How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

CHUCKB1

Cadet
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
16
I'm planning on towing my 17' Lund from Colorado to Idaho. One way is approx. 1100 miles. I plan on doing 550 miles per day. Boat, trailer, gas and gear weigh in at about 3200 pounds. I'll be towing with a Chevy heavy duty 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup. It has the 7.4 L engine with 4:10 gears. Am I crazy or is this long trip no big deal? Other than periodic inspection of the trailer wheel bearings and tires, is there anything else I should do for such a long haul?
 

6MISFITZ

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
290
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

ChuckB1, you have more than enough truck. <br />Check all pressures in the tires before you leave as well as all fluids in the truck. <br />I would have at least one spare trailer tire and one set of bearings just in case with some basic tools to change them just in case.<br />A cell phone, flash light and a rain suit /poncho are always part of my travel plans. Check the rad and you should be good to go. <br />Don't try to push mileage between fill ups!<br /><br />Enjoy the drive.<br /><br />The most miles I have towed my boat in one day was about 500 km or about 300 miles.<br />I have some extra water / pop and candy but I usually have to stop for the kids or wife long before I need gas. Most miles I have towed with a trailer is about 900 km or about 550 miles but that was with out family.<br />Just be patient.
 

kdmiller8251

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 7, 2002
Messages
495
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

Chuck, <br /><br />I just brought a boat up from Miami to Chicago. about 1300 miles in a day and a half. I would recommend checking all bearings and tires etc if the bearings have any question to them make sure you replace before you go and lube them a bunch along the way. Make sure the trailer is in tip top shape. Anything less and you are looking for trouble. The truck is more than good for the tow. Beware of the mountains that will put a good strain on the vehicle but if everything is in good condition you should not have a problem. also you may want to make sure you add a couple of more straps to tie down the boat just to be safe. GOOD LUCK<br /><br />K. Miller
 

BigBabyLou

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 9, 2002
Messages
129
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

Hey Chuck,<br /><br />I bought my boat in FL and had to tow it back home to TX, about 1500 miles in 2 1/2 days. That's around 600 mi / day. Close to what you're doing and with the same vehicle. Except I was hauling my 4-ton "Fat B*tch".<br /><br />Guys here already mentioned what to check but don't forget the brake fluid on the trailer. If you lose it, you'll have hard time stopping. :eek: Needless to say that you should check your lights at every stop you make, you want everyone know which direction you're going and when you're stopping.<br /><br />Also, beware of bridges on hwy. If you see a bridge ahead (even a small one over a creek), watch other cars in front of you, if they sway, jump, etc. Knowing this helps when you and your boat go over the same bump/hole. I lost one wheel cover (nearly the whole boat) when I hit a bad pothole in Lousianna one night.<br /><br />I personally prefer towing at night. It's cooler, you don't run hot and your transmission will thank you too, and there is less traffic on the road. What I never tow without is: lots of tools, bottles with fluids (ATF, eng. oil, brake fluid, PS fluid, water), el. compressor, some wires and a multimeter. I don't want to get stuck on the road without being able to fix the problem and get home safely.<br /><br />Good luck with your tow and especially the weather :) <br />Lou
 

Down South

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 7, 2001
Messages
333
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

There's a lot of good info above. I trailer to Colorado about ever other year. It's around 1200 miles and we usually don't stop except to pick up fuel and eat. We swap out drivers every few hours. The trip usually takes us around 24 hours.<br /><br />One thing I usually do to my trailer is pull the wheel bearings and Clean & inspect them. I repack them and install new seals. While I have the hubs off, I inspect the brakes. I usually do several brake test to make sure they are up to par. Also while I have the wheels off, I inspect my tires closely for any bad spots or dry rot and replace if needed. I usually carry at least one spare tire and an extra set of bearings. And of course, I pretty much carry a full set of tools with me plus extra engine oil, Ect.<br />I may be going just a little bit overboard, but so far I've made many of these trips and have never had one trailer problem.<br /><br />I go through my truck well too. I service it fully. Usually oil change, new belts, hoses, Change oil in tranny plus new filter, check U-Joints, New oil in differential. And again, Tires, Wheel bearings and brakes.<br /><br />I guess I just don't like breaking down on the road. <br /><br />Your truck is plenty enough for your load. Just check everything out well and happy trails.
 

JRJ

Commander
Joined
Sep 11, 2001
Messages
2,992
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

Excellant advice above. Lots to look at between Col. and Id. If you have kids with you, I recomend taking it easy and enjoy it with them. If its just a guy speed run, have fun.
 

Ross J

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 30, 2001
Messages
1,119
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

I would only add that since its a long run you might consider a thick tarp to put over the entire boat. Just to keep any rubbish from the road from damaging the boat. You know the things, stones, twigs, glass, cigarette butts, and even things some idiots throw at you on the way.<br />Just a thought.<br />Ross
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

Howdy, Chuck.<br /><br />We (My Son and I) routinely tow my Montauk from Whitt to Walker, MN in one stretch. That must be 1100-1200 miles. More commonly we tow from here to the twin cities, then on the next day to the NW angle of MN on LOTW. That is 1537miles, one way.<br /><br />Tougher, I towed my BW Outrage 18 from Ft.Lauderdale to Whitt in 2 days. That was 1500 miles. My ML didn't complain for a second, but the strain on me was double that of towing the Montauk. I aint doing that one again.<br /><br />I think your proposed trip will be a pleasant cruise.<br /><br />Enjoy! :)
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

All,<br /><br />1. Tires must be new or in great condition aired up to spec.<br /><br />2. Bearings, a fresh repack is mandatory-unless you're running oilers.<br /><br />3. A spare tire and tools are a must. If you have both-you won't have a failure.<br /><br />I've towed all over. From Phoenix to B'ham, Al and back last trip-3600 round trip-no sweat. Like JB, the rigs were better off than I was. Heavy city traffic (interstate) can be trying.
 

dicktaber

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 3, 2001
Messages
183
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

Last Friday I towed solo from Chicago to Nashville--500 miles. Along the way I saw at least three trailers pulled over to the shoulder; all appeared to have tire and/or bearing problems. Saw one pickup in the median with the trailer UPSIDE DOWN and the driver walking around in circles as the dust settled--got a good look 'cause of course everybody had to slow to 10 mph and stare! That made me pay attention for the rest of the trip!<br />Recap--<br />1. Bearings<br />2. Tires<br />3. Attentiveness<br />Enjoy your trip.
 

epresutti

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 14, 2001
Messages
465
Re: How many miles have you towed in 1 day?

Chuckb1,<br /><br />I just (May 15th) towed from Tampa Fl. To Columbus OH (Actually Palm harbor to Granville). Trip was about 1100 mi.<br /><br />I carried two spares, a foot pump and before I left replaced both sets of wheel bearings in the trailer, also put on new tires and rims. (spent about $120 total)<br /><br />I stopped frequently to check lug nuts, tire pressure and heat. Towed straight through took me about 17hrs.<br /><br />Had no problems.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Safe boating to all.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.
 
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