Towing 325 miles each way.

[Bifflefan]

I traded (with cash) my 16' for a newer boat that is 325 miles away. Heading out on monday to drop off and pick up the new one.
My trailer hasnt seen 325 miles in the last 20 years combined!!!
I think ill take every tool (almost) i own just in case i need them. Better over prepared than not at all.
Its a single axle, 12" tires and so on. In general good shape.
Besides a spare or 2 and my extra hub and bearings, and the tools to fix said parts. Anyone have anything to add to the take along list?

By the way the new one is a tandem axle, so im taking a chain to chain up an axle if needed. I dont have spare parts for this one yet.

 

[jfadool]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

MagLight and a buddy.

Two of the most important things in my book behind straps, hand tools, and a spare tire.

 

[reelnative]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

sounds like your ready to go just greese up the buddys and make sure you got enough air in the tires and I think your ready, you dont want to fly with 12in tires tho, and about spare parts for the new rig well theres a walmart on every corner, or ask the other owner if your new rig comes with a spare tire or hub and if not pic some up this weekend so you have it when you get there, allways rem sempher perodus (allways be prepared)

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

MagLight and a buddy.

Two of the most important things in my book behind straps, hand tools, and a spare tire.

The mag light is always in the truck. And i can never take to many straps and bungies.

just greese up the buddys

I never use the buddys. I cant stand them. But i have repacked the bearings as part of the winter maintance. But thanks for the thought.

 

[dave11]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

I agree with reelnative. Keep your speed down with those small tires.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

I agree with reelnative. Keep your speed down with those small tires.

Anything over 58 and my gas gauge falls out of the truck anyway....

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

Take a cell phone with. That way nothing will happen.

Our vacations are a 330 mile tow to Ontario Canada three times a year. My "every trip" routine while towing is to stop after the first 25 miles and lightly touch the hubs and tires to check for excessive heat. ( I say "lightly" as if it's real hot, you don't want to press your fingers against it ) I also do a walk around to check straps and lights.

I stop about every 75 or so miles after that. That corresponds with gas stops and dog "dewatering".

Have a safe trip and a non eventful tow.

Jeff

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

A jack capable of picking up BOTH trailers. It sucks but the jack I have for the Jeep and boat trailers won't go high enough for my hauling trailer. Naturally, I found out the hard way.

 

[macksk8er]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

Make sure you have a good spare with air in it. Check your lugs. Definitely check everything every time you stop. I just towed a boat from Florida to Ohio and had no issues. I hope you have the same kinda luck!

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

check the bearings on each trailer before the tow. Jack up each side and try to wiggle the wheel. If there is any play......no no. Found out the hard way on this one.....

 

[Low dsrt jon]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

For shure bring a small floor jack and a set of block's just in case of any problem's on a hill or something. Road flare's are also a forgotten but good to have item to carry with you. LDJ

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

I know I will be pounded on for this comment by a certain iboats member who I consider a friend............

PLEASE check the safety chains and the coupler

I usually carry a grease gun and give the bearings a shot or two when I stop for coffee. I also check for heat etc....

 

[boatflipper]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

I know I will be pounded on for this comment by a certain iboats member who I consider a friend............

PLEASE check the safety chains and the coupler

Oh Bob that was just dirty

 

[boatflipper]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

I never use the buddys. I cant stand them.

Just wondering why you dont like them? Seem like a good thing...

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

Here is an update:
Monday the 5th, boat trl ready to go, boat motor ready to go.
Truck, not so much. I went to grab a sandwich from the store and on the way there the LR inside brake pad broke and the lining fell off. by the time i got home the rotor was grooved up a bit.
Any one with a Super Duty F250 knows that along with the rotors and pads you must also replace the brake caliper brackets.
Long story short, the brake job took to much money to do so i didnt have a good enought coushin left to make the trip.....

There is always the first week in May I guess.....

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Towing 325 miles each way.

Let's look at this as the glass is half full. It happened before you were towing so you paid regular price for the repair instead of getting raped at some garage you were stuck at.

Things should be fine for next time.

Jeff