Haven't seen any info for the newer models of the following. Any word on...

2019-2020 Models:
Cadillac XT5
Audi Q5
Mercedes GLC
Alfa Romeo Stelvio

I'm afraid I'm going to cross each one off my list if they can't fit a pin.

Q5 and GLC won't hold a modern pin, opening is too short, about 27".

I am looking to sell, but believe it or not there is already a couple guys in line. It fits every pin/brand I've encountered (also a dolly, tool box, and soft cooler). A+ pin hauler.

Modern stern basically doesn't fit into a 2022 Ascent without a lot of pushing and potential scratching. I got it in, but definitely not ideal

Edit: 2021

2017 BMW X5 ok for Sterns. There is about 1/2" clearance once the game starts to ride up the back of the rear seats. It probably would have more clearance loading the other way, but I didn't try.

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It was a no go for the System11 however. The pictures are from my second attempt flipping the game around to coin door first which was actually worse. It was pretty close to making it with coin door last. It's possible it could have just squeaked through in that orientation if I had used thinner padding between the head and the rails (was using a moving blanket). I didn't think of this until I had already taken it back out spun it around. Also, probably would have been ok to detach the head from the hinge and slid it down a few inches. I stopped futzing with it and loaded it in the trailer instead.

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UPDATE: I was able to fit the System11. More info here; https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/vehicles-that-a-pinball-machine-fits-in/page/40#post-6954670

I'd think later System 11 machines might fit. The hinges on later ones land the backbox further down the cabinet so I bet they'd fit like the Stern did.

Chris

I've been following the development of the Santa Cruz since the concept stage. The original concept was pitched as an AWD turbo diesel that could haul, tow w/ a lot of torque, and get 40mpg in normal driving mode. Not only did it look great, but the bed was intentionally short but telescopic with tons of tiedown points. This would've allowed full dirt bikes to be transported. I think the telescoping extension was in the 12-16" range IIRC. Pic below.

What we ended up getting was the "Bean Counter" version which got neutered in fuel/engine, interior coolness, exterior ruggedness, and the bed is short with no telescoping feature. Instead you can buy a bed extender which is just a cage that extends the walls of the bed over the dropped tailgate. Oh, and the base price was far higher than teased.

Will it haul a pin with that built-in retractable cover taking up so much real estate? No idea. They lost me when I saw the first production model, and I was waiting for years for this thing to come. The Ford Maverick outshined it in almost every way (maybe except some styling).

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As a follow up to this, none were able to fit a pin. I didn't get to see the GLC but I got confirmation they don't fit. The Stelvio (F'ing sexy as hell) was the closest.

Surprised to see this. I measured a 2020 X3 M40i next to the Stelvio I checked out and it measured as if it could fit most B/W and Sterns. Glad you got it home.

Ended up going with this, because I know it can fit a pin. Kiddo got right in it and instantly approved.

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Does anyone know if a 2022 Kia Telluride or 2022 Hyundai Palisade will fit a new Stern? I just looked at them and I believe it will fit…looks like they have about 31” of clearance but want to be 100% sure.

2020 Infiniti Qx50 will not fit a new Stern, the back is curved and can’t make it through where it curves.

For a NIB Stern: the website lists the box as 31x31 (height not an issue for me). Is this accurate? Even a quarter inch larger might be an issue for me.

Trying to get a NIB into a 2019 Rav 4 and would like to transport in the box

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/vehicles-that-a-pinball-machine-fits-in/page/34#post-6316942

Not sure if they changed in 2022, but this post says the 2021 fits without issue.

Chris

Having just picked up a NIB GZ Prem, I measured the box at 31x32x57.

I measured my NIB AIQ as 31 x 30.5 before opening it. It made it through a 31" doorway.

Gottleib Premier (spring break) won't into a 2018 Forester unless you take backbox off

2020 Subaru Forester confirmed for a modern Stern, along with hydraulic life cart with custom tilting assembly, Escalera with big wheels, and a bunch of other stuff. Sport model with sunroof for what that’s worth. Fit like a (very tight) glove. Gently rubbed the roof going in, but not enough to damage pin or vehicle. Unfortunately I seriously doubt you could get a NIB stuffed in here.

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Yes, just saw a Promaster 3500 in a parking lot. Looks like it might be an appropriate size. Probably not so much with a model of theirs smaller than this.

Have a question along this subject? Was talking about EVs in another thread and wondered just how many of those EVs will a pin fit in?

Also one of the downside cons I heard is tire wear on them are greater than a regular vehicle. Would that put you off on using one as a pin hauler? I just replaced my tires on my Toyota Avalon and they weren't cheap.

I’d be interested if the Bolt EUV could get one in, even if the head has to come off.

Yeah - same on mine which is why I avoid using it to move pins. That tight rub would worry me.

What’s crazy is that my 2016 pilot doesn’t fit a NIB stern. Giant car yet in box kills it. Curious if anyone managed to get one in a pilot. Older pilots work np.

Does anyone know about fitting a pin in either a KIA Niro or Hyundai Kona?

Besides relative dimensions, another thing worth evaluating is the overall *brand reliability* scores. Some won't measure up well in that regard. Toyota and Honda have topped the list for years in regard to regular passenger car models, but I don't know whether that will necessarily carry over to their van or truck models, or which of those may apply to this conversation.

It barely fits a stern out of the box, definitely not going to fit in the box.

Dodge doesn't score well on those typically, but my Durango has been awesome. 2015 R/T. V8 power (but not great gas mileage) can tow like crazy, is plenty fast, sounds great and has been solid for 100K miles so far! You'll find variances in everything though. A contractor at our house had a 2020 Tacoma and he said it was horrible. He's had nothing but problems with the transmission since day 1.

Chris

Modern Stern will only fit in a 2018-22 GMC Terrain SUV if you remove the backbox. Made it home safely after a 6 hour drive. Take lots of pictures of the connections.

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I haven't actually seen an EUV, but the dimensions are very close to the Bolt EV from a cargo perspective. The EUV has a little more length in the back seat passenger area. I have a Bolt EV and I can't see in any way how a pin would have a chance of fitting. Believe me, I've looked long and hard at it trying to see how it might work. I set mine up to pull a small trailer when I have to haul a pin. And no, the Bolt isn't rated for towing. So don't take this as an endorsement if you don't like to color outside the lines.

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I'm hesitant to respond to this as I hate to go down this road and derail this thread. Yes, you can go through tires quicker. As with anything it depends on how you drive and what you drive. People that are anti-EV have to grasp at something to criticize. Yes, there are disadvantages to an EV, but there are so many advantages that *possibly* going through tires quicker is something I'll gladly take.

I sold my Tesla Model 3 and will soon take delivery of a Model Y. I have a vague pipedream of maybe being able to haul a pin in one. Has anyone with a Model Y had success?

To the tire wear issue, I used regenerative braking on my Model 3. Basically rarely used the brakes, the car would charge the battery as it was slowing down. An unintended effect of this (other than having basically zero wear on brakes) was that the same tires that were accelerating the car were also braking the car. My rear tires wore down faster than my front tires. If you make heavy use of regenerative braking there are lots of advantages (range, reducing brake wear, etc) but you do need to rotate tires if only one pair is doing all the work of moving and stopping

Very cool. Thanks for the picture. I'll have to check one out and take some cargo measurements. It doesn't bother me if I have to remove the head as long as I can get it in and the hatch closed.

I also noticed that several FREE charging stations around town. True there is a 2 hour limit at the level 2 site but think of it this way FREE gas!

Any idea if pins fit in a 22 Mitsubishi Outlander plug in hybrid?

Earlier in this thread (search for Model Y) it was discussed and someone posted a link to a site with good measurements. It isn't going to work. The rear opening slopes down too quickly on the sides, and even in the middle the height is too low for a pin to fit.

Your best bet is to get a trailer. The Y is rated for towing and you can get a hitch for it pretty easily.

Don't get your hopes up. I really don't think it is going to work, even with removing the head. You can fit a ton of stuff in a Bolt, I've done it. But a pin isn't one of them.

Anybody know for certain any electric vehicles that can fit a pinball machine without taking the head off?

Ford e-Transit, F-150 Lightning, Rivian are all right now for BEVs. Some PHEVs will fit pins, I hauled a Bally Spectrum back from TPF without removing the head in a RAV4 Prime.

AUKraut I was told the cargo floor is higher to support the increased battery volume. How tight was the fit?

It's about a 30.5" high opening. The Bally fit nicely, about 2 inches to spare while loading. Never touched the headliner, coindoor in first.

That being said, I'm about to trade it to go full electric with a Kia EV6. Back to pin hauling with my wife's Honda Odyssey again.....

This will haul a pin in style!

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/37WL8LkD/2022-gmc-hummer-ev-pickup-edition-1

The one on Cars and Bids about a week ago went for $265K!

'08 Scion XB [second gen]. Fit NIB Stern with pallet attached. Laid back passenger seat and moved drivers seat forward. Hatch closed without contact!

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Looking at the pictures in this thread, I can't help but wonder.....how many folks drive down the road thinking "if I rear end someone it's game over for me!"? It's always a bit nail biting hauling one in my Escape knowing that momentum would not play to my favor.....

from the bottom picture looks like drivers seat is so far forward it would be impossible to drive but maybe it is just the angle of the picture

Yup. I think about this almost every time. But I probably worry about the machine more than myself!!!!

For long hauls I always put a ratchet strap around the front of the game and anchored to the rear cargo hooks. I didn't ratchet it down tight, just enough to keep the strap in place, this prevents the game from sliding forward on sudden stops.

That's a good call. I've done the same but sometimes I get lazy.

Any update on if a Ford Bronco Big Bend can haul a pin?

Vantagevehicle.com for your electric pinhauling needs

Questions running through my head if I was hauling a pin in a small vehicle EV or gas type.

I would be thinking is that person on the phone going to stop in time?

Do they know when the pavement is wet it takes twice the distance to stop?

What's that persons hurry? I've been in six accidents and believe me nothing is important not to slow down. It's a pain to have to deal with everything to get your car repaired and here (Indiana) get your insurance agent to sign off to prove you had insurance. If you don't they will pull your driver's license even if you weren't at fault.

Is someone arguing in the car or anything that is distracting the driver?

I would move away from them to the other lane.

This morning thick fog and I was in a residential neighborhood and this other guy was driving way to fast. I saw him but wondered if he ever saw me.

Despite what bobukcat wrote in post 1945, that is why I think I'd hold out for a van, panel truck, or actual (fully enclosed for weather reasons) truck with a wall-separated cargo cabin or section, apart from the driver / passenger seating, and which had very adequate internal restraints, to deal with possible momentum or impact situations. For very short distance hauls where weather considerations were not a factor, one might get by with a range of lesser options -- provided that the game fits.