Shipping your vehicle, especially a lifted truck or SUV, involves unique challenges that require special attention. While standard cars can typically be transported on any trailer, high-clearance vehicles like lifted trucks or SUVs need careful consideration to ensure a safe journey. This article provides tips for those who need to ship high-clearance vehicles, including important factors like proper equipment, preparation, and the right shipping service to avoid damages. Look At Here Now
Why Shipping Your Vehicle Needs Extra Attention for Lifted Trucks and SUVs
High-clearance vehicles, such as lifted trucks and SUVs, are different from regular cars when it comes to shipping. The extra height makes them harder to load and unload, and they may require special trailers that can accommodate their increased clearance. Regular trailers used for standard vehicles are often not suitable for these larger vehicles, as they may cause damage to the undercarriage or exhaust system during loading or unloading.
Shipping these vehicles also means taking extra precautions for their safety during transport. The height and weight distribution of lifted trucks or SUVs can create challenges in securing the vehicle, requiring additional care and effort to avoid movement during the journey.
Choosing the Right Shipping Service for High-Clearance Vehicles
When shipping your lifted vehicle, selecting the right shipping company is essential. Many transport companies offer specialized services to handle high-clearance vehicles. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a shipping service:
Specialized Equipment: Ensure the company uses specialized equipment like lowboy or flatbed trailers designed to carry lifted vehicles safely. These types of trailers offer low clearance and ramps suitable for high-clearance trucks and SUVs.
Experienced Transporters: Choose a company with experience in handling lifted trucks and SUVs. Look for companies that understand how to properly load, secure, and transport high-clearance vehicles to avoid potential damage.
Insurance Coverage: Verify that the company provides adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle. Given the risks involved, comprehensive coverage is crucial to protect your vehicle during the transport process.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
Properly preparing your lifted vehicle for shipping is crucial to avoid potential issues. Taking the following steps can help ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination:
Inspect the Vehicle: Before shipping your vehicle, document its condition by taking detailed photos from various angles. This will help in case of any damage during transport. Also, check for any loose parts that could get damaged during the journey.
Check Tire Pressure: Proper tire pressure is essential for stability during transport. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure to avoid instability when loading or unloading the vehicle.
Remove Personal Belongings: Take out any personal items from the vehicle. This will not only make the vehicle lighter and easier to handle, but also prevent potential loss or damage, as personal items are generally not covered by insurance.
Loading and Securing Your Vehicle
Loading a high-clearance vehicle requires special attention to ensure it is properly secured and safe during transport. Proper loading methods prevent damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage and ensure stability on the trailer.
Use Low-Profile Ramps: To load a lifted vehicle, specialized low-profile ramps are needed to accommodate the extra height. This ensures the vehicle doesn’t scrape the ground and avoids damaging sensitive parts like the exhaust.
Proper Strapping and Securing: Once loaded, the vehicle should be secured using high-strength straps or chains that hold it in place. This prevents movement and reduces the risk of damage while the vehicle is in transit.
Experienced Handlers: It’s essential that professional handlers load and secure the vehicle. Experienced auto transport professionals understand the specific needs of high-clearance vehicles and know the safest methods for securing them.
Delivery and Inspection Upon Arrival
Once the vehicle reaches its destination, you should inspect it carefully. Comparing its current condition with the photos taken before shipping will help identify any damage that might have occurred during transport.
Inspect for Damage: When the vehicle is unloaded, inspect it thoroughly for any dents, scratches, or other signs of damage. It’s essential to check both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
Review Shipping Documentation: Ensure that the delivery documentation is complete and accurate. This documentation may be needed if you need to file an insurance claim or if any discrepancies arise.
Shipping your high-clearance vehicle, such as a lifted truck or SUV, requires a bit more preparation than standard car shipping. By choosing the right transport company, preparing the vehicle properly, and ensuring safe loading and unloading, you can reduce the risk of damage during the journey. Always opt for experienced transporters who are well-equipped to handle lifted vehicles and verify that comprehensive insurance is in place. With these tips, you can ensure a safe and efficient shipping process for your high-clearance vehicle.
Credible Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_carrier