Moving Tool Chest

[JFS]

I have to move a custom built tool chest that is 7'-6" long, about 4' high, 2'-9" deep and weighs about 1500 lbs. empty but is loaded with tools. I have to move it 250 miles. It has been moved locally via a flatbead tow truck, but I have been told that the 250 mi trip would not be recommended because the flatbed's suspension would be far too rough for it.
I hate to rent an 18' van with a lift (which may not be wide enough) to haul this one small item. It could probably be winched up a strong ramp. Any ideas? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[CinneaghTR]

The mechanic/wizard I work with uses a specialty motorcycle transporter that has a special low-profile flatbed truck with air-ride suspension. The guy supposedly has a land-office business hauling mechanics' toolboxes around the city. He is pretty good at haulin' Triumphs around, too. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Maybe you would have something like that in WI?

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[Steve_S]

Have you considered removing the majority of the tools? At least the heavy ones? The box itself should be fine. It's the shock load from all that weight in the drawers on a rough road that could damage it.

 

[Banjo]

Pull the drawers out... That's how I moved my box. Load as many drawers as possible in whatever vehicles, then move the "box" in a regular van or pickup

 

[JFS]

Thanks, guys. We removed most of the tools as suggested by steve and put them in totes. We left the drawers in the chest. We used a friend's enclosed race car trailer and winched the chest into it. The chest has six casters and we raised the tongue of the trailer to help straighten the angle of the ramps to the trailer floor. The tiedowns on the floor secured it well. Everything went well.

 

[CinneaghTR]

Thanks for the update and we're glad everything went well.