[TowerTalk] Shippimg

[Mickey Baker]

Bill,

An average 20' fiberglass boat is 22 to 23' in overall length and weighs 3000#, so a suitable boat trailer is sufficient. I moved a LM-354HD 50 miles with a single axle trailer with a Ford F150.

The tower was actually stiffer than the trailer and added to the structural integrity IMO. I would not hesitate to put a hitch, tortion bar axle and lights on this tower and move it cross country   If I could do it legally!

Think of CG in the horizontal axis, not vertical. Most trailering literature refers to this as "tongue weight" which is typically 25 to 35% of gross towed weight.  And make sure the tower is secured in the center of the trailer with nylon straps.

Of course the vehicle should be rated to pull the load. Most light trucks will easily tow 3000#.

Mickey Baker
NetApp
Mobile: 954 729 6464

On Dec 3, 2010, at 1:30 AM, "Bill Kendrick" <kendrick.w at ca.rr.com> wrote:

> Thanks for all the information. First I have hauled towers before just not
> 2/3 the way across country so I was trading off shipping or doing it myself.
> My first thought was a flatbed trailer. That does not seem too reasonable
> since there are not many rentals out there. I would not stack a 2440 pound
> tower on a trailer not specifically designed to carry that load. Furthermore
> it would be positioned and secured properly. Since the tower is approx 27"
> high when laying on a face it would fairly low CG.
> 
> 
> 
> Honestly, the only two alternatives is renting a 26 footr flatbed stake
> truck. I could fly out, pick one up near the shipping point have it loaded
> and drive it home. The tower would be  positioned the middle of the truck.
> The truck is well capable of handling that load. I am not in any hurry so 55
> mph or less is fine.
> 
> 
> 
> The second alternative is to have it shipped. I am in contact with several
> shippers at the moment. The issue is cost. If it is one of many items then
> the cost may be less than the first alternative. As mentioned, there is a
> potential for damage. Insurance would cover that nevertheless I think a
> shipper is probably capable of transporting without damage. I have
> calculated the approximate cost of doing it myself. I am waiting for quotes.
> If it is not too much more I will let a professional do it. K0FF has someone
> who can load it and I have someone here who can off load it. 
> 
> 
> 
> It is interesting to factor the shipping costs. It is not a deal buster but
> it is costly!
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks for all the input. I have some time to weigh things out and hopefully
> I will have a few options.
> 
> 
> 
> Bill
> 
> N6RV
> 
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