Transportation, Ohio USA to Ontario

[chris vickery]

Hi Bryan
My dilemma on this shipment is the fact that a M715 is a very heavy truck.
Most car haulers are rated at 7000# gross. As these same trailers usually weigh in at around 2000# give or take a couple hundred#, the capacity is somewhat less than 5000#. The alternative is the heavy car haulers which are rated at 10,000# gross.
The other issue is "can do". I am sure a F150 "can do it" but the question really is should it be done?
As I like to err on the side of safety I would say no.
I am going to be looking into a 5 ton trailer in the near future to aid in recoveries and I know my next ruck will be at least a diesel 3/4 ton.
As for the mule, I am still collecting parts, I think I have all to do the restoration now, just time needed to do it.

[rob love]

I recently purchased a 1998 Dodge 2500 (2wd) with the cummins diesel and a standard transmission. It is meant to pull my 12,000 lb flatdeck trailer. They are a very good combination. Always buy one step bigger than you expect to need, because sooner or later a ferret or a carrier end up on the trailer.

Downside to the Dodge Diesel is the the poor starting in the winter months. The truck has to remain plugged in overnight at -25 to be dependable.

The decision to buy a 2 wheel drive was possibly a mistake, but I primarily wanted the truck for highway towing. The rear diff is a positrak (standard on the cummins equipped trucks) so the truck isn't bad, but if I were to end up in a ditch during the winter, I would not expect this truck to get itself out. The 2 wheel drive option also gives a higher towing rating.

The reason for an older truck was simply economics. Price was only about 8K, and insurance is especially cheap (under $600 a year). Also, I believe the older Dodges get better mileage than the newer stuff.

I towed a couple of GMC 135 deuces home last fall, and the truck acted like nothing was even attached.

Good luck on your hunt for transportation.

[Robin Craig]

Chris,

I hate to call you out on this but I think your being unrealistic on asking others to do it from the forum. There is an outward empty and return loaded trip involved.

Also why does it have to be a Sunday?

I have plenty of heavy haulier guys who are always looking for part backloads to Ontario and are good with price if you are flexible on when.

Right now I wouldn't have anything shipped until after spring because of all the salt on the roads and how that will get into your truck.

I got my Ferrets back from Michigan very reasonably a few years ago because I was prepared to wait.

If it has to be now then pay someone who is insured and does this as their business. I'm sure others will point you to their fave trucking contact.

Comments?

R