Mike Frye

I just bought an 85 928S and I need to get it from Maryland to NJ. Can anyone make any suggestions about reputable towing companies? Zip codes are 21111 to 08742 (about 160-180 miles). I was hoping for early next week if it can be done.

I'm half tempted to just put plates on it and try to drive it home but it's been sitting and I know it's got power steering problems, so I don't want to damage it.

BTW- This is my first shark, I've always been a big fan. It's a real fixer-upper, but I can't wait to climb in up to my armpits.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.

SteveG

"Search" it has been discussed at length. Intercity is reputable, but high. I used BT Transport and they were professional and on time.

YMMV, but is the P/S res dry or does it have a major leak? You can put a lot of fluid in for the $$ they will charge for transport, plus you have meet them for delivery, maybe lose a day of work. The age/condition of the TB is another matter, but if it is drivable you might want to cut the P/S belt and drive it, put that money into new parts. Disclaimer: I have not done this on a shark. Anybody drive one w/o P/S?

Mike Frye

Thanks Steve,

I saw a few discussions that listed towing, I just wanted to get an opinion of someone that might have done it recently or specific to this area, in case that helped.

RngTrtl

you could always rent a trailer from uhaul and tow it back, it worled out well for me.

Mike Frye

I was going to rent a trailer, but the only vehicles I have available for towing are Dodge Caravans and they're just not heavy enough to tow a 3500 lb 928 (Uhaul checks that).

I guess I could rent a truck and trailer, but that seems like a bit much.

Thanks anyway though.

FlyingDog

If the front spoiler is no longer in tact, you could tow dolly it. It may work with the spoiler, but I think it would be close since you'd be towing it backwards with the back end up on the dolly. A caravan could probably handle that. If my Jeep could handle it I'd offer to bring it up for you. I'll be in Red Bank this weekend and I live 30 miles from Baltimore.

The funny thing is that the 928 would have no problem towing my Jeep or probably your Caravan...

Earl Gillstrom

There is one other option that you might check. AAA has a 100 mile towing option, but I heard they are also offering a 200 or more towing option. I towed two wrecked cars in two days to get them 85 miles on my 100 mile option with no questions asked. Or maybe the 100 mile option and you pay the tower the extra miles?

JHowell37

I just brought an '85 from TN to MD two weeks ago. If yours is anything like mine, you're not going to be driving it far so throw out that option. Since the spoiler is probably broken, a dolly isn't a bad option. I towed mine on a flatbed trailer with an Explorer. Towing in this area isn't too bad since most of the roads are straight and fairly flat.

You weren't buying this one were you?

Mike Frye

FlyingDog,
Thanks for the input, I guess I could tell U-haul that I'm towing something else, I just don't want any surprises, like being passed by my own unoccupied 928 on I-95.

No doubt the 928 could carry the Caravan on its back.

Earl,
I think I might check into that option. I'll just go there, put the tags on and have the service come get me. My road service has a $250 per tow max, but then I'll just make up the difference if there is one.

Can't wait to get it home...

Mike Frye

JHowell,

I saw your post, congrats! No, but the 928 population in MD will stay the same, because I'm taking one and you just replaced it.

My new shark will soon (hopefully) be patrolling the Jersey Shore (it's grey) and keeping all the kids with SuperTuners honest.

Mike

rhys

IIRC, AAA has a two-week delay after purchase before you can use the 200 mile towing option.

Fogey1

Can you take the day yourself?

You might call around to towing services just to see what they'd charge for a day of a flatbed and ride down and back. Might be cheaper than you think.

And renting a small truck and trailer for a day might not be too bad. To rent and return is often a lot cheaper than to rent and drop off elsewhere.

Have any friends with horse trailers? You could borrow their truck and rent a trailer.

Mike Frye

Fogey1,

Thanks for the suggestions, I ended up calling my road service (Allstate motor club) and seeing if they could line me up. They found somebody in the area with a flatbed that will meet me there tomorrow morning and bring it up for me. My deductible is $250, the out-of-pocket is going to be another $200. I figure that's a pretty good deal considering it's on my timeline and the car will never leave my sight.

Thanks for the suggestion Earl from PA.


I'll post the results tomorrow when I get it home, and some pix. Thanks everybody, and wish me luck.