Will a caravel fit on a 16 ft flatbed?

[knishiya]

Hi,

I am picking up a 67 caravel this weekend. It is about two hours away. I was planning on getting it myself and pulling it behind my SUV but I am not quite sure about the condition of the axle, wheel bearings, etc. It is gutted an generally not in good shape, so I am not expecting much from the drivetran.

I called a local transport company and he can either pull it or put it on his flatbed if the tire to tire width is less than 82 inches.

1. Does anyone know the tire to tire width?
2. I can pick it up myself for $100 in gas or pay him $350 to put it on his flatbed, what would yall do?

Thanks, Ken

[knishiya]

Hi, I am picking up a 67 caravel this weekend that is a total project. I would prefer to put it on a flatbed. A local transport company says he has a 16 ft flatbed. He does not know if it would fit. He is mostly concerned width wise. His trailer is 82 inches wide, so the tire to tire would have to be less.

Anyone know?

The caravel is 17 ft 3 long. How much of this is the tongue?

Thanks

[ventport]

Just guessing, at least 3 feet would be the tongue. You could back it on and let the tongue hang over the rear.

[CanoeStream]

Hi Ken. 82" is only 6'10". The footprint of the Caravel will be at or just under 8'. Might need to look for an alternative here.

[gwchitty]

Hi Ken,
Look at vintageairstream.com at the caravel axle problem. They show their caravel on a flat bed.

Really, though, I recommend you go and get it yourself and tow it back. Prepare first and minimize your exposure to trouble. Assume the tail / brake lights don't work and bring a clip-on light set. Just go slow and stop to check things often. Or Pull the wheels and hubs and repack the bearings. Put on new tires. Not sure how? Then see if there is a nearby garage or tire store you can pull it to.

Cosmos

[Friday]

With all the unknowns, getting it decked and delivered for $350 seem like a good idea. Then it is insured and any disasters are on him. 82 inches for a flat deck seems kind of small... and wrecker with a deck-truck could winch it up easy and drop it wherever you want for a similar price I'd bet.