Long haul pulling boat trailer

[pecheux]

Hi Y'Awl
I am planning on driving to Jacksonville Fla sometimes next winter for a 6 to 8 weeks stay. I am also thinking of taking my small boat with me for freshwater fishing. Bearing buddies have been installed. The drive totals 1500 miles one way so I wonder if doing so makes any sense with such a small trailer with 10 inches wheels on it. (as per my avatar) Or am I better off leasing one down there ? Tx

 

[marine4003]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

Naaaa, bring your boat, i hauled my 13 BW, 10" tires and all from NC to NH (960MILES 1 WAY) with no trouble, i just strapped her down real good, used a trailerable cover and away i went, leasing is alright...but, you know your boat,and if your like me..its set up the way i like it. Plus i live 1/2 way...get into trouble down here and 50 people will jump to help...Southern Hospitality

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

Oh, heck yes! For that long, I'd haul the boat. It's lightweight and shouldn't be any trouble to you. Just check the bearings and tires really well, have a spare hub and spare tire on hand (a good idea all the time) and drag her along.

You'll be really glad you did!

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

If the trailer is in good shape and is sized correctly for the boat, I see no problem in making this trip. One thing you might consider, however, is the cost of renting a boat at your destination v. the added costs of towing the boat. Depending on what type of boat you would rent, and how many days you expect to use it, the rental might be less expensive.

 

[rndn]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

Take your boat and make sure you are at the suggested psi on the tires. Bring along a grease gun and give a shot or two to each bearing buddy when you break for the evening.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

You may want to check Craig's list and buy one in Florida,then sell it again before you leave.That way you will save a hunk of money in fuel costs and you will save yourself a pile of potential trouble if anything goes wrong on icy slippery roads.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

renting here is hard, expensive, bring your boat, have the bearings serviced, have a spare tire, jack, lug wrench. we tow the 5,000 lb Chris Craft 600miles one way to the keys, that little boat will be a breeze. the main thing i do everytime we stop, whether for gas or the rest stop, is walk around the trailer, touch the hugs for heat, should be able to hold you hand on it. the other thing is to know the sounds your trailer makes, do play radio loud, if you hear something strange, other than change of pavement, a roar, etc. then investigate. check the lug nuts every evening.

 

[JB]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

re: Bearing Buddies.

Check that the spring is compressed about 1/2 way. Adding grease when the spring is compressed all the way will blow out the inner seal and line your wheels with grease.

Don't ask how I know that, just take my word for it.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

re: Bearing Buddies.

Check that the spring is compressed about 1/2 way. Adding grease when the spring is compressed all the way will blow out the inner seal and line your wheels with grease.

Don't ask how I know that, just take my word for it.

Blow the inner seal from the Bearing buddy or from the trailer wheels ???

 

[JB]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

Wheel bearing inner seal.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

TD mentioned everything except where his favorite fishing holes are! Maybe you can bribe him. Good luck on the trip.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

TD mentioned everything except where his favorite fishing holes are! Maybe you can bribe him. Good luck on the trip.

Thanks ... Yea that sounds like a plan ... LOL TD lives in Jax ... and I would have a fishing parter ... would'nt have to pull my small boat all the way down and back up ... althought I know a few general fishing spots around Mayport I presume TD knows exactly were to go from the Mayport lauching docks ... LOL I will check with him .... LOL

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

Enjoy the trip. Nothing I can add that has not been said already.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

I have the 8" tires on mine and I have buzzed 2-3 hours one way with the boat full of gear and a kayak strapped on top. make sure the tires are aired up proper and keep to a reasonable speed and have at it.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

Well I never went any further than 35 minutes from home with the trailer/boat kit ... so I donno what to expect. The bearing buddies that were installed lately seem to perform fine ... I see a hint of grease from the inside seal joint, so I presume all bearings are being greased properly. Yep I keep the tires inflated at 50 psi for a total recommended of max of 60 psi ... is that enough or should I go max ?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

for highway speed go max.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

Make sure the jack you take will work when you have a flat. Seen several guys stuck on the side of the road with a flat they can't change cause the jack wont fit.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

for highway speed go max.

I heard that ... tx

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Long haul pulling boat trailer

You may want to check Craig's list and buy one in Florida,then sell it again before you leave.That way you will save a hunk of money in fuel costs and you will save yourself a pile of potential trouble if anything goes wrong on icy slippery roads.

I think you are on to something here Rolmops. I think this is what I would do...but with one difference. I would bring the boat back to Canada and resell it up here. Some of the U.S prices are half of what they are up north.
Who knows Peucheux maybe you would end up keeping the boat you bought (at a serious discount) and selling your existing one.
For the sake of it why not check out some craigslist-Florida boat/market prices before you make your decision....nothing to lose.
The more I think about it, this is what I would do.
As for the trailering part, if thats your decision...no problems. Keep an eye on the hub temperature and enjoy the drive.
Keep us posted on what your decision is.
BP