Since you all have the vehicles capable of towing our cars I thought I'd pose this question here.
Looks like I might be moving half way across the country and am planning on towing the 997 behind my SUV. Problem is I don't have a trailer for it and every rental site I have been to says their trailers will not accomodate the 05 997. Has anyone else tried to rent a trailer, if so were you successful? Anyone have any ideas on companies in FL that you can rent a reliable trailer to drive half way across the country pulling the 997?
I know I can go with a car transporter, in fact I've already called them and gotten the quotes, but if I pull it I save a bunch of money plus I can take my time getting there and not have to beat the transporter to my new area. I just didn't think it would be that hard to find a trailer.
Any infor would be greatly appreciated.

 

They're not really that capable....but we'll skip that for now.

I'm not that familiar with an Xterra, although a co-worker has one, but have you checked it's towing and tongue weight capacities? I would think you are going to be at or over the limit, depending on the weight of the trailer you attach (steel or aluminum). You then have to worry about rock chips/damage from pulling it exposed behind your SUV....and then there is the curiosity factor/theft when parked overnight.

Enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport, have you checked both? The difference can be substantial. Also, your mileage on the Xterra will be rather low....figure 9MPG, so that may factor into the cost savings.

 

The new X-Terra may just be rated for enough to tow a 997 on an open trailer. My problem with that is it would be pretty well maxed out. You would be pushing the X-Terra very hard and pushing your luck if you have to cross the Rockies at some point.

As to where to find a trailer, if you are making a return trip as well how about a local Rent-All outfit. My "car trailer" was really meant to haul a Bobcat loader but with better ramps serves double and hauls my cars too. Just make sure it has decent tires on it and hit them up for a spare to carry with you.

If you do have it shipped, you do not have to worry about beating the transporter. I assure you they will be making lots of other stops and a cross country shipment can easily take two weeks to complete. Good Luck

 

My mileage when towing with the Cayenne is betweeen 8 and 9 mpg.... maybe you don't have the time, but why don't you DRIVE it?? One of my best memories is driving a 356 cab back from California to Iowa with my dad- and don't think I wasn't nervous driving a 30 year old car that was new to me that far! BTW, it did fine, and having the top down across Kansas in the early spring was unforgettable.

 

Contact DAS (Dependable Auto Shippers) and have them pick it up and move it for you.

 

I've used U-Haul, which can be reserved for one-way tows. Just describe the vehicle as any car that works. They have new (very heavy) and older (heavy, but not impossible) only it seems you have an Xterra, so unless you buy an ultra-light Aluminum trailer (featherlight, trailex) you're not going to get the tongue-weight and GVWR limits to work.

And at $3/gal and 10mpg, you're look at, what, at least 1000 miles or $300 in gas alone, not counting other grief (windshield, tires, accommodation, tedium of towing) so I'd be looking at alternative means.

In short, forget it. Any of the car hauling companies advertising in Excellence will work. Expect to pay about $1K enclosed and have no control over when the car arrived. Depot pick-up might be a tiny bit quicker/cheaper too. Just make sure the mover is licensed/bonded/insured and with a hand-written letter of recommendation from Jerry Seinfeld ... and make sure you're insurer is aware of the event JIC.

Cheers,

 

Drive it and fly back for to take the rest of the stuff! Just think you and your 997 on the open road...

 

Guys thanks for the responses. The new Xterra has a towning capacity of 5500 lbs and a tounge wait of 550 lbs. The engine is the new 260ish hp V6. It's probably not ideal for towing a trailer and car but I didn't think it would be maxed out. Gas mileage on the other had is another consideration worth looking into. I did contact a coupe enclosed transporters and the quotes are between $1750 and $1950 from Melbourne Florida to Colorado Springs. Intercity will not do the trip as it's not part of their usual routes. Exotic car Transport and Horseless carriage are the two transporters I've talked with and given me quotes. Has anyone used Exotic car transport? I know Horseless is a sponser here and has gotten good reviews but I'd be interested in hearing if anyone has any experience with Exotic. There will be no return trip, thank god, I'm all done with Florida!! I agree with you all that having it moved enclosed is much easier and probably safer for the car as well so that's most likely the way I'll go. Especially since it's becoming so hard to find a trailer and the comments I'm getting here are making me question the ability of the Xterra on the trip. My only concern was that we're planning on taking the slow route to Colorado and visiting some family and friends on the way. The companies I talked with said no more then 6 day to get the car to Colorado, so we'd be a little behind the 997 at that point. Maybe I can leave it at a friends house and have them pick it up there about a week after we leave...
Thanks again for the comments.
Shaun

 

Another option would be to leave it at your local Porsche dealership and have it picked up from there or have it delivered to your new Porsche dealership and pick it up once you arrive in CO.

 

ltc - never thought to leave it at the dealer. I've gotten to know them quite well since I've had the car. That might be a great option, I'll have to talk with them about that.
Thanks