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I used to have a 12" Dob, now a 16", and can advise that removing the cell would be a bad idea imho. Your mirror is held in by mirror clip so it's not going to launch itself out of the cell. I still transport my 10" Imaging Newt across the back load area secured with tie down straps. I do think they should be restrained in some way for safety (yours). As far as management of getting the 12" solid tube in and out, the front end is fairly light itself, the real weight being at the back. I made a set up carry straps that I positioned near the centre of gravity and this allowed me to lift the tube into the vehicle and provided the leverage to move it. If it's lying on a blanket of something like that its pretty easy to slide it across once the heavy end is inside. Just remember to secure it. However, as we get older managing a larger scope becomes more of an issue and you might need to consider you vehicle suitability, move to a take apart scope design (like my 16"), or even downsize.
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