[Shop-talk] Hauling a big planer

[David Scheidt]

On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 2:35 PM, David C. <cavanadd at verizon.net> wrote:
> I should be picking up a Powermatic 180 thickness planer sometime in the
> next month. According to the info on the web, the uncrated weight, with
> motor, should be around 1150 pounds. I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 2WD 1/2 ton,
> extra cab pickup with a 6 foot bed and towing package. About all it gets
> used for these days is hauling old tools (and boards). I moved a Delta 12/14
> table saw from Gig Harbor to Snohomish (about 100 miles) with no problems,
> and a G4003 engine lathe with stand (about 1300 pounds total) from
> Bellingham to Snohomish, about 85 miles, again with no problems. The catch
> is that the PM 180 is in North Dakota, about 1100 miles away. There are also
> a few mountain ranges between here and North Dakota, a situation I didn't
> encounter in my trips up and down I-5 to Gig Harbor and Bellingham.
>
> So, the question is, should I rent a UHaul one way in N.D., or should I be
> good to go just strapping the planer down in the truck bed? The biggest
> drawback I can see to the trailer option (other than the added cost) is that
> it's one more thing to break down, and there are a lot of wide open spaces
> in Montana to cross.....
> _________________

Take the truck to your mechanic, tell him what you're planning, and
have him tell you what you need to fix first.  If the truck's in good
shape, it shouldn't have any problems with the trip.  (though it's
right at the capacity of the truck, which if Iremember right is about
1500 lbs, including the people involved.)

-- 
David Scheidt
dmscheidt at gmail.com