Moving Epson 9900 and Canon ipf 8400 with or without original box?

[Sunshine7]

Moving my Epson 9900 and Canon ipf 8400 in two weeks, will be moving 800 miles or so. Still have the original packaging for both printers.

Will use a u-haul or something like that and am not sure if to simply load the printers in the uhaul and tie them up and put boxes all around them so that they are well protected, or to put them in their original boxes. I did not label everything and can not remember what Styrofoam is for what printer etc. and I am afraid it will take a tremendous effort to try and figure out how to make the boxes and pack the printers in here.

It seems easier to me to keep the printers on their stand and ‘just' 'roll' the printers into the truck, maybe with an extra ramp or so since it seems to me the uhaul ramp is not wide enough.

It also seems if I pack the printers in their original boxes that this will take up a lot of space in the truck. What would you advise and do you have any experience one way or the other?

I read I have to lock the print heads on both printers, and need to do a level one move for the canon. The epson will need to be turned vertical in order to be able to get out of the room it is in and from what I understand I do not need to drain the printer ink before doing so. (the Canon is in a different room so not needed there)

Any help and ideas would be appreciated! Also how to extend the ramp or add a ramp so that the Canon will not go over the 30 degree angle or so etc so that I wont need to drain all the ink out of it.

Thanks!

[printbreakr]

I would be most concerned about the impact of shocks to the printers while on the road. Shocks can make things break. The nice thing about original packaging is it's designed to absorb most typical shipment shocks. Obviously you should make sure anything that moves (print head, covers, etc) are secure.

Personally, I would use the original packaging as a top choice. If not that, I would take the printers off their stands and wrap them in a ton of bubble wrap to help absorb shocks.

Ultimately this comes down to how big of a risk the loss one or both of these printers would be to you. If you are willing to accept the slight risk that damage might occur then by all means, tape them down, strap them down, and be on your way. If replacing these printers might mean signficant financial hardship for you, then get a bigger U-Haul and add more padding. The more you add the higher the cost and lower the risk. You have to pick the appropriate balance to your situation.

[PeterAit]

I recommend removing the printer from the stand, enclosing it in a large plastic bag to keep crud out, then wrapping it in several layers of those mover's blankets and securing with bungee cords.

[langier]

I've moved my 9800 400 miles in the back of my 4Runner simply by locking the head and taking it off the stand so it would fit. It was simply placed on a couple of large moving pads.

My 9900 moved 130 miles in winter over the Sierra Range. Same technique of taking it off the stand and carefully putting it on a couple of moving pads in the back of the 4runner.

The most difficult thing for both was to find "pall bearers" to pack each of the two printers from the street and down the stairs into my studio. The 9900 is a four "pall bearer" printer in that it took four people to carefully pack it down the stairs and a tight 90 degrees into its new home.

[iCanvas]

 Since you have both printers which one do you like the best? I presently have a 9900 but I'm using more ink for cleanings then I am for printing. Just recently had a cap station put on the 9900. Are you pleased with your Canon 8400?  Can you notice any difference between the two in print quality?  I print mainly on canvas.
Gar

[Sunshine7]

Thanks all!!