Towing Boat and Jeep

[Bucks45]

Looking for ideas. I need to tow my boat (23' Sea Ray) and my '78 CJ 5. Need to go about 250 miles. I don't want to buy a trailer because this will be a one time deal. I have access to a fifth wheel/gooseneck F-350. Plenty of pulling power, but not sure how to go about it. I have a 20' equipment trailer (non- fifth wheel), but thats it. Do they rent anything? Any ideas would be appreciated. By the way, I have lots of experience pulling/towing. I have a class A CDL and have driven semi's and pulled equipment since I was about 18. I realize that the easy answer is two vehicles or two trips, but I need to do this by myself, in one trip. Thanks guys.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

I don't think there is a safe or legal way to do it. Just make the two trips and be done with it.

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

18 wheeler and a low-boy.
I know, easier said than done.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

well you could legally double tow.... you can't put the boat on the back of the jeep... You could likely flat tow the jeep behind the the boat but that will be dependent on the trailer design and fabrication of a hitch for the boat trailer that clears the engine/drive.... Another option is to put a hitch on the back of the equipment trailer to tow the boat but you could have trouble with tail whip and might need to travel too slowly for the highway .......There are trailers big enough to haul both but I suspect that finding a 40' goose to rent will be next to impossible..

In the end you'll probably find that this just isn't practical and just get a buddy to drive the jeep for ya

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

I would pay a transporter to take the boat while I drive the jeep or tow the Jeep.

 

[Bucks45]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

Called a friend this morning. His wife's family owns an implement business. He's checking and thinks he can get me a 35' goose neck trailer. If not, I think you guys are right, two trips, or two vehicles. If I get the trailer, I'll definitely post pics! Thanks.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

If you can trust this, find a college kid and offer him $50 to drive the jeep while you tow the boat. You will be driving along with him so at least you will know he is not hot dogging in your Jeep.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

If you can trust this, find a college kid and offer him $50 to drive the jeep while you tow the boat. You will be driving along with him so at least you will know he is not hot dogging in your Jeep.

Lol, I was just thinking the same thing...go rent yourself a friend to drive it.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

a 35' goose is gonna be TIGHT at best.... jeep is 12'+ the boat and trailer has to be at least 25' and I'd bet 27'....

If you manage to squeeze it on make sure and flag your overhang.... gonna be plenty of it

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

you also have to get the driver home; he gets a 5 hour drive and a 5+ hour bus ride. Would take more than $50.

But there are driver companies at least there used to be.

You say you have "access to" a 350 so I assume you aren't tied to that. How about renting a rollback, put the jeep on it, and hitch up the boat?

Reminds me of the old riddle about the rowboat, fox, chicken and corn.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

so I gotta ask.... what's the reason for this maneuver anyhow?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

It JUST hit me... they DO rent something to do this... it's called a Uhaul van... don't tell em what you plan to do but scrounge up some ramps and put the jeep in the truck and the boat behind it.... done and done

 

[cribber]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

What Smoke said... just get a Uhaul truck big enough to hold the jeep and off you go!!!

 

[StormRider01]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

I've seen worse:

 

[cribber]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

I've seen worse

We do what we gotta do!!!

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

I've seen worse:

Notice that's a Ford towing that huge rig?

Just sayin'.....lol.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

Notice that's a Ford towing that huge rig?

Just sayin'.....lol.

I don't see it actually moving. I think it might be taking a break and waiting for a Chevy

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

actually it's probably an international engine dragging the ford and the "huge" load..... lol
you should see me on the highway towing my 38' triple slide 5er with my jeep on a towbar behind it and a boat on the roof of the jeep.... I'd be crazy enough to put the wellcraft behind the 5er but I'm CERTAIN that the fuzz would nab me plus it'd prolly tear the camper in half.

 

[Bucks45]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

so I gotta ask.... what's the reason for this maneuver anyhow?

I like the u-haul idea. I knew someone would ask "why". I'm trading the jeep and boat for a 1972 Chevelle, numbers matching 350, 48,000 original miles! Pretty excited about it. It's a beautiful car. I'll probably be out of boating for the season, but maybe get another this fall. I have pics, I'll post them shortly.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Towing Boat and Jeep

Dont tell Uhaul what you plan to do or they wont rent it to you, but the CJ5 should easily fit in the back, and tow the boat. I just sold my CJ5 and have towed my 21ft Tahoe with it around the block to the ramp. Maybe just tow the boat with the CJ5. LOL. NOT. I coulndt even see my but driving the CJ5 that far. That is a long distance in a short wheelbase Jeep like that.