Long distance tow

#1 10-08-2006, 12:41 PM

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

Skools Out · #2 10-08-2006, 01:06 PM

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.

phester · #3 10-08-2006, 02:23 PM

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

bigshrimpin · #4 10-08-2006, 02:25 PM

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.

bigshrimpin · #5 10-08-2006, 02:29 PM

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).

frayed_knot · #6 10-08-2006, 02:46 PM

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.

#7 10-08-2006, 03:12 PM

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.

Seacrets · #8 10-08-2006, 07:21 PM

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

phatdaddy · #9 10-08-2006, 10:41 PM

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.

reelapeelin · #10 10-08-2006, 11:16 PM

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...