cars and gliders and trailers: Oh my!

I may need to rent a car to drive my new glider (happy me!) to its new home. If you've done this before, I'd like to have your 2¢!

ps. Do I get extra credit for finding the ¢ key?

Chris Fleming

Yes, you get credit...I think its in rupies?

1) from where to where?? 2) rent a truck or SUV.. like a Ford Explorer 3) some rental car companies have them set up for towing if you check carefully.. you may have to purchase the parts that slip into the receiver on the rental, or purchase the right sized hitch ball for your trailer 4) check to make sure your glider is insured at least for road travel 5) check to make sure your personal auto insurance covers the rental and trailer liability in case it hits something 6) check all bolts on the trailer hitch and wheels and the mounts that support your glider on the inside 7) if its used trailer, check the tires for 'checking and weather cracking' it's worth it to buy new tires now if your going a long way. you'll be replacing them later anyway if they are worn or weathered 8) don't forget to check the trailer spare, and pick up a nice floor jack or one of those 1/4 circle jacks at the local auto parts store, you place it under the trailer axle and move the car slightly, it's odd round and lifts the trailer as you move, instant jack. get some jack stands that will fit under the trailer to. 9) check the trailer lights with the rental vehicle 10) try not to travel in the dark with the trailer, some people loose depth perception coming up behind you in the dark and run up on the trailer before they realize it. A trailer does not look the same in the dark 11) while at the auto parts store, pick up some red/silver reflector tape or small reflector tri-angles and put them on the back of the trailer, can never have enough back there.. see item 10 12) stop after the first hour on the road, trailer lights, hitch, trailer wheel bolts and look inside at your nice new glider, check items for shifting. 13) carry chocks for the trailer, both wheels, just in case you do have to leave it somewhere under someone's watchful eye. 14)... enjoy the trip home with a nice smile on your face but don't day dream about those nice CU clouds that you could be flying under.. the glider is still in the box behind you..

have fun TZ

'C.Fleming' wrote

It's not so easy to find a rental car with a hitch. The electrical connector will be another hassle. Perhaps you could talk another pilot into loaning you a tow car? Or install a hitch on your car? (You'll soon need one.)

Try Triangle Rental if they have a local office. I rented an F150 from them, and they were one of the few Rental places that permitted towing.

Devin