Moving an organ - suggestions or assistance

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n8vi

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Dec 16, 2017, 8:13:05 AM12/16/17
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Hey guys,

Nikki and I have located a free excellent condition organ from 1972 in Metamora, and are trying to figure out how to get it to Madison Heights.  I'm trying to avoid the cost of a U-Haul truck, and I've iterated through a number of transportation options.  The latest of these is a friend who has offered a small trailer which might work, but it's open to the elements and we don't have a hitch that fits our vehicle.

The organ is a 2'6" deep by 3'3" tall by 3'10" wide Yamaha electone DK40A, and we are led to believe it may need to be transported upright.  We seek ideas, help, a larger vehicle perhaps.  The last we talked to the current owner we'd be able to pick it up this Saturday, but Sunday may be possible.  I know it's last minute but is anyone up for an adventure?

Thanks in advance

David Henry

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Dec 16, 2017, 12:02:47 PM12/16/17
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Brad,

I would suspect that a vertical orientation is a good idea, but I'm not the musical type.  Given the weather and just stuff on the roadways this time of year, I don't think exposed transport would be a good idea.  If you did, I'd get the GFS / Sam's / Costco giant size film wrap and cover it well.  I did this once with a large tandem bicycle and didn't really spend enough time with the wrapping, but it sort of worked.  A few hours of 70 MPH wind (excluding wind shears and gusts) subjects things to quite a bit of abuse.

Weight might also be a consideration.  The lower loading height of a trailer is often helpful.  The dimensions would allow it to fit on Ted's trailer.  It might be worth the cost to build a plywood box to sit on the trailer and protect it from the elements.  That might end up with a lower cost than trailer rental.

Obviously all trailer options involve finding a vehicle with a hitch.

I know home depot is always advertising their flatbed trucks and I think they have enclosed vans as well that are only $20 to start with.  I'm guessing you'd need to return in to the same store, so you couldn't make the trip in the 75 minutes that rate includes.  I did have a co-worker that ended up doing that and I forgot how much extra it was for additional time.  If there's a van available, that may very well be your best option as it would allow for transport out of the elements without any fabrication needed.

David

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Nathaniel Bezanson

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Dec 16, 2017, 12:33:02 PM12/16/17
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Concur with the Home Depot option, their rates for additional time are quite reasonable. One gotcha: Last time I tried to rent one, I had forgotten to bring my proof of insurance, and then realized it wasn't even in the glovebox of my car, whoops! It was my mistake, but it delayed the day's activities while I ran home to get it. At the very least, it'll save you a slog back out to the car.

They don't do reservations, everything is first-come-first-served, so call ahead to make sure one is available. You might be better off renting from a different nearby store, than standing around for hours pretending to be fascinated by floor scrubbers while waiting for one to be returned. 

Rear-wheel drive in this weather will be an adventure, though...

-Nate B-

Drew

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Dec 16, 2017, 5:29:38 PM12/16/17
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It should fit aboard any minivan, or even a pickup with cap.
Unfortunately I no longer have a minivan...
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