View Full Version : Advice about boat transport
bigroundrocks
12-06-2008, 08:07 PM
My buddy is going to buy a formula 292 fastec in Vegas, He has a new 1/2 ton Dodge which I adviced him not to buy because of his intentions when it comes to this boat purchase. So my questions are:
How will his truck pull this boat.
Does anyone pull 29 foot plus boats with a 1/2ton
I told him theres no way he would want to pull it back from Nevada to Wisconson behind that truck.
Does anyone rent 3/4 or 1 ton trucks.
Who transports boats and what does this cost.
Thank you for all feed back
O'ya I tell him on a weekly basis that he just needs to trade his truck for a different one. Its not going to happen. just had to add that since it seems like the best answer.
Denny <><
12-06-2008, 08:23 PM
Don't use over drive. Beef up rear suspension, if it doesn't lift the front end off the ground. Make sure trailer has VERY good brakes. Yes I would check on renting a 1ton truck.
mr fun
12-06-2008, 08:40 PM
ryder, hertz, penski, hertz/penski, :rolleyes: depends on how much the driver needs the load, cheap is a 1.35 a mile for a big truck. :iagree:
Cobra1racer
12-06-2008, 09:50 PM
I couldn't rent a car hauler without having a 3/4 ton. Boy did I luck out. I did a 27 with my 1/2 ton dodge, 2 mile tow, yard to yard.That dodge was squating like a female dog, wasn't much fun. I don't think he would be leagal towing a boat that heavy. The tonge weight would be over 500 pounds. I wouldn't do it. Beside he's horse power challanged with that 1/2 ton. Get a real truck.
bigroundrocks
12-06-2008, 10:11 PM
the boat's weight is 7000lbs plus trailer
The truck would have not been my first choice but It has a 390hp hemi and a tow rating at 9100lb. Its on a tri axle trailer, As far a touge weight that is the issue. THANK YOU for all your input keep the idea's com'n. What he wants to do is Rent a 3/4 or 1 ton its hard to find some one first that has this truck and second them to allow you to tow with it. We drove to Huston for my boat. Must be a Guy thing now my buddy wants to road trip for this one.
mr fun
12-07-2008, 08:00 AM
espically if it's a 1 time deal, just going to be a handfull. stopping, cornering, hills, all require forethought. tonge weight should be adjusted by position of boat on trailer, idealy you want little or no weight on the ball, 500 lbs there should be adjusted by moving the boat back on the bunks a tad. ideal, there should be no weight on the ball. mirrors may not be wide enough to see around, thats a very dangerous situation changeing lanes. serge brakes on the trailer are a very attractive option :rolleyes: good luck :cool:
Hottrucks
12-07-2008, 08:13 AM
Hey Fun not to step on your toes here but little to no weight on the ball will make this a monster to drive ...your going to need at least 500lbs on it ..you need the weight to help in the control or the boat weighing more than the truck will push it into a slide and cause a sway condition at best.........
what is more important is the wheel base of the truck...if it's a short wheel box FORGET IT!!! if it's on a king cab or 4 door it will be alot safer...also tires...a short side wall or D rated tire has stiffer side walls and will also help with handling...
IMAO I would suck it up and have it hauled up here by something that is more suited for the trip....If I was just dragging it a few miles to the ramp I wouldn't sweat it...
I think the best thing you could do is rent a Larger Uhaul (I think most come with hitches) problem is that by the time you spend $ to fly there get the uhaul $ fuel to get it home $ then add the risk (weather/******* drivers) you could pay someone to do it......
Another thing be sure to insure it before it leaves even if you don't plan on insureing it once it's home..the last thing you want to do is fight with someone over getting it fixed IF something happens let the ins. company do it thats there job and worth a few $$
Fl Boy in ILL
12-07-2008, 08:16 AM
Check with Frank Mole here on the site, I don't know him but he's a supporting vendor and does boat transport, says he has Christmas specials going on now!!
Rick
Hottrucks
12-07-2008, 09:10 AM
Frank doesn't do things that big I try to pick up the bigger stuff but vegas to mich this time of year is Sketchy because of Holidays and weather....if you wanted to wait till after the holidays then I might think about it and I would need to find something going that way to make it worth it.....I would suggest going across 40 to OK city then north the rockies and mid west weather can out run a truck and put you roadside for a day or two..best thing to do is hire it out.....that thing is 29 feet plus 3 for the outdrive and 5 for the tongue thats alomost 40 feet hanging from the bumper and how wide is it?? I would bet you suck up every inch of the 102" your allowed by law to tow during the day without permits
Heres and Idea call Skater ( only big manufacture I could think of up there) and ask if they are delivering anythng that way If they have a truck coming back you may catch a deal....
.
if you decide to have it hauled , i would suggest this guy
http://tugmyboat.com/
he towed a boat from milwaukee to new york for me , good guy
ask for dan (the owner)
.
jacklake2003
12-07-2008, 10:53 AM
Try Armada Van Rental. They rent 3/4 and 1 tons.
bigroundrocks
12-07-2008, 11:17 AM
Wow Thanks again for all the info. He really wants to pull it home and has the money to do it what ever it takes. Good advice on insurance, that ones a life saver. Neither of use have ever pulled a boat this size but we are well seasoned when pulling large trailers hualing hay or enclosed this is a little longer but i've towed twice the weight. the mountains worry me alittle this time of year but thats part of the journey right. Thanks to who has suggested tonge weight issues. one more thing to remember. My stratos is very light on the hitch and does suck for long drives. so we will need to address that issue. Thanks again
Frank Molé
12-07-2008, 01:40 PM
Check with Frank Mole here on the site, I don't know him but he's a supporting vendor and does boat transport, says he has Christmas specials going on now!!
Rick
thanks rick :thumbsup: but to big for me :eek:
mr fun
12-07-2008, 01:46 PM
but 500 lbs on a 1/2 ton truck is half it capicity, few hundred in stuff and it would be squatting bad, maby even bottoming out on bumps. i agree on letting a big rig handle it. as in the old cowboy days, you load your horse, i'll load mine. on the smaller stuff we run around with, actions, streams, etc. i never try to add to the tongue weight on my f-150. i've never owned a duelly pick up, went straight up to my pete 379. does the dodge have a towing package? tranny cooler, larger radiator, etc? oh yea, an equalizer hitch (frame mounted) you definatly don't want to hitch that to the bumper. fun out :smiletest:
bigroundrocks
12-07-2008, 02:32 PM
The truck does have a towing package. But driving it from wi to nv and then back with a boat is out of the question. I've been telling him he needs to buy a bigger truck which isn't a problem he just doesnt want the payment seeing how this one is a couple of month from being payed for. He was looking at a 35' in the area and thought he would be fine pulling boat to launch and back about 2 miles with his current truck. But if he would have bought it wouldn't have towed it the 40 miles home with the truck. I think hes crazy either way. He needs a bigger truck. I will continue to look for a rental as that is his wish but I think he's going to have to have it shipped. Which is to bad I'm all for a good road trip.
Hottrucks
12-07-2008, 04:55 PM
Hey Fun I always thought a nice 359 with set back axle and a bed bug sleeper would be a kick ass boat hauler... knock out the front drive axle move the rear axle forward put a hitch on it and go...even if it had 1/2 million miles and a 300 ( I would want a 425 mech or any of the b blocks) an 8 over and you have a rig that can haul most anything and still turn on a dime...I would be you could compete in the mileage catagory to since the thing would never work..and **** you'd have a huge place to sleep them bed bug haulers know how to set up the inside nicer than my living room.... Image the look you would get with that thing and 2 big shot stacks backing your boat in..........did I mention propane :)
mr fun
12-07-2008, 06:04 PM
severt, they run reefers back n forth on I-10, st A fla to someplace south of LA, show truck. i'll try to get a pic. mac daddy rigs for sure, all pete's, to the max :iagree: www.severttrucking.com hit that and then hit gallery, enjoy
Hottrucks
12-07-2008, 06:28 PM
I have wood..............but the 359 would have been a better pick up if you look it's on a dodge chase with cumin's
mr fun
12-07-2008, 06:37 PM
i'm cramped in a 359, pedels are closer than a 379. :cheers:
kuczman
12-07-2008, 07:23 PM
1/2 ton truck's problem is not the tong weight but brakes size, isn't it?
They are sized for 1/2 ton payload. How is it going to stop that huge boat behind it safely? Not the springs but the brakes would worry me. And the liability. Would the car insurance co. cover such mismatch in case of an accident?
Powerplay25
12-07-2008, 08:39 PM
I actually towed a 29' Mirage with a pair of big blocks on a triple axle steel trailer back from New York last spring. Towed it with a Porche Cayenne. It was a heavy bastard. It was hysterical when we pulled up, the seller in his New York accent said "Your going to tow it with that?" Amazingly it towed it back rather well. However I certainly would not recommend it. It wasn't my vehicle. I would not have subjected my car to that kind of beating.
You mentioned his truck is brand new. He will void the warranty if the trailered weight is over the tow limits of the truck.
I would definately rent a truck to tow it back.
bigroundrocks
12-07-2008, 08:52 PM
I never thought about the warranty, I should add I mistook the truck as brand new its not, however it is still under warranty. The problem we are having is no one rents 3/4 or 1ton trucks. That I have found. here in MN around the Twin cities. I believe its may cost 2k plus to have it shipped? I guess I dont even know though. Thanks to everyone for there input.
time warp
12-07-2008, 10:51 PM
I don't see that it's that much of a problem, if the tow rating of the truck is 9100 pounds as equipped and the boat weighs 7000 pounds + Trailer, depending on the trailer it's going to be right around 2000 pounds. If the trailer is a little heavier than you will be over weight, but not by a major amount. If the boat is full of fuel, get a hose and siphon it into the truck as you need fuel to make the boat lighter, also drain the water tanks in the boat. There is a huge difference between todays 1/2 Ton trucks and the 1/2Tons of 20-30 Years ago, if this truck has the Hemi it probably also has 4 wheel disc brakes. It probably is just as good for hauling that weight as an older 3/4 ton truck, if the manufacturer says it's rated for 9100 pounds why would you think it isn't up to that task?
Just my $.02
Flame suit on,
Caleb
bigroundrocks
12-08-2008, 12:32 AM
time warp I understand your thoughts completely but don't really want to take the chance seeing how its 1750 miles one way and my uneducated guess is 500 miles of it is through the mountains. Better safe then sorry.
Hottrucks
12-08-2008, 06:35 AM
do the math
1750 + 1750 = 3500 miles @ 12 mpg ( 291.6) X $1.75 = $510 fuel
3 night min Hotel @ $50 = $150
1 week truck rental ( or one way fee) $500
time off from work = priceless
risk of you haveing shlt happen
total someone else doing it..........................................
Hottrucks
12-08-2008, 06:35 AM
I forgot food and beer
mr fun
12-08-2008, 07:41 AM
I forgot food and beer
the boats in VEGAS, make that steaks n liquor :iagree:
Hottrucks
12-08-2008, 12:34 PM
then I forgot hookers too!!!!!
bigroundrocks
12-08-2008, 04:53 PM
Found a truck today. 03 F350 super cab diesel $366 for 4 days unlimited miles
Hottrucks
12-08-2008, 05:23 PM
Found a truck today. 03 F350 super cab diesel $366 for 4 days unlimited miles
Perfect I own an 04 your going to get 17 @ 80 on the way down and 12 on the way back running 75 be sure to air the rear tires WHEN YOU GET THERE up to the recomend 75 psi but for the trip down run them @ 55psi it will ride much nicer..borrow a cap if you can for the trip it keeps your shlt dry and clean and help air flow over the boat..
going south run any way thats shortest but I would go across 40 to littlerock or memfis/ nashvile then north to beat the weather
Fcmarine
12-08-2008, 05:33 PM
I have herd a few people throw around www.uship.com lately. I have never personally used it but its free so its worth a shot.
mr fun
12-08-2008, 07:11 PM
Found a truck today. 03 F350 super cab diesel $366 for 4 days unlimited miles
that'll be fun, check insurance :iagree:
bigroundrocks
12-08-2008, 11:53 PM
Perfect I own an 04 your going to get 17 @ 80 on the way down and 12 on the way back running 75 be sure to air the rear tires WHEN YOU GET THERE up to the recomend 75 psi but for the trip down run them @ 55psi it will ride much nicer..borrow a cap if you can for the trip it keeps your shlt dry and clean and help air flow over the boat..
going south run any way thats shortest but I would go across 40 to littlerock or memfis/ nashvile then north to beat the weather
Thats a good idea about tire preasure, thanks I know of this but wouldn't have thought about. What do you mean "CAP" I don't know what your talking about.
As for the route it will be 35 to 70 to 15 to vegas. on the way there. We will probably take 40 to 54 back to wichita to 35 Mapquest says 24hrs down and 28 back.
When we get there he wants a lake trial and then have it winterized wants the trailer serviced and then the boat gone thru mechanically and structurally to ensure it condition. should be a great little get away.
I've never in my life boated in December so I can wait! :D
Hottrucks
12-09-2008, 06:23 AM
cap the thing that cover the bed of the truck???
good luck with the trip and think Shrink rap
GTO GEORGE
12-09-2008, 10:56 AM
I don't see that it's that much of a problem, if the tow rating of the truck is 9100 pounds as equipped and the boat weighs 7000 pounds + Trailer, depending on the trailer it's going to be right around 2000 pounds. If the trailer is a little heavier than you will be over weight, but not by a major amount. If the boat is full of fuel, get a hose and siphon it into the truck as you need fuel to make the boat lighter, also drain the water tanks in the boat. There is a huge difference between todays 1/2 Ton trucks and the 1/2Tons of 20-30 Years ago, if this truck has the Hemi it probably also has 4 wheel disc brakes. It probably is just as good for hauling that weight as an older 3/4 ton truck, if the manufacturer says it's rated for 9100 pounds why would you think it isn't up to that task?
Just my $.02
Flame suit on,
Caleb I agree, if the trailer has surge brakes, and they work, what's the big deal? Gas prices are down, air up the tires and go.
Powerplay25
12-09-2008, 12:47 PM
I agree, if the trailer has surge brakes, and they work, what's the big deal? Gas prices are down, air up the tires and go.
Why push the tow limits of your new truck on a long trip and beat the hell out of your transmission?
Towing 9000lbs with a light duty truck, especially on a long trip will shorten the life of the transmission.
I view the 400 dollars as money well spent on a truck that will easily and safely tow the load.
bigroundrocks
12-09-2008, 02:23 PM
Hottrucks, we talked this morning about shrink raping the boat but I wonder if you can even get that done in NV. I bought my boat in Texas and called everyone most people acted like they didn't even know what i was talking about.
As for the truck he rented it for 6 days, $450 unlimited miles. You can beat that!! As POWERPLAY said He doesnt have to put the wear on his truck or the 3600 miles.
I stand corrected once again about his truck. He said today its a 06 Dodge 5.7 hemi I looked it up it has a tow rating little over 7000lbs. It's not until 07 they raised it to 9100lb i think. Did they even put a 5.7 Hemi in the 06's?
Trailer has does have brakes.
Hottrucks
12-09-2008, 03:46 PM
Hottrucks, we talked this morning about shrink raping the boat but I wonder if you can even get that done in NV. I bought my boat in Texas and called everyone most people acted like they didn't even know what i was talking about.
.
Bring it with you then..............
bigroundrocks
12-09-2008, 07:26 PM
Ya we talked about that, doing it are self. I have never shrink wrapped anything but it can't be that hard right? Shrink wrap, heat gun, and duck tape right?
baja200merk
12-09-2008, 07:41 PM
i towed a 25 twin engine checkmate on a dual axle trailer with my dakota, about 20miles and then down the beach through the sand and backed it into the water :D wish i took pictures of everyones face :P i couldnt even see the rub rail in my rear view :eek:
gotta love low range, 33s with 15lbs in em :thumbsup:
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