Need advice on long distance towing
 

I have only towed my boat about 100 miles one way, and this season, I would like to tow farther. My boat isn't particularly fast (low 70's) and is more of a performance cruiser. Is it worth it to go to a poker run? What are common unexpected road problems that I might be able to prepare for ahead of time?

Low 70's isn't exactly slow but you can do a poker run in a rubber dingy if you wanted. Remember, "it's not a race" and getting there first doesn't get you anything but bragging rights. You will have a blast in your cruiser.

As far as towing, check your tires (tread, pressure, cracking, etc) including your spare, lube your wheel bearings, check lights, wiring, etc. How are your trailer brakes, when were they last checked? Make sure your hitch is in good condition and is rated for your trailer weight. Don't forget your transom straps (and bow safety strap)! Make sure your tow vehicle is up to date as well (tires, brakes, belts, hoses, etc) and is big enought to tow the boat (with a 47 Fountain you better have a one ton dually, minimum!).

Keep plenty of distance in front of you, anticipate stops and turns, watch out for the idiots on the road!

also add to go ahead and map out a route so that you can see where fuel stops and such are at so you can guage your fuel distance to where to stop at, and a big breaker bar with the correct lugnut socket on it, impact grade for some of the trailer lugs are a buggar to get off, along with a good spare tire for bothe the rig and trailer.

Tire plugs,can of fix a flat,and portable air source. Spare bulbs.

Oh yea, and don't forget a jack for the trailer. Try it out at home first to make sure you can get it under the trailer (especially the middle axle) and that it will lift the wheel off the ground.

Well i cary a small tool box. It contains two spare sets of bearings and seals, and all the tools to do the swap. I also carry a good size jack, spare tire, and straps. Worst case strap the axle up and you can make it off the highway. One day i am going to be like my buddy and just have a whole spare hub ready to go. You never know what will break. I have lost all the studs and almost lost the wheel...actually only broke 7 of the 10. Can't think how many times i have heard of people having bearings go bad. Oh and do what others have suggested..with brakes and air pressure and grease.
Go to the poker runs, it isn't how fast, it is who had the most fun.

man, you guys covered it all. ROCK ON!!!! make sure that your breakaway works also. and remember to have fun.

Loud radio in truck will help keep your mind off what is behind you when parts start flying off!

You have gotten some great tips here seriously.

We found a few blocks of wood 2x6's will raise a flat better than a jack. just drive onto it with the good tire and don't have to worry about a jack falling or even having to carry one for the trailer. A boat of that size will require a very large cap jack. Also we now carry a battery powered impack gun. Saves even more time.

Just be carefull and enjoy...............................

[QUOTE=marylandmark;2427784]A lot of poker runs are doing staggered starts- the big guns first than us slower guys after them.

Down here the BIG GUNS start 15 mins after the slower guys ..:evilb:

If you have aluminum wheels carry a torque wrench and torque your lug nuts every 400 to 500 miles.

Great advice. I'm glad I posted this. A lot of things that can be overlooked. THANKS!

I suggest at the minimum having 2 spare tires. The wood to drive up on makes things a lot faster like suggested. I purchased a 20 ton bottle jack. It is small and compact and not as heavy as a floor jack. Also, you would need 2 floor jacks to lift your trailer with the boat on it. You need the jack in case you need to strap an axle up. Pick up a small section of 4 x 6 beam and have it cut at an angle so you can use that to drive up on. I'd keep 2 on the truck as they dont take up much space.

I lost a bearing on the London Bridge in Havasu on the way out of town. I needed a new axle, so carrying an extra hub would have done nothing for me. Try to get the boat as light as possible for transport, meaning very low on fuel and no water. Pack gear in the truck, not the boat.

Have your bearings repacked and new seals put on before a long trip (1000+ miles roundtrip). Do it at the beginning of every season if you tow a lot.

A few other things... Always make sure you have water for yourself in case you are stranded for a few long hours. Flashlight in case you have problems at night. I would put 3-4 small cones in the truck as well to use as a warning if you are doing something on the side of the road. Trucks flying by on the highway while you are working on something from the drivers side can get to your nerves. Have a small air compressor and tool kit also. Rechargable impact would be cool, but not necessary if you the tools you need ready to go.

The most I tow is about 700 miles roundtrip. I cant stand being in the truck more than 6 hours at a time.

Good luck and have fun.

Do you have a spare truck and trailer to carry everything on the list?

Did you see what he is towing? 370SS is a beast on a trailer! He must have the dual axle trailer with the airbag suspension on the Ford Explorer. :D

Or you could just install a downlink to OSO, and if you have a problem, with its 45,000 members you are bound to be close to someone who can help. Otherwise, better put dual wheels on that Explorer.

Everyone was shared some good advice. I can add a few suggestions. I always stop and check the load, straps, tires, bearings one hour out. At the first stop and every fuel stop walk around the rig check with the back of your hand tire temp. Touch the bearing hubs and notice temp. Tires and bearings get hot before failure so at first hour get a base line and compare as trip progresses.