How do I transport an upright arcade game along a highway?
February 29, 2008 6:46 AM Subscribe
What is the best way to transport an upright arcade game along the expressway?
I will be soon fulfilling a childhood geek dream of mine and obtaining an arcade game. The thing is, I need to transport it 150 miles over a highway. I'll be using a full size pick-up truck and a furniture dolly with straps to do the job.
What's the best way to go about this? Is it okay to lay the machine down on its back? I consulted this thread, but I wanted to make sure I take any necessary extra precautions for driving along the highway with my new prize in snowy Michigan weather.
I will be soon fulfilling a childhood geek dream of mine and obtaining an arcade game. The thing is, I need to transport it 150 miles over a highway. I'll be using a full size pick-up truck and a furniture dolly with straps to do the job.
What's the best way to go about this? Is it okay to lay the machine down on its back? I consulted this thread, but I wanted to make sure I take any necessary extra precautions for driving along the highway with my new prize in snowy Michigan weather.
Push it to the front of the bed - the biggest force it will get will be braking, so put the biggest support (is something solid) in that direction. Put a blanket between the (upright) machine with the back to the front of the truck and strap it in with ratchet straps (you won't get ropes tight enough, most likely). 1" ratchet straps are more than good enough and are about $8 from walmart. Fold the blanket a few times so you compress it a little with the tension of the straps. Two ratchet straps will be plenty, although one across the centre of gravity will be enough unless you roll your truck.
Keep it in the middle of the truck laterally for weight distribution. I'd take it off the dolly and onto another blanket if you can. If not, chock the wheels or apply the brakes, if they have any. Put something (bubble wrap or another cloth) between the straps and the casing of the machine to prevent chafing and strap it across the front of the machine (ie toward the rear of the truck) around and forward to the forward corners of the bed, which will stop it sliding around. Drive carefully, even though you may not need to.
Summary: Strap firmly, but with good attention to chafing. Keep it upright as it will make it easier to strap. If you can't move it by shaking/swinging on it when it is strapped in, you'll be fine. Have lots of fun, and I am jealous.
posted by Brockles at 7:08 AM on February 29, 2008
Keep it in the middle of the truck laterally for weight distribution. I'd take it off the dolly and onto another blanket if you can. If not, chock the wheels or apply the brakes, if they have any. Put something (bubble wrap or another cloth) between the straps and the casing of the machine to prevent chafing and strap it across the front of the machine (ie toward the rear of the truck) around and forward to the forward corners of the bed, which will stop it sliding around. Drive carefully, even though you may not need to.
Summary: Strap firmly, but with good attention to chafing. Keep it upright as it will make it easier to strap. If you can't move it by shaking/swinging on it when it is strapped in, you'll be fine. Have lots of fun, and I am jealous.
posted by Brockles at 7:08 AM on February 29, 2008
A good idea would also be to open up the coin drawer or other door to make sure there's nothing in there that could rattle around. Depending on the age, you may want to double check that the motherboard is secured nicely (mine isn't, so I usually remove it before moving it).
posted by dripdripdrop at 7:21 AM on February 29, 2008
posted by dripdripdrop at 7:21 AM on February 29, 2008
Wrap it up in moving blankets, otherwise the sideart will get all scratched up.
I speak from experience.
posted by ikkyu2 at 8:39 AM on February 29, 2008
I speak from experience.
posted by ikkyu2 at 8:39 AM on February 29, 2008
Tie-down straps. No bungie cords.
Upteenthing the blankets.
If the weather looks in the least bit threatening, utterly cocoon the thing in plastic tarps (over the blankets)
posted by Thorzdad at 10:46 AM on February 29, 2008
Upteenthing the blankets.
If the weather looks in the least bit threatening, utterly cocoon the thing in plastic tarps (over the blankets)
posted by Thorzdad at 10:46 AM on February 29, 2008
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posted by notsnot at 6:50 AM on February 29, 2008