In a pickle now about getting to reunion

[r4daytona]

So I thought I was all set getting to the reunion. Now my friend that was going to let me use his trailer said I can't.  I won't bother with the reasons why( I just wish he would talk to me on the phone).  I have a truck all booked to rent to haul the trailer. my reunion tickets are all purchased, hotels booked, a guy that took time off to help me drive there and now no trailer.  I live about 30 miles south of buffalo - 1-1/2 hours from Erie PA.   Think I should just drive it??  I'm not thrilled with the thought of it just being parked in the open overnight at the hotels, but I may have no choice.   I tried EVERYPLACE I could think of and can't rent a trailer (even open) I have a couple friends that are checking with a couple people.

[r4daytona]

Any suggestions??

[BS27ROB]

I wish I did. I had something similar happen. A friend of mine said I could use his trailer, he said it just sits around most of the time anyway. A couple weeks ago I mentioned the reunion and he said, "I told you I sold the trailer, right." So I just bought a used trailer myself.

[chaaargerb]

If you have the finances buy a good used trailer. You can always sell it after the show. Trailers are pretty consistent in value. You shouldn't loose as long as you don't over pay for the trailer. When you put the trailer up for sale put the cost of the plates and registration into the sale price.
Just a thought.      

[birdsandbees]

Will depend on the weather forecast at the time, but lots of guys are driving down... a bunch even all the way from Washington State.

As for the hotel, I'd rather my car be out in the open outside my hotel door than sitting in the trailer in the Walmart parking lot. At least when they steal my truck and trailer from there I'll still have my car!

Wife and I decided the safest bet for us trailering down is to camp each night, as hard to bring a tilt and load into a campground and take everything while we sleep beside it in a tent or in the truck or trailer. Once there, there is security for the lot at Atlanta on Wednesday night.

You can't trailer your car into Tim's Estate anyhow, so you're out in the open Friday.. downtown Saturday and then off to the track Sunday is the only point I plan on putting mine back in the trailer... or the wife may just drive the car and I'll follow in the truck/trailer to the track just to save a load and tie down.

[Aero426]

Tom, have you checked local trailer places for a rental trailer?       My nephew has did it this way for a couple of years.   Worked out well.

[birdsandbees]

You can't park your trailer at the hotel anyhow.. but as others noted, you could buy an enclosed trailer to haul her down and then resell it after the event. Loss if any probably less than trailer rental for a week or so.

[DAY CLONA]

Just drive the thing, that's what they're intended for...

[birdsandbees]

Just drive the thing, that's what they're intended for...

True Dat ! But we do get snow up here from time to time in early October.. hopefully not this year!

[rainbow4jd]

I tend to be conservative.   You can cancel hotels and recover most of your espenses.    Unless you're confident in A) your Birds drive worthiness and B) that you have reasonable public security - I'd err on the side of caution.

If someone wanted to steal a bird - there's not a better opportunity than when the largest gathering will be taking place.

Just my opinion, but as I said - I'm conservative.  I like to minimize risks
   

[hergfest]

I'm driving from Seattle.  Drive it!

[r4daytona]

Doug, I've checked rentals  U haul only goes to 12'.   Peneske has a trailer BUT you also have to rent their cube truck to pull it AND they say only 1972 or newer can go on the trailer. So even if I lied about the year I still have to pay for the cube truck and the mileage.  Enterprise - no trailers.  I hate texting, I wish my friend (hopefully not "ex friend" would just pick up the phone and return my call)  I know if I did drive it the gas would probably cost the same as hauling it- but it would be cheaper than renting a truck and trailer.  However, I am aware of the many things that could go wrong driving it ( or even trailering it).

[Aero426]

Doug, I've checked rentals  U haul only goes to 12'.   Peneske has a trailer BUT you also have to rent their cube truck to pull it AND they say only 1972 or newer can go on the trailer. So even if I lied about the year I still have to pay for the cube truck and the mileage.  Enterprise - no trailers.  I hate texting, I wish my friend (hopefully not "ex friend" would just pick up the phone and return my call)  I know if I did drive it the gas would probably cost the same as hauling it- but it would be cheaper than renting a truck and trailer.  However, I am aware of the many things that could go wrong driving it ( or even trailering it).

Tom, there's gotta be some local mom and pop trailer outfits that do rentals.     I also agree with a couple of the other posts about buying a trailer and selling it after.     The financial hit on a newish trailer is pretty small.     Or maybe, it is the next step in upgrading your gear.         It's a handy thing to have.

[RallyeMike]

I would drive it, but if you are not comfortable with that then I suggest buying a trailer (new or used) and selling when done. Car trailers have very good resale value. If you buy a trailer then you are in control of the situation.

[held1823]

one rental option in your general area. i'm sure there are many others

https://www.jimstrailerworld.com/rentals

[r4daytona]

Thanks for the ideas. IF I did buy one I'd have to sell it.  I live 600' from Lake Erie in a beach community with small lots ( my yard is only 50" wide)  I had a trailer in it once and it took up my WHOLE driveway and I have no room on my front yard.  I'm still thinking.  Again, I'll listen to all options

[moparstuart]

hook up with someone else in the area and caravan down     . Driving in a group  helps incase of breakdowns 

[r4daytona]

Unfortunately I believe I'm the only one in my area.

[Impkidd]

    If you are near a local trailer dealer, maybe you get to know them. Tell them your intentions, and ask them if you could buy a trailer from them, they could hold up on the paperwork, with the understanding that when you are done using it, undamaged, they would buy it back, less a 'usage charge'.
    I tried a couple of years ago to rent an enclosed trailer for the Power Piston Show in Cleveland. Not many around that I found. One place I could only rent a trailer if I had a 3/4 ton truck or greater, and it had to be titled in my name.

[AKcharger]

Buy one then sell on return home

[hemi68charger]

Oh an extreme note Tom, you could always rent a UHaul Autotransport. Seriously. I have used them a lot over 30 years and never once did that leave me stranded. I have always towed a B-body (Runner or Charger )... The ONLY concern I would have is the nose, but I don't think that is an issue..... It may not be enclosed, but at least you'll get it there...... If you rent one, just tell them you are renting it local for a few days....... I think it is cheaper that way........

[Talkiemoparjr]

We talkiemopar's are driving from Northern Ky (Cinncinatti) and plan on leaving  early Wednesday the 9th down I-75 to Atlanta.  If you are looking for running partner.

[white]

Troy is right, I too have used uhaul to haul my C500 and 68r/t and had 0 issues.

[PettyMower]

When I'm traveling with mine, I prefer to stay at a "Bed & Breakfast" over a Hotel. I sleep much better knowing it's sitting behind a privately owned house in a nice neighborhood.

Research the area where you'll spend the night, and Google Map the property.  Sometimes they have a garage too.

[r4daytona]

A big THANK YOU for all the suggestions.  Problem solved.  A Trooper friend of mine hooked me up with a friend of his. Found a 28' trailer, two spares, all the straps etc. $200  Cheaper than the tires I would have bought my friend if he would have called me back.  SOOOO, as long as the truck I rented doesn't break down or we get in an accident, I'll be seeing you there and looking forward to meeting a bunch of you.  Also, I would like to put a "suggestion sheet" on my car just so I can start doing the small details I told GYC not to bother with.