Those big in the car modding world are often delighted to show off their hard work for others to appreciate, whether that is at a local car meet or further afield. While many might drive their car to a nearby meetup, logistics become more complicated when taking your car long distances while still ensuring it is in pristine condition. Today, we’ll explore the best ways to get your car from Point A to Point B safely and efficiently.
Driving: Fun but Risky
Most of us enjoy a wonderful road trip, and it’s especially invigorating when taken in a fast, powerful car that easily outmaneuvers anyone else on the road.
At the same time, most of us are more than aware that car accidents are tragically frequent, and they’re even more likely in muscle cars because they lack the same protections as a truck or SUV. You also have to contend with the possibility of dings and scratches, such as a chipped windshield from gravel falling off a truck or a scrape from someone banging their door against yours at a truck stop.
If you really need to drive your muscle car all the way across the country, do your best to stick to byroads and smaller highways, as this reduces the risk of damage.
Haul It Yourself: Simple in Some Circumstances
If you have a truck that can haul your muscle car, then the option is clear. This reduces weathering on your vehicle, but you’ll also be right there to ensure nothing happens. You can either hitch it directly to the truck and put it in neutral or, if necessary, place it on a flatbed and winch it down; this also spares damage to the tires during the journey, and you can cover it with a protective blanket to prevent scratches.
This option still has some of the risks of driving the car yourself, especially as driving a truck towing such a large car can become unwieldy and potentially jackknife or, worse, uncouple from your muscle car. It also might not be a good option if you’ll be driving in more treacherous terrain, such as traversing mountain paths, because it can be challenging to maneuver both vehicles around tight corners without endangering the car. It’s a better choice if you’re heading to somewhere with smooth, open highways, such as Texas.
Renting a Trailer: Safe and Secure
It’s not uncommon for muscle car enthusiasts to transport their prizes by using a commercial trailer rental, and there are multiple reasons why this is considered one of the better options when you need to take a long-distance trip with your vehicle. An enclosed trailer minimizes the possibility of scratches or weathering from the road as long as it is properly secured inside the trailer using winches and protective padding; this keeps you from having to spend hours buffing out scratches or even getting a replacement windshield along the way. They’re also quite affordable and easy to rent.
On the other hand, a semi-truck must be driven by someone with a CDL; if you don’t have experience as a trucker, you will need to pay someone to take you and your car the distance. You’ll also need to ensure your travel plans are airtight to avoid late fees or issues with the rental contract.
A Car Hauler: Logistically Tricky
Another option is to rent space on a car hauler, which is typically used to take cars from a manufacturing plant to a dealership. These trailers are specialized to ensure security, and they are safer for your car than driving it yourself; however, this is a specialized service, and you may not be able to find a place that will allow you to rent space on their hauler. This can be a good option if you are traveling with a group of other motorheads and you work together to secure spots for your vehicles, but it may be unfeasible if you only have one car.
The Decision Comes Down to Your Comfort Level and Budget
How you transport your muscle car depends greatly on exactly where you’re going, how far away it is, and how concerned you are about damage to the vehicle. If you’re taking more than one car a considerable distance, then a trailer rental or car hauler is an excellent option; when heading to a car show that’s only a state away, you’ll be better off driving or hauling it yourself.
Carefully weigh the risks and benefits; you may find it helpful to talk with other car enthusiasts in your area and get recommendations, particularly regarding trailer rentals. Whatever you choose, safety is paramount; there’s nothing worse than showing up to an auto show with a noticeable dent on your prized machine. With the right preparation, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime and return home with your car as beautiful as ever.
