[Chrysler300] Enclosed Trailers

["Moana Steinberg" <mopar@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'd like to share our recent enclosed trailer experience after completing a 3300 mi trip to/from Portland, OR from Sierra Vista, AZ which is on the far south east corner of AZ. 

We (Gerry and I) restored our '60 Chrysler 300F first in 1973 and recently again in 2002.  With this newest (and more $$$) restoration it was almost a necessity to be transported in an enclosed trailer considering the driving, weather conditions and at least 3 overnights in truck stops.  We went to the Chrysler 300 Club Inc. car show in Portland.  One way included at least 3 deserts, quite a number of steep climbs on I-5 and I-10, in rain, wind and summer temps of 100 degrees plus in AZ and CA.    My brother just bought the trailer a few days before leaving - a big 34' long pulled by his '97 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel truck.

We made it there and back (and are still talking to each other) with a few kinks which in retrospect we consider a great learning trip.  One thing we did learn is that it (the 60-F) probably being one of the biggest Brute cars was quite comfortable in it with room to spare.  We carried lots of tools, cleaning equipment, hoses, car jacks, etc and 5 picnic chairs.  The car was tied down and properly centered.  When we arrived in Portland (4 days later) my brother forgot to put the piece of 2X4 under the trailer hitch before hoisting it up.  He does have brute strength and ended up breaking the trailer jack while winding it up.  After contacting a local club member in Portland and getting 2 more jacks, we found the part needed at an RV shop.  All fixed and ready for the return trek.

The most traumatic experience was on the way home.  We decided to take an interior State highway in Oregon vs busy and steep I-5.  Almost at dusk out in flat farm country we were signaled by a UPS driver who told us that the right trailer tire (forward) was gone and that the wheel was sparking as we tooled down the highway.  There was no evidence of the tire except the steel belted wire that was wound tightly around the axle.  After 3 hours of help from a local AAA road help and a CHP officer we were on our way back a few miles to put air in the spare.  Then limped 40 mi more to our overnight in a small town...so small they didn't have a spare wheel & tire (Les Schwab Tires).  They were nice enough to locate one for us in Sacramento - 275 miles away.  

We learned that it is very important to be sure of not only the length and width of the trailer but the weight of our Brutes that can cause trailer tires to break down.  The tires were fairly new - but obviously not good enough for the weight.  My brother was very conscientious about pulling trailers as he had experience hauling horses and cattle in Hawaii and CA over the past 30 years....but not Chrysler 300s.

Everyone's input is true.  Perhaps Chad can also add to this too since he trailered his now famous and beautiful "Great Race" '58-D  from Georgia to last year's car show in Mesa, Arizona.  It's OK to 'believe' in driving our cars to shows.  We do, too, to shorter distances like 200-300 miles.  But, out here it is the big, long and Wild West....and it is a wild world out there.

Enjoy all your Mopar drives everywhere!
Moana Steinberg/Arizona








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