What have I gotten myself into?

[ludacrous999b]

I just won this beauty off of EBay, a project boat no doubt.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120687732212#ht_2493wt_1165http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120687732212#ht_2493wt_1165

Will be towing it from Conroe, TX to Saint Robert, MO. I know nothing about towing. Vehicle will be a 2005 Dodge Ram, 4.7 Magnum engine. Rear was just greased for towing. My question is what do I need to inspect before attempting the long haul? There is a lake near Conroe so I can get it to a marina if they are the ones who repair trailers or I'm sure there is a tire place nearby. Please, any help for this newbie would be appreciated.

 

[tnduc]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Check the tires for cracks, pressure, etc... as you would a car tire. Make sure the bearings are greased and in good shape- carry a grease gun and grease each bearing every 100 miles or so. Trailer connections- ensure it secures properly to your hitch and chains are in good shape. Boat should be properly tied down to the trailer. I've made a a 1500 mile trip with my boat with no problems just by checking all the basics.

 

[roscoe]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

First, take someone with you that can inspect the trailer on the spot.
Check the hitch coupler, frame, winch stand, tie down points, axles, bearings, lights and connectors, brakes.


If it is too bad, you might be better off not taking the rig at all (abandon it).
Once you start towing it, it is yours.

A few minor repairs to get it home are one thing. But you don't want to stick $500 into the trailer to get it home, and then have to junk the trailer a few months down the road.

Don't be afraid to pay the guy the money, and then just walk away from it if you think it is best/easiest.

Make sure the trailer brakes are fully functional, and have the wheel bearings checked.

 

[canadianmark]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

I have done a bit of towing in my time.

Take it to any mechanic and get them to look it over. They will probably charge you.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

I would rent a car hauler or skid loader trailer. Something that you can winch the whole thing onto. Strap it all down and bring it home. You will haul an empty trailer there and get a feel for the trailer before it's loaded. You'll know the trailer will make the trip and it's in good shape.

 

[ludacrous999b]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Thanks all for the good advice. hung, I like your idea, protects me all the way home. I'll have a mechanic come out and check the trailer before completing the transaction. It's a long journey to just leave it there, I like the boat though so I'll probably end up bringing it back on the car hauler. Does anyone have experience with boat shippers, or is this an uneconomical option for a project boat?

 

[DaNinja]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Yeah, this is what happens when you dismiss cracks in the rubber because,
"It's just a few miles to the lake, we'll be fine."

Both front tires on the SeaRay trailer were shot after a quick trip to the lake.
I was lucky that the held together long enough to get it parked in the backyard.
As you can see, both tires have plenty of trend depth. Don't confuse tire wear with tire condition.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Wow 700 miles one way. Search "boat shippers" on here. Lots of good info. Looks like over 500 but under a grand, and will ship on flatbed. Might be cheaper than you going to get it, gas, food, hotel rooms. Is boat worth it? Your call.

 

[Jet Mech 71]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

I looked into having my boat shipped when I bought it. Most boat shipping company's simply send a pick up truck to get it and drag it to you. One thing to consider if you rent a car trailer is the fact that the boat and trailer might be to long for a car trailer to handle. To have it shipped via a flatbed you will need a place where they can load it. I was quoted well over $3000 to have mine hauled out on a flat bed, and $1500+ for a company to drag it to me. So how much time and money are you willing to put out for this? roscoe might be right, might be easier to just walk away. The other option is to bring your own tires and lights. I don't know about the rest of you but for some strange reason when a trailer has been sitting, the lights never work. Forget replacing the bulb because lets face it, it is rusted in there. Fresh tires, grease the bearings, put new lights and make sure you don't have any cracks in the trailer, even some new tie downs just to be on the safe side.

 

[ludacrous999b]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Already bought the tie downs, light kit and some high heat grease as recommended by the part store guy who had some fun experiences to tell me about long haul trailer towing. Have already located some shops down there who told me they can come out with parts and replace if needed for a not gonna kill me price. Gonna risk it guys. Wish me luck.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Already bought the tie downs, light kit and some high heat grease as recommended by the part store guy who had some fun experiences to tell me about long haul trailer towing. Have already located some shops down there who told me they can come out with parts and replace if needed for a not gonna kill me price. Gonna risk it guys. Wish me luck.

With the proper preparation, you'll be fine.
I may take the lil' Ray with me to Missouri this summer.
Well, now that the trailer has new tires and brakes.

 

[Jet Mech 71]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Well good luck, enjoy your new boat.

 

[NYBo]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Plan on about twice the time you think the return trip should take. Stop at least once every hundred miles and check the tires, hitch ball nut, and tiedowns. Place your hand near the hub and see if there is a lot of heat build-up. Keep your speed down; below 60 would be a good idea.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Call the seller and ask what size tires and rims are on it and get a few at the junk yard for just in case also make sure the bow strap is in good order. Good luck!!!!

 

[ludacrous999b]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Thanks for all the great advice! I got in touch with the seller. Explained i'm in the military and he perked right up, he's greasing the bearings for me and assured me the tires are good, he advised much the same as you all here have, low speed, check the bearings every so often. I thought about the bow strap as well and bought extra tie-downs to strap over the bow to the trailer. That way if the bow ring just falls out or the crank snaps off or any number of random possibilities its still attached to the trailer from the front.

 

[NYBo]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Cool!

And thank you for your service!!

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Lord that boat is a bucket.... I saw that sucker on ebay.. I live down here... The trailer is nicer than the boat... Lots of trailer repair can be done right there in Conroe... Get ya some straps to tie the stern down with... Good luck fixing that pile

 

[ludacrous999b]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Thanks Joshua, finally got some inside info on this boat! LOL!

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

Odom trailer repair.. They stock a lot of parts or use to.. I haven't been up that way in a long while.. They should be able to get ya on the road

 

[HollaGeo]

Re: What have I gotten myself into?

You have never towed before and your first experience is going to be with some old and neglected trailer. Have fun...