Shrink wrap like mad, use 2 pvc pipes to keep it off the bed (for rain or snow) , ratchet strap in place two different ways. Smile nicely at the boarder check.

First, to get the machine in the bed, just get it close to the tailgate, about a couple feet away and lean it onto the tailgate. Then lift from the bottom of the machine and push into the bed. I find it easier to put a piece of cardboard underneath to slide. Having a helper will make it easier, but I've done it alone plenty of times.

You only need a tarp if you expect rain. The only reason I have taken the head off is because I have a bed cover, and taking the head off allows me to use the cover (with head on, it's too tall).

If you do expect rain, I would recommend wrapping the pin with shrink wrap AND use a tarp, but that's just me. If you use a tarp, get a good thick one.

Fold the back box down. Put an old towel between it and the cabinet base. Take the legs off. Shrink wrap or a ratchet strap to hold it together. You can stand the game on it's back (end) next to the truck, lean the top against the tailgate. Lift from the bottom and slide it in.

Oh yeah, good point by chad above to put the game on 2x4 kickers or PVC to keep it off the bed in case you get rain.

I also use ratcheting straps. Forgot to mention that.

I did all of this (shrink wrap, tarp, kickers, etc.) driving back 2 hours in the snow from MGC a couple years ago. No issues. Fortunately my wife has an SUV now that fits a pin for covered transport!

Coming across the border you might need a bill of sale for taxes.

Wrap machine in moving blankets. They can be purchased cheaply at U=Haul. Hold blankets in place by plastic wrapping the machine. Plastic wrap roll can also be purchased at U-Haul. Bring plenty of help.

Someone mentioned pool noodles which is my go to now. Not only will the machine roll on them into the bed (and be raised up in case of rain) but cushions the machine as well while in transport.

Since it has a hinged backbox there's no need to remove, just fold down.

I wrap my games in a large top while they're folded on end, before loading, if there's any chance of rain.

Bring a 2x4, stick it between the front of the game and the front of your bed to keep the game from hitting the front, then run a strap around the back of the game and pull it forward against the 2x4.

I’ve not yet tried this, but it sounds perfect.

Using PVC has been my usual approach - I have an 09 Mercury Mariner/Ford Escape that fits games quite comfortably. We use the PVC as wheels to roll the game onto, and if you use 2” or greater diameter pipe it is tall and strong enough to support the game off the bed for long distances.

The pool noodles seems like an even better approach since it will also cushion the bottom.

Use a tarp in ADDITION to shrink wrap. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had the threat of rain and a relatively unprotected game.

I keep four in the truck.

20191010_162710_resized (resized).jpg

So they hold up enough to roll the game on them into the bed, like you can with PVC?

That is what I use the last noodle for.

Bouncing around is your biggest problem , I brought a getaway with no issues came home and it had at least 8 errors
Just keep it dry and hope for the best

That's using your noodle!

In addition to the 5 pool noodles on the bed floor, buy one more for when you put the head down...place in on the play field glass so it doesn't dent up the side rails. It's actually better if you cut it in half-long wise- so the noodle will grip the top of the head. In a pich, you can substitute pipe insulators for noodles...they cut easier, too.

People mention shrink wrap and plastic wrap. What you want is Stretch Wrap. Home Depot sells it with their moving boxes and stuff. Sam's Club occasionally has it for cheaper, but I have not seen it recently. I use it with every pinball transport. before you take the legs off, lay the head down and then wrap the machine multiple times side to side, stretching the wrap as you go after the first go around. This holds the head in place and provides some protection. I agree with putting a blanket or cardboard between the head and side rails. I use hardened cardboard corner strips that come in a lot of packaging of furniture and new pins. I tape them in place to the playfield glass with a bit of masking tape. You just need it where the backbox hits the siderails.
If the game is being transported in the open in a pickup or trailer, I also wrap the machine front to back with the stretch wrap. Most of mine are transported in my wife's minivan which is great for transport. Enclosed and lower to the ground than pickup trucks.

U-Haul and storage unit places also have the green stretch wrap frequently. It's not super cheap (I've also ordered from Amazon for $20 or so) but it lasts a while

yep, no problem.

I see it fit, but that's the goofiest looking GMC Sierra I've ever seen.