Rent/Buy a Trailer for a R-29 CB?

[mlanger]

I'm in the process of purchasing a 2019 R-29 CB in Washington State, where I live. In October, I want to put it on the Loop in Chicago. I have a truck that can tow it but I don't have a trailer and I'm having a heck of a time finding one.

Does anyone have a suitable trailer that they can rent to me for a month? Or, better yet, one they don't need and want to sell? Or any recommendations on a good marine transport company?

Help would certainly be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[CaptT]

In the past, when I first retired and immediately became restless, I hauled 5th wheels and hitch towed RVs out of Indiana to dealers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama using my Dodge Ram pickup. . I worked as an independent contractor for the RV manufacturers. I would have to believe that Fluid Motions employs the same type of contractors to deliver their boats to their dealerships. I would give them a call and see if they could recommend one to you.
When I did this I had to be commercially licensed and insured to protect the manufacturer. They also required a background check and a clean license, no tickets, accidents, etc., so you can be sure you are dealing with a experienced and insured driver.
There are also a number of professional companies that haul boats which should come up with a Google search. These are generally great companies but usually a bit more expensive than a private contractor.
Hope this helps,
Terry

PS. Make sure you have a Marina setup well in advance to receive the boat as any delays to the driver's schedule is paid for at a premium rate.

 

[mlanger]

...I would have to believe that Fluid Motions employs the same type of contractors to deliver their boats to their dealerships. I would give them a call and see if they could recommend one to you....

I spoke to Andrew C at Ranger and he was not very helpful. No trailers are available for at least 6 to 10 months and he didn't suggest any other way to get the boat moved. Just told me to call marine transport companies. Maybe I should try the main office for Fluid Motions?

Thanks for that advice about getting the receiving marina set up in advance. I figured it was important, but I didn't think about the cost of a waiting driver.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

I spoke to Andrew C at Ranger…………he didn't suggest any other way to get the boat moved. Just told me to call marine transport companies.

Andrew Custis is likely having trouble getting his own new production boats moved. He gave you the best advice he could: Call marine transport companies. If you can’t find a trailer to buy, a marine transport company is your only choice. Don’t limit your search to Seattle for a marine transport company. A Chicago company will cover the same route to drive to Seattle for pickup and return to Chicago loaded.

 

[scross]

mlanger,
Andrew Custis IS the main office for Fluid Motion. He speaks the truth about the trailer market! Get a commercial transport company if you want to do this move in the next year or two. It won’t be cheap!

 

[Mark512]

Try Blue Earth Express, based out of Florida but have transporters all over the country. They have moved a number of boats for FM and I am currently using them to move a R-31 from WA to CA. So far they have been very helpful and responsive. Contact Info is below and they also have a website you can check out.

You could also contact the trailer manufacture, E Z Loader, directly as they have have been a factory provider and likely have the needed specifications and bunk dimensions. It's a very good chance they are backed up on production as well but it's highly doubtful you could find a match on any dealers lot.

Jess Scott
Blue Earth Express
352-474-1144

 

[mlanger]

Try Blue Earth Express, based out of Florida but have transporters all over the country. They have moved a number of boats for FM and I am currently using them to move a R-31 from WA to CA. So far they have been very helpful and responsive. Contact Info is below and they also have a website you can check out.

You could also contact the trailer manufacture, E Z Loader, directly as they have have been a factory provider and likely have the needed specifications and bunk dimensions. It's a very good chance they are backed up on production as well but it's highly doubtful you could find a match on any dealers lot.

Jess Scott
Blue Earth Express
352-474-1144

Thanks for all this. I will definitely try Blue Earth Express. I got a quote from Olympia to Chicago for about $13K and would like to see if I can do better.

A trailer quote I got yesterday from Tuff Trailer (recommended by Andrew C) came in at $22K. Apparently my statement that "I have a budget" fell on deaf ears and they quoted me a trailer with all kinds of costly options.

I've also been in touch with EZ Loader. They say they're 8 to 12 months out.

I think the current plan is to have it professionally moved to Chicago where I'll join the Loop. I'll keep an eye out for used trailers that are appropriate and pick one up if I can. I don't expect to bring the boat back west for 2-3 years anyway.

Thanks for your help!

Maria

 

[mlanger]

Andrew Custis is likely having trouble getting his own new production boats moved. He gave you the best advice he could: Call marine transport companies. If you can’t find a trailer to buy, a marine transport company is your only choice. Don’t limit your search to Seattle for a marine transport company. A Chicago company will cover the same route to drive to Seattle for pickup and return to Chicago loaded.

Yep. I'm in quote mode now. Trying to nail down a bunch of quotes to get the boat moved. I just called Blue Earth Express (recommended by Mark512 here) and they say they move a lot of boats for Ranger out of WA, so that's good. I'll try looking up a few Chicago companies, too. Thanks for the suggestion.

Maria