Trailering an M37

powerwagontim · Post by **powerwagontim** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 4:39 pm

I posted this question on the Power Wagon Forum also, so regrets to any that frequent both Forums!
Last time I went to the Iowa Rally (4 years ago) I remember seeing a man pull in with an M37 on a trailer. He hadnt known it, but while driving on the interstate his canvas top was shredding. There was nothing left but tatters when he pulled in.
I will be trailering my M37 from Vermont to West Virginia in a week and a half, and am concerned about that happening to my top.
I am thinking about trailering with the top off, windshield folded down, which will also reduce drag.
I am thinking of making a transit cover which would be like an envelope covering the windshield and then extending back over the cockpit and lashing down like the top
I have access to an industrial sewing machine, an would make it out of a canvas tarp. I think the hump of the steering wheel would provide enough slope for it to drain if it got rained on, but I could also have a stay if need be.
I welcome any thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Tim

xm708 · Post by **xm708** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:44 pm

Tim

put your extra hardtop on for the ride and then put the canvas back on when you get there...

vtdeucedriver · Post by **vtdeucedriver** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 7:19 pm

I'd do exactly what your thinking tim. Its a win win situation for you. When we brought ours home, the top was not bolted to the windshield frame and we never knew it until it blew off on the interstate and into the back of the truck where it slid out because the tail gate was missing but stopped at the trailer ramps.

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 7:51 pm

When I trailered mine to Utah from California last fall, I didn't want to wrestle with removing the top front from the track, so I folded the top forward, tucked it under the folded-down windshield, and suffered no damage (except for the cab top straps-not removing those from the rear cage allowed the wind to slap off the ends of the straps). I
I'll post a picture in a day or two.
Gary

8543bob · Post by **8543bob** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:02 am

GOOD MORNING, I picked my M up in Vermont over three years ago; We pushed it onto a trailer, lashed the frame down and drove it back to NY. Did not give the canvas top a thought, it made the trip w/o a problem. The top was pretty much worn then and worse now. Better safe than sorry. Oh!! by the way I am looking for a artic top. If anyone sees one in there travels please let me know. Its either an artic top or a new canvas top. I dont really want to buy canvas as in the spring, summer and fall it goes topless, except for the tonneau. Thanks BOB

WarrenD · Post by **WarrenD** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 8:49 am

I guess I got lucky. Just a month ago I trailered mine from NH to CT (only 140 miles) with the top on. It rained the last 30-40 miles. No damage at all, truck was facing front on the trailer. Highway speeds didn't get over 60mph, I remember saying at the time that it was as fast as that truck probably ever went.

vtdeucedriver · Post by **vtdeucedriver** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 9:50 am

8543bob wrote:GOOD MORNING, I picked my M up in Vermont over three years ago; We pushed it onto a trailer, lashed the frame down and drove it back to NY. Did not give the canvas top a thought, it made the trip w/o a problem. The top was pretty much worn then and worse now. Better safe than sorry. Oh!! by the way I am looking for a artic top. If anyone sees one in there travels please let me know. Its either an artic top or a new canvas top. I dont really want to buy canvas as in the spring, summer and fall it goes topless, except for the tonneau. Thanks BOB

Who's truck did you get in Vermont?

xm708 · Post by **xm708** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 10:53 am

Don't think it was from my stable !!!!

k8icu · Post by **k8icu** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 11:46 am

Why not get a blue or green or brown or grey plastic tarp and tarp the truck up? Secure the tarp down realy well so that nothing is flapping in the breeze and let the tarp take the hits. This way your truck and your canvas has a layer of protection. I was following a guy on the freeway here in Cleveland about 3 months ago and he was pulling a model A Ford that look like it was pulled out of a garage where it had sit for 50 years. It was obviously in need of restoration..anyway while he was zipping along at 65 mph the right front corner of the top started to flap and before we new it my car was covered in old cotton batting as the top gave loose. Guy in the pick up truck didn't even know it happen. I couldn't catch up to him to tell him as I had to get off the highway at my exit. Point is that if he had tarped the vehicle he might have gotten there in one piece.

Then again if your top is in good shape I'd just put it on the trailer and go on down the road and not worry about. But if you are concerned then I would put a tarp on it and go. Either that or go to a boat stoarage place and ask them to plastic wrap the truck on the trailer for travel....it's a one time use, but it will protect the truck while you travel.

8543bob · Post by **8543bob** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 3:23 am

GOOD AM,
I picked up my M from the Vermont forest service. Sorry I cant remember the town in Vt. where I got it. It was painted yellow, with lots of surface rust. My sons thought I was crazy, when I showed them the GSA auction pics. Now that the M is painted and drivable, they fight to get into the drivers seat. I think I'll leave it to my grand son, he always liked it.

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 12:47 pm

Here's a picture:

8543bob · Post by **8543bob** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 2:25 am

GOOD MORNING,
I also used a U HAUL trailer to get my M home. I was critized on this site for the use of that kind of trailer to haul such a heave load. It worked great for me. Now I dont need a trailer anymore. She runs great, at 45MPH
BOB

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 3:37 am

I remember those posts, Bob, and I know our forum mates are only trying to keep us safe. I had no other viable option than the U-Haul and, exercising caution and frequent checks, I trailered it up and over Donner Pass, across Nevada and into Utah. No problems other than the trailer taillights failing, resulting in my having to power up my M37's parking lights for the night portion of the trip. The handful of folks who approached me to discuss the M at every stop made it all worth while, too.

I just picked up a nice RV and will beef up the hitch so I can drag my M with it as well.
Gary

8543bob · Post by **8543bob** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 3:10 am

GOOD MORNING,
I too was very cautious, stopping along the way, several times, to ck the load. From VT to NY was about a 5 hr ride over hills and thru back roads, then onto interstates. never once did I feel like I was overloaded. I have trailerd lots of boats, some from NY to FL. and on some of the local trips you could tell you were pushing the limit. Again better to be cautious than sorry. Glad I made it and I would not hesitate to trailer my M on one of the U-HAUL car trailers again.
BOB

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