Now, I live in Kansas City, Kansas, which is a far cry from Anaheim, California. It’s over 1,500 miles one-way.
I have a Dodge Ram Cummins diesel truck at my disposal, and if I don’t use it for hauling, then what’s the point of having it? Ok, it’s actually just really fun to drive. All those awesome diesel-type noises make for a good time, anytime. But, here is my opportunity to use it in a practical manner: Pulling 9,000 pounds worth of trailer, Nissan 300ZX , and Honda CBR900RR all the way out to California for a car show.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
So, that sounds simple enough, right? Well, as I found out, there was a ton of preparation I had to do in order to make this trip happen. Let’s start with the trailer. I thought about buying a trailer, but they ended up costing way too much money for the amount of use I would get out of it. So, instead, I started searching around for a trailer to rent.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
I knew I wanted to get an enclosed trailer to keep the 300ZX and CBR out of the elements. I also knew it had to be at least 20 feet long to fit everything. It turned out that there was only one local company that even rented a trailer that large. It definitely cost a pretty penny to rent, but there wasn’t any way around it. I needed it.
TRAILER RENTAL COST: $805.00
With the trailer secured, it was time to figure out lodging for the trip. After what seemed like forever, I finally narrowed down some hotels that had parking which could accommodate large vehicles. With the list whittled down to the most convenient and cost-effective options, I put in some reservations.
HOTEL COST (5 days): $573.66
Next, I needed to figure out the logistics of rigging the truck up to the trailer, and determine how to secure the 300ZX and CBR down inside of the trailer.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Luckily, the Ram was already outfitted with a brake controller because it was previously used to haul around a fifth wheel RV. This addition is necessary if you intend on hauling a lot of weight behind you.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a ball hitch for for the truck. I figured I needed a fairly heavy-duty unit, so I picked up one rated for over 15,000 pounds. Alright, that may have been overkill, but oh well. I also needed the hitch receiver pin, so I picked one of those up too.
Now, on to securing the vehicles down inside the of the trailer. I knew I needed to get two different sizes of ratchet straps. A smaller size to secure the bike, and a larger size to secure the car. While I was shopping around, I found some pretty slick tie downs for the car. They are loops which pass through the wheels between the spokes. This system makes it a lot easier to secure a car than trying to hunt around for solid chassis attachment points.
I also picked up some locks to secure the exterior doors of the trailer, as well of some wheel chocks to keep the rig stationary while parked.
TOWING SUPPLIES COST: $267.87
Having all the facets in place to make this trip happen, it was time to get everything loaded up. The trailer had
just
enough tie down anchors in the floor to secure both the car and the bike. The first task was to load the bike at the front of the trailer.
With the bike secured, it was the 300ZX’s turn to hop in. This was a little sketchy, as the front bumper slightly dragged on the trailer’s ramp.
Thankfully, no damage was done. Phew! With the car in the trailer, and with the engine’s weight thoroughly in front of the axles (for optimal trailer weight distribution), it was time for me to get out of the car. Oh wait, not so fast. I couldn’t even get the door open.
Thankfully, the 300ZX comes equipped with an ejector sea...erm...t-tops! I removed the driver’s side t-top and was able to Dukes Of Hazard my way out the top of the car.
All that was left was to strap down the car to the trailer. Those wheel loop tie downs made this job an absolute breeze. With the 300ZX secured, I released its parking brake and left the transmission in neutral so that no undue stress was placed on the drivetrain.
And just like that, everything was now ready to make the journey west. Let’s see how much this hair-brained trip has cost so far.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Trailer Rental (with insurance): $805.00
Towing Supplies: $267.87
Lodging: $573.66
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Yeah, ouch indeed. It’s still left to be seen how much fuel and food costs will be, but I estimate that total being near the $900 mark. This certainly isn’t a “cheap” little jaunt, but heck, this is pretty much what I classify as a vacation.
My brother is going to be my co-pilot on this trip. He’ll keep good tunes cued up, verify directions, and generally keep me company. He may also be running some trip updates so check out my Twitter (@pmonshiz) and Instagram (pmonshiz) for the latest news!
Until then, wish us luck. We’re going to need it.
"HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute" (hondoyota)
11/29/2017 at 21:33, STARS: 0
I think this was supposed to go on Jalopnik....no?
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 21:34, STARS: 15
Nope! It’s for Oppo!
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
11/29/2017 at 21:34, STARS: 9
We’ll take the quality content!
"HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute" (hondoyota)
11/29/2017 at 21:35, STARS: 2
Well shieeeet I’m not used to having nice things! Thank you much.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
11/29/2017 at 21:41, STARS: 0
Woot! That’s a sweet mobile stable. And look at that fancy full-bleed title image showing up on oppo. Fancy!
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 21:44, STARS: 0
Thanks! Thought I’d give it a try!
"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
11/29/2017 at 21:49, STARS: 2
We’re not worthy!!!
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
11/29/2017 at 21:51, STARS: 1
Nicely done. I’m a little surprised you wanted the engine forward, it seems like a big portion of the weight is forward. But it sure looks level, so that’s good! You could get some little chunks of 2x4 and plywood to make the ramp a little easier on the car, too. If it became a problem.
Safe travels! Looking good.
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 21:54, STARS: 0
The Z is kinda heavy all around, so the rest of the car is either on or behind the axles. I think it will be alright.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
11/29/2017 at 21:55, STARS: 4
Beautiful bike. I know a guy who still has a 93 RR that he bought new. Thing is in amazing shape.
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 21:57, STARS: 1
That’s awesome! I like that he kept the original exhaust! Shoot, he even has the same passenger seat cover as mine.
"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
11/29/2017 at 22:01, STARS: 1
beautiful Z
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
11/29/2017 at 22:02, STARS: 0
That dodge almost looks nice enough for the show too
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 22:04, STARS: 7
It’s been entered!
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 22:05, STARS: 0
Thank you!
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
11/29/2017 at 22:19, STARS: 3
Those forged ball mounts are nice. I splurged on a set of them around 2005ish and still have them many tow vehicles later. The only problem is that there are no longer the right drop or lift for anything I tow with my current set up.
A couple of 2x4's about 18" long will make loading the car without scraping the front easier.
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 22:28, STARS: 0
I might grab some boards before I head out tomorrow. Thanks for the tip!
"daender" (daender)
11/29/2017 at 22:31, STARS: 8
That’s one hell of a trio to bring to Radwood! See if they’ll let you bring all three in and park them together!
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
11/29/2017 at 22:36, STARS: 7
You can also use boards at both ends to help, in addition to just atthe ramp. Driving the rear tires of the truck up on a set of boards will lower the back of the trailer a bit, making the ramp angle more low car friendly.
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 23:14, STARS: 6
That’s what I’m shootin’ for!
"T.Tanner" (thtanner)
11/29/2017 at 23:26, STARS: 0
Are you going to enjoy our SoCal canyons with the CBR on Sunday? Weather still permits that here! Malibu, Palomar Mountain, etc.. there’s a lot to choose from!
"Bradley Brownell" (bcbrownell)
11/29/2017 at 23:34, STARS: 8
Yeah, for sure. There’s a huge lot next door you can drop the trailer, then bring all three in parked side by side. We’ll work it out Saturday morning, but I’m so jazzed about this.
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/29/2017 at 23:39, STARS: 1
Sweet!! Thanks Bradley!
"BarryDanger" (dbarry102)
11/29/2017 at 23:40, STARS: 3
I’ll see you there! My expenses for R2 come out to $105 total I believe. My girl and I are driving up from San Diego with my MR2 so the only expenses are gas for the 3sGTE, tickets and food for the day. My car is pretty much stock and the paint is bad so I’m thinking we will show up around 10:30 to be towards the exit or stuffed in the back somewhere!
"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
11/29/2017 at 23:41, STARS: 1
Need lots of pictures. I thought about driving down from SF but I’m fresh off a month in Europe and I have a friend visiting the weekend following with another flight hot on it’s heels. Would just be too much. Pics!
"fintail" (fintail)
11/29/2017 at 23:51, STARS: 1
Wonderful bike, how much unobtanium is in that? Every old dual headlight sportbike I see for sale around here looks like it was dredged out of a lake - but I know speculators are hunting them now too.
"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
11/30/2017 at 00:13, STARS: 5
How much unobtanium? Well, just about everything that has paint on it! They are getting more difficult to find for a reasonable price that’s for sure.
"DutchieDC2R" (dutchiedc2r)
11/30/2017 at 02:56, STARS: 1
Man, this is freaking awesome! Radwood is on my list of events to visit, even though Im on the other side of the big pond. Have fun man, quality stuff on Oppo at last!
"Gyula" (sirmoke)
11/30/2017 at 04:29, STARS: 1
Nicely done! I have a bad feeling about that the Duc is left at home, she’ll probably have some tantrum :) Reading You for a while, I have just now realised the ZX’s plate. It’s cool! Have a safe trip
"fintail" (fintail)
11/30/2017 at 08:21, STARS: 0
Was the plastic intact, or did you have to remake anything? I am sure I can’t saunter down to my local Honda shop and buy a fairing :)
"Septimius" (septimiusn13)
11/30/2017 at 09:02, STARS: 8
He wrote several articles on the resto, if you click on his handle it’ll take you to everything he’s written. Or links below if you prefer:
https://jalopnik.com/heres-exactly-what-it-cost-to-rebuild-a-1993-honda-cbr9-1819487774
http://practicalenthusiast.kinja.com/1993-honda-cbr900rr-overhaul-parts-list-1819907875
"Paullubbock" (Paullubbock)
11/30/2017 at 09:06, STARS: 0
It’s already better than most of my vacations, period.
"Vin" (14fortyone)
11/30/2017 at 09:06, STARS: 0
Quality write-up, as per usual. Bon Voyage!
"Joe Patroni" (therealjoepatroni)
11/30/2017 at 09:07, STARS: 0
That looks to be a very nice trailer. Be careful hauling your precious cargo. Hopefully they’ve done maintenance on the wheel bearings, etc.
"Joe Mac" (joemac1997)
11/30/2017 at 09:09, STARS: 0
Very cool! I live in a Philadelphia, PA suburb so me ever getting out to Radwood seems slim, especially when most of my vacation days go to Rock on the Range in Columbus, Ohio every May. But damn this is cool. Love the Nissan and the Honda!
"Karfreek" (karfreek)
11/30/2017 at 09:14, STARS: 0
That 300ZX! (Edit: In the grey still at Oppo Lock?! No way!)
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/30/2017 at 09:17, STARS: 2
You need the majority of the weight in front of the axles to keep the trailer stable under braking. If the weight is more towards the rear, when you stab the brakes the tail will try to wag the dog.
"turbo_corolla" (turbocorolla)
11/30/2017 at 09:17, STARS: 0
Wait. You live in kck? I’m just outside kcmo in belton. Why are we not friends?
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/30/2017 at 09:19, STARS: 0
Man, I love all three of the vehicles in your stable. Good luck on the journey, and have a great time!
"heavysquad" (heavysquad)
11/30/2017 at 09:19, STARS: 1
check out his build blog! they are all awesome!
"ZaXxon" (doletron)
11/30/2017 at 09:29, STARS: 1
Dude, be careful. Those types of setups are targets for theft. (trucks with racecar trailers.....that is)
And those old Dodge’s are very easy to break into..... I know, because I have locked my keys in mine before.
"sounbwoy" (sounbwoy)
11/30/2017 at 09:33, STARS: 1
Got a spare tire or spare tires for the trailer? Does the company provide service or coverage for things like wheel bearings on it? As far as the spoiler on the ZX goes when going up the ramp, just get some extra lengths of wood to lay down on the ramp and the ground to reduce the approach angle. Also not a big deal, but maybe load the car first to have more weight forward.
"gawdzillla" (gawdzillla)
11/30/2017 at 09:35, STARS: 0
love your articles and how you breaks everything down
+1
"TingleyStorm" (tingleystorm)
11/30/2017 at 09:35, STARS: 2
You want the majority of the weight forward of the trailer axles. There’s a video out there (that I’m too lazy to find) that demonstrates exactly why you want it that way.
"fintail" (fintail)
11/30/2017 at 09:41, STARS: 0
Thanks
"fintail" (fintail)
11/30/2017 at 09:42, STARS: 0
Thanks. Looks like I need to hire him out :)
"As Long as There is Beer I'm There." (aslongasthereisbeerimthere)
11/30/2017 at 09:43, STARS: 0
I did not realize you were the Motorcycle write up AND the 300z write up AND the Cummins write up.
Dear sir. I love your writing style, your choices, and most of all for sharing them with the world. I love this stuff.
"Tekamul" (tekamulburner)
11/30/2017 at 09:44, STARS: 4
Uh-oh. Shared from Oppo has returned......
Opponauts, sharpen your pencils. Gawker lawyers, check your retainer balances.
"ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy" (bakeshake)
11/30/2017 at 09:45, STARS: 0
Make dang sure the trailer hubs are properly greased. Is there anyway to get a lock onto the trailer’s ball latch?
"theAngryAccountant" (dsmith2534)
11/30/2017 at 09:45, STARS: 0
I want your neighbor’s house... Two car garage next to a guy who wrenches on awesome cars? Paradise
"deezler" (deezler)
11/30/2017 at 09:51, STARS: 2
Pete do us all a big favor and pull off the empty front license plate bracket on the ram, ok? Dunno why, but it’s really bothering me. Or at least get a ram (animal) plate (unless its covering a little rust?)
"osucycler" (osucycler)
11/30/2017 at 09:53, STARS: 0
Make sure that trailer is secured if you are leaving it unhooked from the truck! Enclosed trailers seem to like to find new homes with other people pretty frequently! https://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?89045-How-to-Protect-your-trailer-from-theft
"Zap1967" (zap1967)
11/30/2017 at 10:01, STARS: 0
Good prep work Peter. I love the truck/bike/car. As someone who has probably towed upwards of 500 different cars in open and enclosed trailers I would strongly advise leaving the parking brake set on the vehicle that is tied down. I have had straps break on 2 separate occasions and the vehicle moved on the trailer some even with the car in park/parking brake engaged. Would hate to see what would happen with the brake off and car out of gear.
Also had a friend with a freshly restored Hemi Challenger break straps during wreck avoidance maneuver in icy conditions. He smacked both rocker panels off of those fenders in an enclosed trailer.
Cross strapping the vehicle is important to keep it from moving side to side if you get into a situation. Sometimes you can’t do it but absolutely do it if you can.
Good luck on your trip!
"45turns" (45turns)
11/30/2017 at 10:02, STARS: 0
You’ve got a warm garage and cold beers right off i70 in Denver if you need to stop on your way. Have a safe trip!
"Derpwagon" (Derpwagon)
11/30/2017 at 10:05, STARS: 2
Thank you! At least I can reply here!
"kinja isawful" (kinjabad)
11/30/2017 at 10:09, STARS: 0
Good luck, I am starting to think you’re the only person that works there that has (ever) had any sense. I share your salute to the 90's with my Dakota, 4runner with rooftop camper, and 90 300 2+2 (you trade turbos or babies, lol). Wish I were there, take all the pics.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
11/30/2017 at 10:09, STARS: 1
I remember from my marina days that you wanted something like ~10% of the overall weight on the tongue. So yeah, favoring the front for sure, but just the right amount. Anyway, it looks perfect so he’s got it right, it seems. I see improperly loaded trailers all the time on the highway. Or just hooked up to the truck at the wrong height, which is especially important on a dual axle...
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
11/30/2017 at 10:10, STARS: 1
It does look good, in any case. I remember from working at a marina for years that you wanted something like ~10% of the overall weight as tongue weight. I’m sure you’re in good shape!
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
11/30/2017 at 10:11, STARS: 0
I do recall you want something like ~10% of the overall weight as tongue weight, for stability and other safety reasons. It looks good, anyway.
"Long-Voyager" (long-voyager)
11/30/2017 at 10:13, STARS: 2
God damn it I wish this was closer, I would definitely bring her out:
"RentalCarRoadTrip" (rentalcarroadtrip)
11/30/2017 at 10:13, STARS: 0
I flew into Reno last night. Driving a 60k mile DSM from here to Radwood starting today... What could go wrong?
"Harold Demure (From Art Literature)" (markgodine)
11/30/2017 at 10:17, STARS: 0
I can save you $573.66 right off the bat: looks like there’s plenty of room between the back of the car and the trailer door to plop down a camping pad and sleeping bag! If it gets too cold just start up the car and let that hot exhaust warm you right up!
"The Stig's Chamorro cousin (Chamorrovirus)" (atcgnome)
11/30/2017 at 10:18, STARS: 1
He did a writeup on the mission to find this (Honda CBR 900RR), which is something of a unicorn anymore given to the fact that most people who bought them wrapped them around trees MUCH earlier in their lives. I may have missed his writeup on the refresh, though.
"OneTyreFyer" (onetyrefyre)
11/30/2017 at 10:20, STARS: 0
Thats quite the collection. And they’re all super clean too. Nice.
"17 Seconds" (17seconds)
11/30/2017 at 10:22, STARS: 0
Beware when backing out the Z. After the car sits and settles it might be riding lower and you’ll rip your bumper cover off when you back out.
"ZachL" (zach-livingston)
11/30/2017 at 10:25, STARS: 0
Love the stable, love the machines, love the articles. Thank you for making Oppo great.
"MoparMap" (moparmap67)
11/30/2017 at 10:28, STARS: 0
Sounds fun. I recently drove my 04 Viper 1300 miles out to Maryland and the DC area from basically KC for a Viper club event earlier this year. Split it into two chunks and it wasn’t too bad. You’re going the other direction obviously, but will be interesting to see how you fare.
"amgraham" (amgraham)
11/30/2017 at 10:30, STARS: 0
As someone who hauls a lot of cars I would suggest reapplying the parking brake and putting the Z in gear (preferably reverse). It won’t put any significant stress on the drivetrain and if the straps hop off or loosen up (which can and does happen) the car will hopefully not roll into the bike or door. Also it’s a good idea to check the straps whenever you stop for fuel or food.
That said, I love the wheel straps. That’s all I use anymore.
Oh, and one last tip.. Keep the locking hitch pin lubed well or one day you won’t be able to get the key to turn and you’ll have to unlock it with a sawzall.
"H4N5 GRU83R" (2jmotorsports)
11/30/2017 at 10:41, STARS: 0
Pete; big fan of your posts. I live down the street from the show venue and we will be there in a red Mazda MX-3, so I will try to find your Z and say whats up. Good luck on your journey!
"seventythreeTR6" (seventythreetr6)
11/30/2017 at 10:50, STARS: 0
Have a safe trip! Looking forward to seeing you and the vehicles at the show
"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
11/30/2017 at 11:04, STARS: 0
What an awesome trio!
We seriously need an east coast Radwood.
"It'snotwhatyouthink" (creperumm)
11/30/2017 at 11:15, STARS: 0
Waaaittt a minute... You got JoCo tags on that Z... if you live in KCK, then you should have Wyndotte tags... Just where ARE you from, huh? Plus, that’s way too nice a neighborhood to be in KCK.
Best Wishes on your trip... wish I was going.
"Yes I drive a 240... Sort of" (yesidrivea240)
11/30/2017 at 11:16, STARS: 0
300ZX and CBR out of the elements
Pfft, we don’t have elements here in SoCal, oh btw Ill see you there!
"LilRedExpressDude" (lilredexpressblog)
11/30/2017 at 11:16, STARS: 0
Oh and he as two of em.
"NJ_Jayhawk818" (nj-jayhawk818)
11/30/2017 at 11:19, STARS: 0
Rock Chalk! Do you ever go to Cars & Coffee in Overland Park?
"dannyzabolotny" (dannyzabolotny)
11/30/2017 at 11:22, STARS: 0
Did you ever consider just driving the Nissan to Radwood? Probably would have been a lot cheaper. I know you also want to display the bike, but my cheapskate-ness would have just made me take the 1 car because less money.
"OhAlbanianKar" (ohalbaniankar)
11/30/2017 at 11:24, STARS: 0
I’m still here waiting for the day you are ready to sell your Z32!
"NGN_DZNR" (ngndznr)
11/30/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 0
Careful securing the bike with the kick stand down. I did that once to my bike and the kickstand ended up bent and the bike on the ground after driving cross-country. Everytime the trailer went over a bump, it bent the kickstand a little bit at a time until it could no longer keep the bike vertical. Its better to get one of those motorcycle wheel supports / chocks and keep the bike vertical with tie downs on either side.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/30/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
Yeah, it looks like he got it right to me as well. It’s amazing how often I see trailers pulled at the wrong height. I have an assortment of various drops the I keep in a crate, with all three size balls, and a the right size wrench for them. It takes literally minutes to set it up right.
"jtcleary" (jtcleary)
11/30/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 0
The most impressive part of this is you actually found a place that rents enclosed car trailers. They’re pretty much non-existent in the NorthEast.
Anyway happy motoring man! I love cross-country roadtrips with something cool in-tow.
"jgeisler" (jgeisler)
11/30/2017 at 11:56, STARS: 0
A lodging option for next time: KOA camping cabins. We jumped from KOA to KOA while moving from Michigan to Los Angeles and it was a lot cheaper than hotels, and they accommodate big vehicles. We paid $40-65/night (the rate varies from campground to campground) and none of them had a problem with us parking our 16' Budget moving truck and my girlfriend’s Fiat 500 at/near the cabin. You’ve just got to bring along some bedding, but the cabins have a bed, a bunk bed, and at least a heater (many had A/C and some even had refrigerators and TVs).
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
11/30/2017 at 11:57, STARS: 0
The amount of mint, stock, 90s goodness in that cover photo is almost too much to handle
"The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About" (the-guy-they-warned-you-about)
11/30/2017 at 12:47, STARS: 0
Just curious. Shouldn’t the kickstand be up for travel?
"Griffin" (GriffinA)
11/30/2017 at 13:10, STARS: 0
Should I enter my kind of decent condition 1995 Toyota Pick Up base model?
"breatheunderwater" (breatheunderwater)
11/30/2017 at 13:12, STARS: 0
How does insurance on the rented trailer work? I found that insuring a car trailer was something that most people didn’t have experience with, including my insurance agent who did it wrong for us when we first bought our trailer. That was lovely to find out that damage to the trailer was NOT covered by the policy on the truck despite our agent telling us it was.
"TomG" (tgoltz)
11/30/2017 at 13:50, STARS: 0
I’d recommend crossing the rear tie-down straps. (IE: Left wheel tied to the right eye, Right wheel to the left eye.) The way you have it tied will not prevent the rear of the car from shifting sideways in the trailer.
"blackhawk" (blackhawk33)
11/30/2017 at 14:05, STARS: 0
As a friendly fyi, it’s not ideal to tie the front of the bike down using the clipons. You can bend them or twist them out of alignment.
If you only have tie downs you should cross them through the triple tree. It can sometimes be tricky to run them through but it’s the best way to do it in that scenario.
If you are going to be hauling your bike regularly I’d highly recommend getting something like a condor pit stop or the pit bull trailer restraint kit. I moved my bike cross country using the pit stop and it was really easy. You don’t even need tie downs with the pit bull setup
"SolamenteDave" (solamentedave)
11/30/2017 at 14:13, STARS: 0
Very jealous of you. Can’t wait to read about the trip.
T-tops need to make a comeback.
"VWgolfG60guy" (vwgolfg60guy)
11/30/2017 at 14:22, STARS: 0
FYI... you may want to cross the tiedowns. I.e., left rear tire to the right anchor and right tire to the left anchor. This prevents any left-right movement. As it is, if you hit a bump going around a corner, the car could slide and dent the door on the trailer wheel well.
Have fun, looks like a blast!
"GreaseMonkey" (greasemonkey86)
11/30/2017 at 14:57, STARS: 0
Just a heads-up, when strapping the bike down to the trailer, make sure you raise the kickstand. It was designed to take the weight of the bike, not the additional loads placed on it when going over bumps, so it’s possible to break it when travelling. Also, if the kickstand breaks, all of your straps will become loose and not hold the bike upright.
The last time I secured a motorcycle for a long journey, south FL to NC, I put my bike up on front and rear paddock stands, secured the stands to the floor of the trailer, then secured the bike to the trailer and stands.
Also, be careful with how tightly you strap the front end. When the forks are compressed, like they are in the picture, for a long period of time, it’s possible to kill the fork seals as they weren’t designed to withstand pressure for long periods of time, like when you’re towing.
Good luck on the trip!
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
11/30/2017 at 15:00, STARS: 0
Have fun man! (shouldn’t be too hard!!)
Every time I see that honda, I’m all “dammmmmmmn!”
And if you’re taking I70, Boulder’s just 15 min off it if you need a place to crash etc....
Have fun!
"TheEyesOfTejasAreUponYou" (theeyesoftejasareuponyou)
11/30/2017 at 15:03, STARS: 1
I hope you have a few anti- theft devices implement on the truck and trailer(noticed you stated trailer door lock). Not being paranoid, but traveled enough to see & hear about traveling theft. A club for the steering wheel/ brake pedal lock, and locks for the trailers hitch/ wheel lock claw. It’s about discouraging an attempt. Now to the less stressful items. I assume you if an infarared temperature thermometer, bring it and check brake/wheel temps on truck and trailer after a few good minutes of highway travel. It has saved me from burning up brakes and finding out issues before I end up stranded. I know you have this covered, but check all tire pressures before & during your trip. Oh! and don’t abuse 6th gear while towing, I know you want this truck for the long run. Safe Travels!!
"Jefe" (geoffdanielson)
11/30/2017 at 15:12, STARS: 0
Hey, if you come through Albuquerque at a reasonable hour, feel free to drop me a line! We can do the Red 300ZX owner handshake :)
"Not_another_kinja_account" (notanotherkinjaaccount)
11/30/2017 at 15:14, STARS: 0
This feels like some 90s action show. Like Knight Rider, but cooler
"bigfoot348" (bigfoot348)
11/30/2017 at 15:53, STARS: 0
would it be better to criss cross the straps on the tire cars to prevent the car from shifting left or righ?
"Big Block I-4" (Big-Block-I-4)
11/30/2017 at 16:34, STARS: 0
Are you keeping the Z without the parking brake on? I can see putting it in neutral, but I would keep the parking brake on, but that is just me.
"Tryksterr" (tryksterr)
11/30/2017 at 16:41, STARS: 0
“It’s actually just really fun to drive. All those awesome diesel-type noises make for a good time, anytime.”
Fuck yeah.... that’s why I have mine right now
"RWD-by-the-Sea" (rwd-by-the-sea)
11/30/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 0
Good luck and safe travels. Be mindful of where you park that truck and trailer and how you secure it; no shortage of stories of trailers full of cars/motos stolen these days (at least in the Bay Area).
"Chris k" (2000z3m)
11/30/2017 at 18:07, STARS: 0
Come out to STL’s cars and coffee some time next year
"AudiOwnershipIsExpensive" (alabamarama)
11/30/2017 at 18:45, STARS: 0
You should buy this totally unbelievably mint 2001 CR500 to add to your mint Honda motorbike collection. I know you’ve got room in that truck, and its probably not far out of your way.