Moving a car with a horse trailer?

[awaywego]

We have a 4Star 2+1 (gooseneck) and have a need to move a small vintage car (think like a Triumph or MG) coming up in a few weeks. The dimensions work. The car is lightweight (fiberglass body).

Have you done it? How crazy is this idea?? I thought we would be able to hire a car shipper for the day same as you could pay someone to ship your horse but it turns out this is not really a thing in the car world I think the only problem is the ramp - we have heavy duty ramps that I am picturing putting over the trailer ramp that would extend past the trailer ramp to drive the car up (so the weight of the car would be on these ramps/not the trailer ramp).

It would be easy to rent a flatbed car trailer but of course the car must be in an enclosed trailer

[endlessclimb]

You’re fine. Do it.

… but take pictures.

[awaywego]

@endlessclimb

… but take pictures.

lol. yes. I am picturing showing up like the Beverly Hillbillies pulling the car out of a (gasp!) horse trailer!

On the other hand, that horse trailer cost $$$$ more than the “real” car trailers so…

[endlessclimb]

A good friend of mine is OBSESSED with MGs, he would love to see one loaded in a horse trailer.

[Training_Cupid]

My dad does some car restoration and shows, so I know car shippers are a thing.
I suppose it depends on the value of the car whether I would try the horse trailer. And only if it was pre restoration so I don’t risk ruining the paint and finish.

[awaywego]

It is post restoration, and has not been driven on the road since so we are looking to keep it pristine (hence must be an enclosed trailer). The guy who did the restoration is actually who suggested the horse trailer Why do you think the horse trailer would be a danger to the paint or finish? I am thinking we could cover it in the trailer as well.

Only got a recommendation for one car shipper who has not been responsive so I’m getting desperate.

[sunkistbey]

I actually did this. We hauled my FIL’s MG from Florida to Michigan in my 4 horse straight load. We had a custom cover to protect the paint, blocked the wheels and put lots of padding on the sides. And drive as carefully as if we were hauling horses. Lol
I wish we had thought of laying car ramps over the trailer ramp. That would have made loading and unloading a lot easier.
Good luck!

[Training_Cupid]

I guess it depends on how confident you are in loading, and securing the vehicle in the trailer without it touching the sides. Again like I said for me it would depend on the value of the vehicle whether I would take that risk vs. hiring someone experienced, with a shipping container or trailer that is designed specifically for the job.
Then also I’d be concerned with fluid leaking into the trailer and making it slick…
There are companies that specialize in shipping vintage/show cars. There are also just ones people use for long distance moves.

[awaywego]

Agree that is what I would prefer - to pay someone to do this! Maybe bc it’s not a big “move” but a local job is the problem? We want to get the car to a local concours - I just looked it up and it is 5 miles from the garage to the event.

DH has indicated that it makes him nervous to haul it due to its appraised value, which I got kinda irritated with - it is insured, cars can be replaced! - my horses in the trailer is what should terrify him!

[MunchingonHay]

There are trailers out there that will fit a pair of horses and a marathon carriage which weights upwards 500+ pounds. (depending on make, size etc). On top of that all of the things needed to go to a show.

My biggest concern is tie-downs. You will want to tie it down to the floor, and you may not have those latches to tie too.

The parking break will stop it from moving forwards and backwards, but the shocks and tires will make it bounce.

Also, can you get OUT of the car once you get it in? Can you climb out the window? or will you push it in?

Is the ramp at a low grade to allow the car to roll up the ramp and not scrap the bottom or get hung up?

I watch way to many videos of people failing at things.

[Training_Cupid]

Oh yeah the short distance would probabky deter haulers that aren’t local(ish).
Ask the concourse if they can recommend someone.

[awaywego]

@MunchingonHay

There are trailers out there that will fit a pair of horses and a marathon carriage which weights upwards 500+ pounds. (depending on make, size etc). On top of that all of the things needed to go to a show.

My biggest concern is tie-downs. You will want to tie it down to the floor, and you may not have those latches to tie too.

The parking break will stop it from moving forwards and backwards, but the shocks and tires will make it bounce.

Also, can you get OUT of the car once you get it in? Can you climb out the window? or will you push it in?

Is the ramp at a low grade to allow the car to roll up the ramp and not scrap the bottom or get hung up?

I watch way to many videos of people failing at things.

All good questions, definitely things I am thinking about. As you point out, the weight on the trailer should be fine: it’s designed to carry 3 full sized horses. The weight on the ramp - as well as the steepness of the ramp - is a problem. Was hoping someone would have some thoughts on my plan to lay the heavy duty ramps over top of the trailer ramp - they are longer and therefore would be less steep.

The interior dimensions of the trailer vs the car should be fine. I don’t have the #s in front of me, but the trailer interior is almost 8 ft and the car is only like 5ish feet wide - and is a convertible so climbing out would be an option

No tie downs, so I’m wondering if we can add them - we have some time to make modifications so it’s something else I was hoping someone else might have a suggestion there. Maybe these quesitons would be better asked on some kind of trailer forum.

It is only 5 miles (not even) so weighing the risks of doing this with the horse trailer vs getting an open trailer. Neither are ideal

[awaywego]

As luck would have it, we just got a ride for the car! Huge relief - did not want to have to do any of this

[trubandloki]

@MunchingonHay

My biggest concern is tie-downs.

This!

A car transported in/on a trailer is tied down so it does not shift around inside the trailer.

Even on a short drive where you are being extra careful there can still be that rude person who pulls out in front of you that causes you to have to slam on your brakes.

[Janet]

You wouldn’t want the tie down points in there when carrying horses. You can get tiedowns that come in two parts, so you can remove the actual attachment point when carrying horses.

The extended ramps should be fine.

[Equisis]

Looks like you found a ride but I thought I would chime in for anyone else considering it! I did this once, for a much longer journey (~800mi). The trailer was a step-up so we jerry rigged a ramp and made it work. To unload, we were conveniently able to back up to a steep berm and drive out without too much trouble (please note: this was a beater, NOT a valuable car!).

We didn’t have any issues with the car shifting around, but it definitely got jarred in the process, because some things were rattling on arrival that were not rattling on departure! Again, it was a beater and had some existing issues, so the 800mi trip may have been harder on it than the ride in the trailer. I definitely wouldn’t do it with a nicer vehicle, because the trailer obviously wasn’t equipped with the same suspension that an auto trailer would be, and I wouldn’t want to risk my car suspension taking that hit. With a short distance, I wouldn’t worry about this.

[awaywego]

Thanks! If we end up needing to do this in the future this is helpful info.