Shipping a Sportsmobile

Dbark · 08-09-2019, 03:54 PM

You may have seen the post on the V10 (or blown V10) stuck in Vegas. That is my van. The shipping companies are a little shady, so I'm looking for options to get it shipped to Denver and/or options to just rent a big trailer (needs to be heavy duty due to the weight) and truck and going to pick it up myself (not ideal). Have any of you shipped one of these vans? If so, who did you use?

Thank you

ShuttlePilot · 08-09-2019, 05:48 PM

Every time I see a post like this looking for a way to ship an SMB, which seems to be pretty regular the last few years, I keep thinking about starting a shipping company. A one trailer business of picking up and delivering forum members Sportsmobiles and (project vans) behind my Sportsmobile. The actual work of it is totally doable, it's all the red tape of the business part that keeps me from attempting it.

Sorry I don't have a suggestion, but there has been a few threads on shipping recently that I would search for that might help.

- Eric

86Scotty · 08-09-2019, 06:05 PM

Many people here have done this and the last time it was asked a few gave specific shippers they had good experiences with. Give the thread a few days and I'm sure they'll speak up, of spend some time searching.

I helped Glider (username) ship hers across the country and it went well. You could try her but I don't know how active she is here these days.

There are good shippers out there but certainly hard to find in a sea of shady ones.

Try Chris Ridgeway (Ridge here) or MSD.

Grampswrx · 08-09-2019, 06:05 PM

Try hotshot companies or montway auto transport. I have used montway and they are good.

Dbark · 08-09-2019, 07:26 PM

Plan B is to rent a trailer and 1 ton truck. Plan C is to have the engine replaced in Vegas (they dropped their quote considerably). Plan A is to still get it delivered to Denver. What a pain.

**BroncoHauler** · 08-09-2019, 08:10 PM

FWIW, even though it adds to the logistics, I would recommend having the engine replaced near your home, in case there are follow-up issues or minor repairs. Another Ford dealer should honor the Vegas Ford dealers warranty, but there's a lot to be said for working with the same people if you need some tweaks.

Herb

Dbark · 08-09-2019, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

FWIW, even though it adds to the logistics, I would recommend having the engine replaced near your home, in case there are follow-up issues or minor repairs. Another Ford dealer should honor the Vegas Ford dealers warranty, but there's a lot to be said for working with the same people if you need some tweaks.

Herb

Completely agree. I want to get it home but that is the challenge I'm facing. Not a lot of car carriers willing to haul a 10000 lb van.

JWA · 08-10-2019, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbark

Completely agree. I want to get it home but that is the challenge I'm facing. Not a lot of car carriers willing to haul a 10000 lb van.

Within the trucking business in general 10K is pretty light although I'm not sure about the "hotshot" services.

I'm with Herb on all this regarding engine replacement---do it close enough to home so dealing with any issues is more easily accomplished.

Good luck with this---hate to see someone whose vehicle is stranded and waiting for pick up or repair.

86Scotty · 08-10-2019, 07:32 AM

I never have considered hiring a dedicated hot shot truck with gooseneck flatbed to move a heavy van but that may be the way to do it. Post your van up on U-ship and see what happens.

Dbark · 08-10-2019, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I never have considered hiring a dedicated hot shot truck with gooseneck flatbed to move a heavy van but that may be the way to do it. Post your van up on U-ship and see what happens.

I had it posted on Uship. I received several bids. Selected and booked one and they are not living up to their commitment. They are having problems actually finding a carrier. All of the companies that bid on the job are brokers so they are not actually carriers. I understand from experience with Uship that is what normally happens. They were supposed to have it picked up by tomorrow but as of yesterday they don't even have a carrier lined up. That is one of the challenges.