Opprotunity knocks....Need advise please

[puckhead]

Although I hadn't planned to buy a project boat until next year, so I could get a real tow vehicle, I had one kinda drop in my lap so I need to see if it's possible. I ran across a late '70's 16ft Sea Ray just outside Green Bay for a good price (considering the work it needs) I have to get it home to St. Louis. I have a 1991 2 door Explorer Sport. I know I need a hitch (have read enough here to know that bumper hitch = no good) It's got 245,000 miles but runs like a top. No smoke or any of that. I just put brakes and brake hoses all around on it and new radiator, heater core water pump and hoses as well. Do you think it will be too much to handle??? I know Illinois has not a single hill from Chicago to STL, but, what is central WI like???? PS The trailer has surge brakes, will I need something to work them????

thank you

-T

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Opprotunity knocks....Need advise please

An explorer should have no problem yanking that thing around at all but knowone knows your vehicle like you do so with that being said just make sure all your wiring is up to snuff before you depart and your hitch is acceptable

 

[HANGEYE]

Re: Opprotunity knocks....Need advise please

Although I hadn't planned to but a project boat until next year, so I could get a real tow vehicle, I had one kinda drop in my lap so I need to see if it's possible. I ran across a late '70's 16ft Sea Ray just outside Green Bay for a good price (considering the work it needs) I have to get it home to St. Louis. I have a 1991 2 door Explorer Sport. I know I need a hitch (have read enough here to know that bumper hitch = no good) It's got 245,000 miles but runs like a top. No smoke or any of that. I just put brakes and brake hoses all around on it and new radiator, heater core water pump and hoses as well. Do you think it will be too much to handle??? I know Illinois has not a single hill from Chicago to STL, but, what is central WI like???? PS The trailer has surge brakes, will I need something to work them????

thank you

-T

Take Hwy 41 South to Fond du Lac and get off on 151. Take 151 to I90 South and you're in Illinois with very little in the line of hills. As far as those brakes, HAVE THEM CHECKED to make sure they are usable. Get a good hitch installed, one that connects to the frame of the truck. At the same time, have the tow vehicle wired for the trailer to include wireing for the surge brakes. I would suggest "TOYS FOR TRUCKS". I have had them do work for me and they do a very good job. Check and recheck your hook-up before you head out and check it again every time you stop for gas, food or what ever. Hope this helps and have a safe trip. Keep us posted on your project with LOTS OF PICTURES. Good luck.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Opprotunity knocks....Need advise please

The bottom line is whether the total boat package is within the weight limits Ford gives for your vehicle. The 2-door Explorer has a relatively short wheelbase, which makes it less than ideal as a tow vehicle, but as long as you stay within the limits and take it easy on the road, you should be okay. The surge brakes are a big plus.

As far as those brakes, HAVE THEM CHECKED to make sure they are usable. Get a good hitch installed, one that connects to the frame of the truck. At the same time, have the tow vehicle wired for the trailer to include wireing for the surge brakes.

Very important to verify that the surge brakes are working. However, unless the trailer has a reverse lockout solenoid for the brakes, no additional wiring is required (beyond the connector for the lights, of course).

 

[puckhead]

Re: Opprotunity knocks....Need advise please

Thanks for all the advise and routing info. I'll know within the next 3 weeks if he's going to let it go, so, I still have time to get a hitch and finish the plugs and wires on the Exploder. Pictures will be in large supply. BTW does the fact that it's a 5 speed effect anything either way? Clutch is low mileage and good shape. Thanks again.


-T

 

[NYBo]

Re: Opprotunity knocks....Need advise please

Light-duty vehicles with manual transmissions usually have lower towing ratings than the same vehicles with automatics. You'll have to check your owner's manual.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Opprotunity knocks....Need advise please

You should be OK with that rig. However, before you pick up the boat, I suggest that you make an appointment somewhere near where the boat is to have the bearings on the trailer checked, packed, or replaced, as needed.

You could do it yourself, of course, but it's a messy job and not really a roadside chore. Hard to clean up after it without some solvents and lots of soap and water. Besides, if it needs new bearings...nah...find a rec vehicle place nearby and call ahead to make an appointment. Won't cost too much and you'll have some peace of mind.

If you were just towing a few miles, I'd say to skip it and handle that chore when you get home, but...

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Opprotunity knocks....Need advise please

I'm with Cat I would be almost as concerned with the trailer as I was with the tow rig. You know the tow vech. but you know nothing of the trailer, and thats usually when problems arise due to the unknown. A 70's trailer has the potential to need a total overhaul to be safe for the highway, not saying it needs it but it could. I would at least talk to the owner and find out as much as you can as to the last time it had any maint. done to the trailer. Like tires, spare, bearings, brake system gone thru. wireing checked, etc. Just be safe how ever you go about it, theres no 70's boat out there thats worth a major accident.