If you are a hot tub owner, who is moving your current tub or considering buying a new hot tub for your new home, then you’re probably already aware of how expensive they are. A recent report by Fixr suggests that a new medium tier model hot tub can cost between five thousand and eight thousand dollars. That is a lot of money to shell out on a new hot tub, so a cheaper alternative might be to move your current hot tub across the country. If you’re loading up your tub and transporting it cross-country, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Moving A Hot Tub Can Be Dangerous

You’re probably thinking that hauling a load this large is a daunting task, but if you plan ahead and use some common sense, then moving your hot tub can be a smooth, painless experience. Your first and foremost consideration is to follow strict safety practices.

Here are a few safety tips to follow to get your hot tub to your new home in one piece:

Use The Correct Vehicle to Transport the Hot Tub

Deciding which vehicle to transport your hot tub in is the first step to transporting it safely. There are a few important decisions to make.

Choose a truck or van that best accommodates the size of your hot tub. You don’t want it to extend far beyond the limits of your vehicle. This can cause accidents because driving with an object protruding beyond the vehicles boundaries makes it difficult for you to judge distances.

Be certain to use a vehicle that can handle the weight of your load. Knowing the weight limit payload capacity for your vehicle is non-negotiable. An overloaded vehicle is more difficult to control, braking must be started much sooner than typically expected, and your vehicle’s tires are at risk of rupturing from stress caused by carrying excessive weight.

Secure it Like Professional Hot Tub Movers

If you are traveling long distances to your new home, then you will want to use extra caution when securing the hot tub to your vehicle. When far away from home, you will not have the convenience and comfort of being able to easily return home to secure it again, so you need to do it right the first time.

Professional straps are a must to properly secure the load. Cheap rope, twine, and bungee cords are infamous for falling apart mid-trip. The heavy duty ratchet straps, which moving companies often use to secure appliances to moving dollies, will work nicely to secure a hot tub in place.

Attach all harnesses or ratchet straps to solid structures that will not break loose under pressure. Because moving parts weaken from repetitive movement, you should choose secure points areas that are thicker and have very little flexibility.

Also, it is vital to cover areas that the wind can catch before securing the load. If wind enters uncovered spaces, then it can cause monumental damage. A canvas tarp will block the wind and prevent stray debris form damaging your hot tub’s surface. They can be costly, but resurfacing a hot tub is way more expensive than spending a few extra dollars now. Don’t choose a cheap plastic tarp because the wind will shred those like thin tissue paper.

Plan Your Moving Route

Lastly, you should minimize the dangers of transporting large items by choosing a route that is less risky. If you use less traveled back roads, then many unseen dangers of traveling on highways and busier city streets can be avoided. Choosing night time travel offers the same benefits. There will be less people on the road; therefore, you’ll have less chances of getting into an accident.

In conclusion, moving your hot tub across the country is a very achievable goal. You will save a lot of money, and you can avoid the hassle of shopping for a new hot tub. Keep safety as your primary focus, and you will enjoy many more years of use from your current hot tub.