I want to buy a car 2 hours away, but it doesn't run - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 08-12-2004, 03:03 PM

It is the 220S I spoke of earlier. He said it was repainted but is faded, so I guess I could just get some compound and a buffer to get that out? Anyways, it's an automatic, so doesn't the driveshaft need to be removed if I'm to use a tow dolly? Can I just back the car on the dolly or wouldn't the wheel have to be exactly staright? Which would probably be just about impossible. I guess I could maybe rent one of the flat-bed trailers, but I want to try and save as much money as possible since this car will need some work already. What is required to remove the driveshaft? How long does it take? I've seen 2 different fintails that had bad transmissions from being towed improperly.
Thanks
David

TX76513 · #2 08-12-2004, 03:33 PM

A two axle car trailer from U-haul is $39 + tax (day). How much money are you trying to save?

WANT '71 280SEL · #3 08-12-2004, 03:53 PM

That's about 1/4 pf what I thought something like that might run. Cool, well I guess I'll do that. Do you think a '95 suburban with a 350 will be sufficient to pull and it and maybe stop when needed? Also, about what do these beast weigh?
Thanks
David

WANT '71 280SEL · #4 08-12-2004, 03:59 PM

I just looked on the internet and they want $39 for a tow dolly which is what I already have access to.

TX76513 · #5 08-12-2004, 04:38 PM

Sorry your are correct $49 for the 2 axle and $39 for the dolly.

WANT '71 280SEL · #6 08-12-2004, 07:16 PM

Did you get that from their website? I still think that's worth it though if I won't need to worry about disconnection the driveshaft.
Thanks
David

joshhol · #7 08-12-2004, 10:47 PM

They weigh about 2800 lbs.

edit> with a suburban and a 350, you don't need to stop. They need to get the heck out of your way.

cth350 · #8 08-12-2004, 11:21 PM

I rent their auto-transports about twice a year. It's worth it. Be sure to get the insurance. That's worth it too. I was bringing a car up from Florida to ny and lady in lovely SUV decided that I really didn't need 40 feet of space to move my suburban and trailer into the next lane. She got a scraped up rear fender as she closed the hole and scraped the trailer. The Uhaul insurance covered it w/o hassle.

In the North east, there are relatively few trailers about so a one-way rental is difficult. However if you tell them you're bringing right back to where you got it, it's easy. Also, be sure to arrange the rental via their 1-800 number over a week in advance to make sure that it's going to happen. The store might not want to give you a trailer, but the regional dispatcher will force them. Don't be shy asking for the dispatcher's phone number.

-CTH