moving a large tank

[the big kahuna]

So I've been searching for a 240+ tank. Sunday night found I found a glass tank with stand canopy about 5 hours from me. Dimensions that was giving to me add up to about 350 gallons but I'll get the exact measurements this weekend.
As some of you guys know I drive a tank lol my 08 suburban ltz. I'm used to moving or towing any and everything in it without any issues. But it's having transmission issues and is outta commission for awhile. I'm driving my wife's 2010 acura mdx with no hitch. I have the manpower to move the tank but what's the best way to safely get this tank 5 hours 2 states away. Ive never transported a glass tank this large. My friend offered to tow a uhaul trailer with his 05 expedition but I'm concerned with the bouncing around. Should I just rent a uhaul truck one way? Here's my thoughts with both options.

Open trailer is cheaper has an extra wide ramp so easy to load the tank on it. But bouncy ride

One way truck much more expensive but ramp is very narrow and the tank would have to be lifted up and into the truck

And last question can I leave the tank on 2-3 dollies while transporting it? Yes I will be using several tie downs

apologies the long post

 

[johnny potatoes]

I wouldn't use an open trailer, one rock and you're done. What about enclosed trailer, as long as you strap it down to the trailer so it will bounce with the trailer not independently of it, it should be fine. Also need to strap it in place do it doesn't slide around. Same goes for a truck, make sure it's strapped down as well as in place. I brought home a 450 tall tank this way with no issue. Six hour drive. Good luck

 

[dan518]

I moved my tank on a open trailer, cut some ply/ chipboard/heavy duty cardboard to the tank measurement and box it in, still worked out cheaper then renting a truck

 

[harris522]

I put a blanket over my tank. When I moved it on a open trailer. Then used ratchet straps to hold it down. The straps made me nervous I was scared I was going to over tighten them and bust the tank. But it was fine both times I did it.

 

[Ihsnshaik]

Ask your buddies if any of their friends have a pickup truck. Safest bet for a long drive. Or you can just rent a pickup trunk and get the task done.

 

[jwh]

I've moved a number on tanks on open trailers, using polystyrene/cardboard below and around the tank, tank needs to be strapped down, if it starts moving,it's game over.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

I agree, an open trailer will require the tank to be covers somehow.

However, I recommend a 12' enclosed Uhaul trailer. They are $30 for a day and you have unlimited milage with them. Make sure you strap it down very well, but not so much that you stress the glass and possibly crack it. I would not leave it on the dollies while taking it down the road. One of the best ways you can get it to stay in place is the weight of it and the friction that puts on the floor. Lastly, make sure you tie down everything else that is back there so it doesn't accidentally slide into the tank.

I hope you have at least 6 guys to move it. When I picked up my 220 we had 4 decent sized guys and it was still a huge struggle. It was all 5/8" glass though.