I'm considering buying a '57 Ford panel truck that's over on the mainland (up the Fraser valley), but it isn't driveable (no engine). I'll have to drive over first to see it, and ideally I'd like to be able to haul it back with me if it looks OK.

So the question is how to get it to Nanaimo. U-haul says it won't fit on a tow dolly, and that I'd need to rent a 1 ton ($199) to haul it on a trailer ($69), and then there's the $150 in ferry fares. A tow truck company recommended sending it by barge, so I'd just pay for tows to ($100+?) and from ($60) the barge ($65).

There must be places that rent tilt-deck trucks; I'll phone around.

So... any good suggestions? I'd rather have the "fun" of hauling it myself, rather than just handing over cash, but it sounds like letting the panel take a barge ride is the best.