Pulling the boat to Florida! Tips for night time
 

Hi everyone,

Planning a big trip to the FL Keys in 6 weeks. I’l be pulling the boat(30 foot trailer) from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale. I’l be alone, leaving on a Friday pm Should pass by New York city around 10 pm and drive another hour or so before stopping for a nap. What do you experienced travellers do for the night? Hotels (leave the boat and Trailer unatended), Rest area shoulders (I see a lot of truckers there at night time - I can overnight in the cabin) Any other options? Time is on my side. I have to be in FL max on Monday morning. I have done that trip numerous times before without a boat behind and no stop with other drivers… Any tips or advices are welcomed
Thanks

I left my boat/trailer unattended in the hotel parking lots the couple of nights on the way back from havasu. I had no issues.

Lots of coffee to stay awake for the 10 hour boring drive from the Florida line to miami, worst part of the drive to the keys haha

Take 2 spare tires !!

More if they are brand new looking but have sat for many years. Seems like age has alot to do with tires on trailers. They often don't even show signs of dryness or cracking, and then pop. once they heat up..

Oh and a good floor jack. Flashlight

Stay at hotels adjacent to tittie bars, and dont eat the clams at hojo's

As said above - multiple spare tires, spare parts, floor jack, two or three 12x12 blocks of wood or jack stands, a good tool set with the right sockets, breaker bar, Flashlights, grease, rags, etc.

I prefer to crash at a hotel and get a decent sleep, however if your cabin is big enough, that should work. I would park it at a big truck stop, hotel or the like but not alone somewhere by yourself.

As for where to stay - There are two easy in and out hotels at exit 8A on the Turnpike, that puts you a little shy of an hour south of the city but is easy on/off. Also there is a good rest stop between exits 8A and 8 and then another South of Exit 7.

What's your route? It sounds like you are planning to take the NY Thruway to NJ and not Rte 81. If that's the case (most likely an easier tow than 81), do not take the Parkway or 95 when you cross into NJ. Take 287 - this will keep you away from the congestion of NE Jersey and is an easy tow. It will take you to Exit 10 on the NJ Turnpike (95 South).

I usually sleep in the truck at rest stops or truck stops. I've never had bad luck in hotel parking lots, but still don't trust the boat alone.

I always carry a laser temp gun and shoot the trailer tires and hubs when I stop. As long as each tire and hub are about the same temp as the others then you're fine. If temps are very far off from each other, check air pressure or lube the hubs.

My .02 - If you've got a 6-lug trailer, bring an extra hub.. and a ratchet strap to tie an axle up in case you don't want to fix it on the side of the road.

What kind of truck
Just pulled a boat back from NC to MO
Had over boost issues in the mountains
Wish I cleaned my turbo before the trip

Leaving Friday night, try to get to the south end of Jersey Turnpike and stop at the Flying J. Won't be crowded, park on the back line.Will get you past D.C. on Saturday. Straight shot from there south.

87 to 88 to 81 to 77 then 95. I've been told to avoid the 95 between Baltimore and Richemond during the week-end because of the traffic. As for the mountains, i'll be pulling a 7000 load (twin axle) behind a 2016 2500hd Duramax.

Thats not a bad route. We usually run 95-287-78-81 -66-17-95. But you should be out of the way enough with the route you are taking.

Duramax should be fine with that load, bring plenty of DEF, they tend to suck that **** down under load. I prefer the night driving, but I am wierd like that.

First You need to buy a trailer for your tub LOL
Hope all is well Homie

Watch out for lot lizards at the truck stops and rest areas. They are NOT nice ladies.

Baltimore to Richmond is manageable, preferably at night. The only other major option is a rather long reroute out to I-81. And the truck traffic through the mountains on 81 is TERRIBLE.

Just call ahead for the hotels, and ask about parking. I've both slept in the boat, and in hotels, and I can tell you I never rest well in the boat.
Arrive late at the hotel, and you should be able to park right in front of the lobby pending the manager.

BUY A LASER TEMP GUN to keep an eye on tire, bearing, and brake temps. Anything that is 10-15% hotter than the rest of the same; is trouble.
This is one of the most valuable towing tools you can own. Check every time you stop for fuel, food, or bio,
It also comes in handy to check road surface temps to see if you have ice risks when towing in prone areas.


Also, take a full set of bearings, as vice grips for ability to pinch off a brake line if you have a brake failure.

18v impact with 2 spares and I even carry a extra tire not mounted on the rim, I have had issues finding trailer tires at times. I have heard of people pulling the main fuse to the fuel pump while staying in a hotel

Or at the titty bars for that matter :D

I assume your are coming down I-87 south from Montreal and then pickup I-95 in northern NJ. I've towed boats many times through this corridor. As one of the other writers pointed out, once south of Richmond it's smooth sailing. I might hold short your first day at Newburgh, NY and use the time to visit OCC or something. Then hit the road again after 7pm. You do not want to be on I-95 and pass through northern Jersey, Philly, Baltimore and DC during any type of commuting traffic. Another option is to depart Newburgh about 9am and you may be able to pass DC just before the evening commute and then hold up before Richmond (although Richmond is no where the traffic as the other cities). Truck stops are the best places to hold up with ample parking and amenities.There is the I-81 option and you could jump on to I-80 West in northern NJ and cut through the Delaware Water gap. It will cost you about two extra hours to get to 81 but you won't have to deal at all with the congested cities. The only thing is you have to be leery of the weather along 81. Snow, ice and fog are problems on I-81 in northern PA. Good luck.

Generally, when I hauled to/from Florida or the southern states, I pulled the props and hardware and taped the splines under a rag and then shrunk wrapped the top and sides of the boat down over the drives.... when I would stop for a rest during the day (I'm another night runner) - no one paid any attention to the boat and it arrives clean and ready to splash. Never had an issue crossing borders wrapped up tight but have had open boats searched (personal and CV hauls).

I always trailer with a spare... seen where one poor buggar came back to his vehicle and found someone else needed his trailer tire more than he did and took the lugs too.. in broad daylight at the boat launch in lauderdale.

pack like a boy scout and your fine if anything happens

Thank you! Laser temp gun ordered!
Lizards=hookers?
As for the 81, how does the truck traffic harm? I'l be travelling during day Time. What' a worst? Régular traffic from Baltimore to Richmond or truck traffic on 81?

Just power through the Baltimore/DC thing. You just have to grin and bear it...... I've tried to get creative on it and finally come to the realization that you should just pick your head up, stick your chest out and deal with it.

My tip - plenty of spare tires, tools, chains to chain up an axle if you have to, and when 3 drunk college kids pull up beside you at 1:00 yelling "hey bro you're missing a wheel" give them the benefit of the doubt and pull over to have a look.

It's all mountainous, and predominantly two lanes. You get trucks that have to slow to 40-ish MPH on grades, and then you fight left lane traffic to get around them. There are a few slow lanes, but then they merge back into traffic. Hauling on this stretch is a real bear; and IMHO, it's overly hard on the tow vehicle.

Then you end up with two Fedex and UPS trucks hauling doubles that decide to drag race for 8 fricking miles; when they both have governors at 65 MPH.
(BTW, these may or may not be OSO members doing this. :D You know who you are!!!)

Eric, is right, just go with 95 and suck it up.
BTW, South Carolina I-95 sucks too.

Also, download and use Waze on your phone. Best GPS/live traffic/crowdsourcing App ever.

Also, road trip while towing? Air Horns baby.
www.hornblasters.com

The best $800 bucks I've ever spent on a vehicle.
Hell, I had to install some on my GF's Infiniti she likes them on my trucks so much.

I made the trip to Florida twice from Wisconsin. Here's my list.
1- Nitrogen in my trailer tires to help the long trip heating.
2 -Inferred gun. Check immediately every time you stop for gas or etc.
3- 2 sets of extra bearings, grease, rags, disposable gloves and brake clean.
4- 2 spares tires. I lost one every trip.
5- portable motion alarm. If someone were to enter you cabin while at the hotel this will sound.

Opinion - A cross brace protecting the drives adds a sense of security. It's almost a guaranty some jack ass will be drafting you in the mountains for better gas mileage. Also, i decided never to make the trip until i got rid of the surge brake system and installed EOH. The trailer will push you and engage the trailer brakes going down steep grades. I got caught in heavy rain going down a steep grade and wasn't very happy about it.

Have fun though it's worth the trip! I can't wait to do it again. Best vacations hands down!

AB

Yup what everyone else said about breakdowns, tools, spares etc. If you going to drive the 95 corridor from N.Y. to D.C. Make sure you have a lot of cash for tolls. South of Md. Fuel is a little cheaper with cash and fill up in VA. (I think it was exit 7) Fuel is a lot cheaper. N.C. prices are crazy. If you hit the N.J. to D.C. leg at night you can miss a lot of traffic but construction zones might get you. And a coffee thermos.

Take advantage of low volume traffic times through cities as much as you can. It really helps your total travel time. After towing our 44 trailer back and forth from Michigan to Florida, we have found we like night driving. Temperatures are cooler, light traffic, maximum speeds with less slow downs even in construction zones you have more elbow room so to speak. Battery lug wrench, good spare. A guy I know carries a Sawzall so he can cut the flat tire off if he runs out of spares, and make it to the next town slowly without dragging the tire and leaving the wheel on. Infrared gun to check temps and some good coffee when you get fuel.

Some great info here. Load up the tools, bearings, tires, jack, blocks, infrared gun, grease, etc. You may make it without incident, but I doubt it. Just prepared for a trailer problem. I too like running at night because there is less traffic and lower temperatures. If you have a problem...not so good at night. Take that risk depending on how confident you are in your equipment and how ready you are to handle it. Driving by yourself and fixing problems, makes it even more difficult.

.As far as hotels, I always ask the front desk if I can park my rig right up front and tell them if they see anyone but me messing with the boat call the cops.
Being prepared is huge ! Take note of every post on this thread.

Having done this a few times, I prefer the I81 route over the traffic from NY - Richmond on I95. Id rather deal with the hills than the ahole drivers and congestion on I95. Purchase an 18V impact gun. Worth every penny when you are pulled over and messing with a lug wrench as semi's blow by at 70..

As for sleep, I can't sleep at the rest areas and Id rather spend a few bucks for a hotel than arrive all strung out from lack of sleep. One other thing - I found Trucker Path (free app) was very handy as it has great information on nearby fuel stops. Nothing worse than getting off with a trailer and having to mess around in a small gas station trying to fit in near the pumps..

Sounds like a great trip!

If you have even the slightest doubt about your tires, replace them before you leave. Take time to pull lugs then re-torque to make sure it's an easy job if required on the road. At least pull the center caps of hubs to inspect and adjust bearing preload. I always carry spare bearings in addition to a complete hub assembled and ready to install.
A cordless grinder with a zip disk on it is handy if you need to remove a bearing race from a spindle roadside, and can be used to de-burr any damage.
I slide a 100 gallon transport tank/pump for fuel into bed, fuel stops become quick rest area pit stops with no hassle. Then top everything off when needed at truck stop.
Proper preparation and the trip is a breeze. Most likely your spare parts will only be used to rescue your buddies, as mine have done multiple times.

I have to second this - it has alerted me to hazards and speed traps on too many occasions to count.

Ryan

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Hmmm, that looks like maui:)

It's a "frog" on a beach. Close enough! :)

Join BOATUS and add the roadside assistance insurance (its like $15) to your membership. If you end up needing a tow it pays for itself 100x over. Don't ask me how I know :)

FWIW, I have AAA RV+ coverage. It covers ALL of my vehicles, including a trailer for roadside and towing.
If I break down towing, they send 2 trucks.

All great advice. But to much over thinking. It's good to be prepared that's obvious. But just get on 95 and point the truck south. Tons of hotels along the way

Make sure which I'm sure you already have, replace tires if needed, RRbrakes and system. AAA has cheap insurance for towing your trailer and it is not covered on basic plan. Good Luck!

Having made the NJ to Florida and reverse trips multiple times, I prefer 95 to 81. 81 does have less cities and local traffic but the mountains and winding through them make for a much more stressful trip. I prefer the straight flat run of 95.
This is just my opinion.