Krimson you would be better off renting a Uhaul Truck and towing your Civic behind it. Just a thought! This way you don't have to worry about installing transmission coolers etc. and you won't have a worn out Civic when you get to destination.
It may cost you a few more dollars but figure the cost when you are sitting on the side of the road half way between Sault Ste Marie and Wawa with all your possessions and a blown transmission.
Driving from southern ontario to northern manitoba
Moderators: lilfssister, North Shore, sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, I WAS Birddog
Re: Driving from southern ontario to northern manitoba
Thanks for the advise everyone. I will not be attempting to tow anything with the civic 
I have been looking into other options, and in case someone else is ever looking for some info, I found a website that is pretty perfect. It's called uship.com. You post what you need to transport, from where to where, timeframe, etc. then you just sit and wait, and moving companies will bid on your contract. Large ones with Semi-Transports to guys making cash on the side with a F250 and a trailer. You can request bids from companies too so it gets their attention. Pretty cool site, it was just what I needed. I have bids from $1600-$2300 to get move all my stuff from Ontario to Alberta. Way cheaper than uhaul and some guys will help load/unload too.
So basically the two options are to choose someone from the website, or I am considering selling everything and going with just a car-full and start fresh.
I have been looking into other options, and in case someone else is ever looking for some info, I found a website that is pretty perfect. It's called uship.com. You post what you need to transport, from where to where, timeframe, etc. then you just sit and wait, and moving companies will bid on your contract. Large ones with Semi-Transports to guys making cash on the side with a F250 and a trailer. You can request bids from companies too so it gets their attention. Pretty cool site, it was just what I needed. I have bids from $1600-$2300 to get move all my stuff from Ontario to Alberta. Way cheaper than uhaul and some guys will help load/unload too.
So basically the two options are to choose someone from the website, or I am considering selling everything and going with just a car-full and start fresh.
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RatherBeFlying
- Rank 7
- Posts: 684
- Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2005 9:27 am
- Location: Toronto
Re: Driving from southern ontario to northern manitoba
Uship is the way to go to find competitive bids. If you have enough stuff to justify a 16' container and are within an hour or two of a major centre, Pods is the way to go. The container can sit in a climate controlled warehouse for a very reasonable monthly rent.
The Manitoulin ferry is a very nice alternative to Parry Sound / Sudbury. If the ferry's not running, driving through the US is likely a better deal than north of Superior unless you're running four winter tires.
The highway gas stations outside Marathon are highway robbery. Drive into town.
Gas prices drop sharply crossing into Manitoba; so a strategy might be to fill up in Sault, Wawa, TB (use the bypass) and Dryden.
July I stayed in campgrounds and Pukaskwa park in Ontario then stopped at glider clubs.
I ran at 125 indicated most of the time, and 10 over through towns without tickets -- YTMV.
As for the tax man, do check the CRA website on moving expenses. Keep receipts for motels and meals. Driving from Ontario last year was claimable at $0.57/km. Your new plate and driver license fee are also deductible. If your ride was recently purchased and Manitoba's HST rate is lower than Ontario's, you may be able to get a rebate. Homeowners get to deduct real estate commission and legal fees
The Manitoulin ferry is a very nice alternative to Parry Sound / Sudbury. If the ferry's not running, driving through the US is likely a better deal than north of Superior unless you're running four winter tires.
The highway gas stations outside Marathon are highway robbery. Drive into town.
Gas prices drop sharply crossing into Manitoba; so a strategy might be to fill up in Sault, Wawa, TB (use the bypass) and Dryden.
July I stayed in campgrounds and Pukaskwa park in Ontario then stopped at glider clubs.
I ran at 125 indicated most of the time, and 10 over through towns without tickets -- YTMV.
As for the tax man, do check the CRA website on moving expenses. Keep receipts for motels and meals. Driving from Ontario last year was claimable at $0.57/km. Your new plate and driver license fee are also deductible. If your ride was recently purchased and Manitoba's HST rate is lower than Ontario's, you may be able to get a rebate. Homeowners get to deduct real estate commission and legal fees
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XcessEnergy
- Rank 0
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2010 9:48 am
Re: Driving from southern ontario to northern manitoba
Well I made the move from Southern Ontario to Saskatchewan through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota in 40 hrs (shared driving) using a U-haul and car trailer. I saved about $400.00 in gas compared to the Canadian route and while I was initially concerned about the border crossings they were not an issue at all. Mostly because I did my homework and called the border crossings in advance to find out what paper work they would like to see.
First, obtain some proof that you will be working in Canada (not taking a detour to Texas). For my case I just had my new employer mail me a letter of employment. However, if you do not have a job already and intend to do a road trip once you are settled in then some sort of road trip itinerary indicating the companies and contacts you intend to visit (while road trips are erratic and random some sort of itinerary indicating your intentions might help).
Second, while you are packing your possessions number your boxes and indicate what items are in what box on a manifest. I.E Box 23 – Pots and Pans (no need to get very specific they don’t care if you have your girlfriend’s picture in Box 5). Mostly they are looking for some sort of correlation between what is on your manifest and what is in the box. A manifest is also more useful when you cross back into Canada as it indicates that you did not buy a new TV Minot, ND.
While the above is OVERKILL it basically covers the worst case scenario, it may save you time and headaches when crossing (as inspections can be random). And any documentation you have may save you from having to unload and reload your junk at border crossings. Also keep all receipts / invoices such as truck rental, fuel, and even meals since they can be written off on your taxes.
Also regarding renting a U-haul (politely) insist on a newer truck and do a good inspection and check for damage, leaking fluids (an old cardboard box under the engine / transmission while you are doing a walk around may reveal any leaking fluids), worn and under-inflated tires (both trailer and truck), and clunking transmissions (U-haul has been known for sending people off in beaters that break down hours later). What takes 10 minutes may save you hours down the road. And if you are driving on Northern roads plan for “what if my truck breaks down” scenario. A good idea would be to have some sort of “road following” back home. Call back home at every gas stop with an ETA to your next stop. I am not sure about Northern Manitoba but Northern Saskatchewan roads eat suspensions for Breakfast, and transmissions for lunch.
Then there is the other option, sell everything you own (keep the basics – laptop, clothes). And be free of useless possessions which bog you down while starting a transient career (a bit of tongue and cheek here).
Good Luck and enjoy the trip.
First, obtain some proof that you will be working in Canada (not taking a detour to Texas). For my case I just had my new employer mail me a letter of employment. However, if you do not have a job already and intend to do a road trip once you are settled in then some sort of road trip itinerary indicating the companies and contacts you intend to visit (while road trips are erratic and random some sort of itinerary indicating your intentions might help).
Second, while you are packing your possessions number your boxes and indicate what items are in what box on a manifest. I.E Box 23 – Pots and Pans (no need to get very specific they don’t care if you have your girlfriend’s picture in Box 5). Mostly they are looking for some sort of correlation between what is on your manifest and what is in the box. A manifest is also more useful when you cross back into Canada as it indicates that you did not buy a new TV Minot, ND.
While the above is OVERKILL it basically covers the worst case scenario, it may save you time and headaches when crossing (as inspections can be random). And any documentation you have may save you from having to unload and reload your junk at border crossings. Also keep all receipts / invoices such as truck rental, fuel, and even meals since they can be written off on your taxes.
Also regarding renting a U-haul (politely) insist on a newer truck and do a good inspection and check for damage, leaking fluids (an old cardboard box under the engine / transmission while you are doing a walk around may reveal any leaking fluids), worn and under-inflated tires (both trailer and truck), and clunking transmissions (U-haul has been known for sending people off in beaters that break down hours later). What takes 10 minutes may save you hours down the road. And if you are driving on Northern roads plan for “what if my truck breaks down” scenario. A good idea would be to have some sort of “road following” back home. Call back home at every gas stop with an ETA to your next stop. I am not sure about Northern Manitoba but Northern Saskatchewan roads eat suspensions for Breakfast, and transmissions for lunch.
Then there is the other option, sell everything you own (keep the basics – laptop, clothes). And be free of useless possessions which bog you down while starting a transient career (a bit of tongue and cheek here).
Good Luck and enjoy the trip.
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bornagain1340
- Rank 2
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:03 am
- Location: here...for now
Re: Driving from southern ontario to northern manitoba
This brings back memories to when I started that trek 13 or so years ago...did it for about four years.
Not driving at night is kind of difficult as the days are getting much shorter this time of year, especially in MB.
About the only thing I can think of that wasn't mentioned is a 2.5 or a 5 gal can of gas in the trunk would be well worth it. Gas stations are pretty scarce north of the Peg and it's not a nice feeling driving in the dark down Hwy 6 with one eye on the road and one on the gas gague (it always seems to go down faster once the needle drops below a quarter doesn't it??).
Bring some food and a warm sleeping bag...and a tent if you're into the camping thing. It's a good way to cut back on the expenses.
Enjoy the drive and good luck!
Not driving at night is kind of difficult as the days are getting much shorter this time of year, especially in MB.
About the only thing I can think of that wasn't mentioned is a 2.5 or a 5 gal can of gas in the trunk would be well worth it. Gas stations are pretty scarce north of the Peg and it's not a nice feeling driving in the dark down Hwy 6 with one eye on the road and one on the gas gague (it always seems to go down faster once the needle drops below a quarter doesn't it??).
Bring some food and a warm sleeping bag...and a tent if you're into the camping thing. It's a good way to cut back on the expenses.
Enjoy the drive and good luck!
