Long distance tow
 

I have an opportunity to get a really good deal on a 88 v-20 cuddy ( free :D ) with a 1996 175 Ocean Runner.
Its my Dads boat and has seen minimal use the last few years.

Thing is , its in Florida and I'm in Mich. As luck would have it, the family and I are driving down over Christmas.

I have a 2005 Durango (12,000 miles)with the 4.7, no tow package so I would have to have a hitch installed.

I can see this thing all set up for Salmon fishing but the tow back bothers me a bit (1,300 miles) Especially since I will have the wife and kids with me. :-[

What do you think ?

Freebe

Re: Long distance tow
 

just get a spare tire for the trailer repack the trailer bearings and you shouldn't have any problems. Just stop and check the hub temps and tire temps every so often to make sure nothing is to hot. if tires to hot add air if hubs to hot add grease.

Re: Long distance tow
 

a quick membership to AAA would be an easy insurance policy, and of course what Skools said.... ;)

Re: Long distance tow
 

Congrats on the boat . . . . You should have no problem at all with your rig. Just take it slow.

Just like skools said

new bearings and seals ($30/pair).

Change the tires if they are dry and cracked from the sun.
if you need a new pair get a set of Goodyear Marathons

Check all the ubolts, leaf springs, etc - make sure that you don't have a weak spot somewhere.

Lights - plan on replacing these the new LED lights are nice and bright. ($50 set)

If the trailer is an 88 and been in and out of saltwater . . . you may have some work especially if your dad has brakes on the trailer. Technically you should have working trailer brakes on that trailer to be legal in some states you're driving through (including florida) :) but many people don't. Just leave lots of space b/w you and the next car to stop.

Where in Michigan are you located.

Re: Long distance tow
 

Phester - BoatUS trailer club offers AAA like service for trailers (up to $150), but AAA won't help you at all with a boat trailer.

(unless something has changed in the last 2 years).

Re: Long distance tow
 

Everybody is right on as far as the trailer, BUT you need to consider the tow vehicle too. Not only will you need to get a good class III or better hitch, but get it wired correctly AND see about a trans cooler. Other than that, the Durango should be able to tow that without a problem, check the owners manual and door sticker to make sure it is capable of towing that load.

Re: Long distance tow
 

yep, what everybody said. specialy the tranny cooler. if ur truck dont have one (prob not) it would be a good investment. specialy in the hills. if you gonna be towing the boat for the next few years, you'll be glad it there. if it were me, and i didn't have the funds for a cooler, i still wouldn't hesitate. just watch ur guages. if she starts runnin hot (motor) just pull over and let her cool. heat will make a tranny slip, thats ur biggest worry. with or without the cooler, do NOT pull that boat home in overdrive! whenever towing anything leave ur tranny in third. never overdrive.

Re: Long distance tow
 

We've got some guys from Florida on this site. If you need help, let us know. Where is the boat located?

Re: Long distance tow
 

everybody is giving great advice, The only thing i would add is to take 2 spare tires. I trailer to the keys and back (1500 miles round trip) without any problems. If you take 1 spare tire and have a flat, you waste time hunting a new spare. and you don't feel comfortable traveling without one. I have a tandem axle trailer.

Re: Long distance tow
 

The transmission-cooler is the most important thing said here...do that and all other suggestions, including taking it easy goin' back and ya oughtta be OK...let us know how it goes...

Re: Long distance tow
 

Thanks for all the good advise!

I forgot to add he put a new tandem axel trailer under it last year also. I don't think its been in the water yet.

I'll probably add a kicker to it for slow trolling for salmon and walleye. I think its a great platform for my kind of fishing. Just a long haul to get it back to Mich.

Thanks again for all the helpful comments, You'll be hearing from me again.

Freebe

Re: Long distance tow
 

Freebee don't catch too many walleyes save some for me and Wise Guy. Where are you located in MI? Billy Mac ;D

Re: Long distance tow
 

Just my 2 cents worth. Add all the new expenses,
1) Class 3 trailerhitch & wiring * * * * * * *$250.00
2) Transmission Cooler, installed * * * * *$200.00
3) Double the fuel expense w/towing * $150.00
4) Boaters World Trailer Club * * * * * * * *$150.00
5) Spare tire * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *$75.00
Thats $825.00 not counting any extra tolls, problems, wear and tear on your truck and you. I have a 4.7 in my 2004 Dodge full size pick up and mine does great around town, but sucks towing on the Hiway. I towed mine 60 miles south and burned 1/2 a tank of gas and it even started to run a bit warm. Plus you shouldn't tow with the overdrive on. I had My V20 shipped down from Virginia for under $900 bucks. It got here over night and was dropped of almost in front of my house, no wear and tear on me, my truck, the boat or trailer. To be fair, my trailer wouldn't have taken a long tow, but I think they did a good job at a great price.

Re: Long distance tow
 

good point Franco

Re: Long distance tow
 

I've been a little concerned about that size motor makin' that long a tow myself...LOOOONG way...Franco makes an excellent point...plus one other thing...your family...if the Durango goes down, the side of an Interstate ain't a good place to be... :( ...


There's another alternative...RENT a vehicle w/ more towing capacity...I like that since you're making the trip to visit your dad anyway... ;) ...

Re: Long distance tow
 

Freebee, With the right hitch, trailer wiring, and trans cooler I wouldn;t thiink twice about it. Out her in drive and head for home. Heck, I'd even bet that a new tandem in FLA has brakes on it, as required by FLA law. They sell that Durango with a factory tow package and it's built to do the job. Take it easy and enjoy vacation.

Airslot

Re: Long distance tow
 

The rental Idea is a great one except I have never found a rental that they would allow you to tow with for less than about $35 a day +$.35 a mile + fuel. The smallest thing I could find for towing was a mid/large moving truck. Most rentals are more expensive one way and both ways costs twice as much.

Re: Long distance tow
 

Franco,

Thats great advise on trying to find a company to haul it up here for me. Considering my minimal investment, its a good idea and would save me some grief. (did I already say I'd have the wife and 3 kids with me?)

I will need a hitch any way so that cost was planned as was the additional expense for gas. Did'nt think about insurance but will check into it.

Mac - I'm in Commerce Twp. but fish St. Clair when things freeze up.

Thanks again for all the great advise.

Freebe

Re: Long distance tow
 

Where is the boat located? I might be able to get you some names to haul it.