Every owner of a soft-top or convertible car faces the challenge of whether their vehicle can be transported with open carriers. While open is the most economical choice available in the market, soft-top and convertible cars have their own delicate concerns regarding the roof straps? In this article, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of using open frame carriers for soft-top and convertible cars along with recommendations for safeguarding their safety and protection during transport.
Different Approaches to Transporting Soft-Top and Convertible Cars
Before addressing the threats regarding soft-top and convertible cars, let me define these two common types of vehicle shipping.
– Open Carrier Transport: This is the most common in the industry. Open carriers are large trailers that have multiple stories to accommodate a large number of cars. A vehicle is stored inside an enclosed trailer but is positioned in an airplane, which is the cheapest mode of transport.
– Enclosed carrier transport: Enclosed transport offers complete protection to the vehicle by placing it in a closed container. It is the most expensive method of transport but is preferred for soft-top, high-value classic cars, luxury or exotic cars, and even convertibles.
Soft-Top Car Or Convertible Shipments Through Open Carriers
Convertibles and soft-top vehicles can undeniably be shipped through open carriers, but there are certain precautions that need to be taken to minimize the risk involved. The most prominent concerns with an automobile of this nature, for instance, a convertible, being shipped through open carriers include but are not limited to:
- Risk of Weather Elements
One of the most significant drawbacks while transporting a convertible using open carriers is exposure to other elements such as wind or rain. Weather factors such as snow, rain, and strong winds tend to have a greater impact on soft-top and convertible vehicles in comparison to hardtop vehicles. Based on the climate or route, your car is likely to be subjected to:
- Rain: A lot of soft-top designs do offer some degree of resistance to a certain amount of rainfall, however, exposure to water for prolonged periods of time can lead to leaks, water stains, and deteriorating materials over time.
- Snow and Hail: Just as other kinds of snow and hail can dangerously impact cars, they can also destroy the softer tops of convertibles. When snow gets trapped on soft-topped convertibles, these vehicles are prone to considerable weakening and risk of tearing. The soft top is not the only part of the car that gets dents, hail also damages the car.
- UV Radiation: The color of the soft top of a car’s roof is prone to fading, destruction of material, and other forms of damage due to the sun, specifically its UV rays along with other forms of radiation.
- Dust and Road Debris
As the car’s convertible section is left open, there is a constant thin layer of dust, dirt, and debris that accumulates somewhere on the vehicle. While the portion of the car with the stepper dolly provides some form of protection, the top soft cover does not and is left with nowhere to go. Through continual exposure these components result in permanent forms of destruction known as shredding and gouging.
- Security Risks
Concerning an open carrier, the risk of theft or damage increases. Unlike enclosed transport vehicles, soft-top and convertibles are more prone to theft. Additionally, unlike enclosed transport vehicles, soft-top and convertibles are more exposed to vandalism. If the transport company will not accept responsibility, make sure you specify in your agreement with the transport company what your security options regarding locks or other security devices are.
Considerations When Transporting a Soft-Top or a Convertible with an Open Carrier
Regarding those who have selected open transport as the simplest and most affordable option, there are still plenty of other things you can do to mitigate security risks when transporting your convertibles or soft-top vehicles.
- Confirm That the Vehicle’s Roof is Properly Secured
To prevent issues that occur with soft top roofs, all protocols are to be followed. The transport company, as a matter of routine, should make sure that the soft top is secured for transport. In the case of vehicles with convertible tops, make sure that they are closed completely and strapped down to eliminate the possibility of wind catching them during transit. A few vehicle shipping companies do offer added benefits like strapping down soft tops on Turbo T Birds and for some vehicles, soft cover will be placed over the roof automatically.
- Secure a Vehicle Cover
The majority of auto transport services provide Specialized Vehicle Covers that shield the soft tops of cars from harsh weather elements during the journey. This is critical for transporting a convertible or soft-top vehicle using an open trailer. It helps protect the roof from potential destructive dust, rain, and road debris during transport. Remember to ask if quotes include such services, so you don’t miss out.
- Select Detours or Avoid Inclement Weather
You should do everything possible to avoid blizzard conditions and days of heavy rainfall while trying to schedule the transport for a reliable weather window. Make sure the route does include optimal blizzard and heavy rainfall avoidance, and ideally, select a shipping company that utilizes direct routes so the vehicle experiences the severe weather for very short durations.
- Make Sure To Verify The Vehicle’s Insurance Details
Ensure that your car has full coverage insurance while it is being transported. Every transport firm will provide some form of insurance. However, for soft-top cars and high-end cars with modifications, additional insurance will be necessary. Also, ensure that the coverage does not restrict the damage which can be claimed due to weather or debris to the roof and exterior only.
Will The Protective Features Of Enclosed Transport Make It More Favorable For Convertibles?
Standard open carriers make it possible to transport soft top cars and convertibles. Even so, it is not the best in all situations. Molded transport has specific benefits in regards to protecting the roof, and gentler transport offers better overall protection for the vehicle. Below are some of the convincing reasons why one should opt for closed auto transport for their convertible.
- It Also Guard Soft Top Car Roof From Weather Elements
While the car is in the enclosure, it is protected from snow, rain, UV rays, hail, dust, and dirt. For soft-topped cars, weather can be highly damaging and so this protection is invaluable.
- Improved Security
Enclosed carriers serve the additional purpose of protecting the transported vehicle from potential vandalism or theft since the vehicle is concealed from plain view, unlike open trailers. This level of protection is paramount for many vehicles featuring custom additions or high-value vehicles.
- Lower Chance of Damage
The design of enclosed carriers eliminates the possibility of road debris damaging the body and roof of the vehicle. More delicate cars such as convertibles and soft-top models are best suited for this mode of transport.
Wrap Up
Using an open trailer to transport a soft-top or convertible is possible, but there are a number of risks that come with exposure to weather elements and the potential for damage. Valuable custom vehicles require maximum protection, alongside peace of mind, making them the best choice for enclosed auto transport.
For additional details or to get a free quote for transporting your vehicle, visit the Car Shipping Source. Our specialists are on stand-by to help you select the most secure and cost-effective shipment options for your convertible or soft-top vehicle.
