Trucks & Trailers - Towing a Large Boat 1100 Miles - Advice

I will be making a trip to Stuart Florida from my place of residence, Beaumont TX, sometime in the next few weeks, to pick up a 300 Grady White Marlin. I have a few questions and am hoping you guys can help:

1) Need a vote of confidence that my 2011 F250 4X4 SRW Ford will do the job. I will have the boat's fuel tanks flushed and dry. Total weight, with the trailer, will be around 10K lbs. As some of you know, the boat is 10'7" wide, and on the trailer from tongue to the engines is almost 43'. The truck is a deisel and is rated for 14,500. My hitch is rated for 18K. I know I'm OK hauling this boat to and from the boat ramp, but 1100 miles (1) way sounds like a lot for this truck.

2) I will have all the permits in place from state to state - Tx, LA, Mis, Al, Fl - to be in compliance. Does anyone see any issues with width at the tunnel in Alabama (IH 10) or on the Florida toll roads? Or any place else I don't know about?

3) Should I be looking at renting a tow vehicle for this haul? I have called Enterprise, U-Haul, Penske, Budget, and Hertz. They will not rent a diesel (1) way. Does anyone know of a company that will? The drive (1) way is 16 hours with (3) stops for gas. If I can rent a diesel down there, I would be willing to fly to Stuart and drive the boat home.

Thanks in advance for the advice, experience and replies.

1100 miles is a long run. agree on to better tow with min. fuel or water in boat.
a one ton truck would be better but a diesel 2500 should be ok.

be sure to tow the rig nice and level with the weight evenly distributed over all axles.

take a temp sensor such as an infared temp lazer (pretty cheap these days) to help monitor hub temps on stops.

pack plenty of extras such as spare parts for trailer; i'd recommend a min of 1 but recommend 2 full spares (tire, wheel and hub assemblies), grease gun, extra hub grease, spare bearings, seals, wheel nuts, castle nuts, etc. (i like 2 of everything including the clotter pins as spares!).

along with parts come the tools. pack a cordless impact gun should you need to change a tire/wheel, jack(s), wheel chocks, screwdrivers, pliers, etc., and a nice mat should you need to get under the trailer on your back.

some things that pop up in my mind right away, i'm sure there are a few other things other members will point out.

drive safe and take your time and be sure you know the height of your rig including antannas.

Your truck would pull it fine. No problem with the wide loads through the tolls in FL.

I do not know if you thought of just having it shipped to you, but you can get a bids from this site:

http://www.uship.com/

Although it will cost double what you can do it for yourself, it would certainly be a lot easier and save the wear and tear on your truck.

Dude, don't worry about the truck. I've towed my 9,966 lb Contender thousands and thousands of miles with my 2002 Dmax. I've had both the truck and the boat for 10 years now. The new diesels will handle that load better than my 10 year old one for sure and I've never had a problem... 10k lbs is just not a problem for a modern 2500. For sure, it's gonna cost a pretty penny in diesel though! I also towed a 5th wheel camper right at 900 miles last week and my 10 yr old, 256,000 mile 3/4 ton did just fine and that was with a whole bunch more hills than you will ever see on I-10. The 5th wheel is only about 9k lbs but is about as aerodynamic as a brick and compares fairly close to pulling the more "aero" boat. The new F250 / 6.7 diesel is a beast and is rated 280 lbs /ft and 100 hp more than my old Dmax. The truck would be the least of my worries. My concern would be more towards a used trailer that you probably don't know all that much about.... yet.

Your truck will be fine. Other than some low rolling hills in Central Florida, once you get to I 10 it's flat all the way to TX.

I'd focus on the used trailer and make sure it's in good shape. Bearings, brakes, tires, springs, lights....check everything out and stop and check it frequently.

Good luck...sounds like a nice rig.

Congrats on the purchase. I did this about 3 yrs ago from Marco Island to VA. Like I said, the 3/4 Ford will do it, but it won't like it. You MUST be sure to have proper tongue weight when towing large loads like this. I've not been on the route you will be taking, but I had zero clearance problems. I did not have any permits, as I've towed oversize boats for 20 yrs with no problems. Yes, I know I'm breaking the law. But so are people who drive 60 in a 55 zone. As I said in the other post, I purchased a 3500 Dualie after the trip. Made a big difference as far as pucker factor.

no worries about the tunnel in Alabama, won't be a problem at all.

If you flew down how would you carry the tools and spares?

I would check uship as suggested. Figure up your costs, over $.60 per mile with depreciation plus room and food, add a little for your time. It may make sense.

Make sure the brakes on the trailer are in top working order.

2 ready to install hubs. $50/each...spares
2 wheel/tire set-ups. $150/each....spares
Bring floor jack and electric/cordless impact. Large breaker bar and sockets set. You should have these.
Infrared temp gun is good, $30 harbor freight.

You're going to get 10mpg. The truck will be fine. 1100 miles with 10k lbs is not a problem with a modern 3/4 ton diesel.

Being able to fix the trailer is your only issue. Tires blow and hub bearings freak out. It happens. Grease them good, max air PSI in the tires and have at it.

I pulled my Marlin with a 6.0 liter F250 diesel with no problem at all. If the trailer is set up properly, you'll forget the boat is back there. Watch your height too - any radar?

If rhere will be any issues height will be It.

I just hauled 18,000 pounds of boat 10'6" beam and trailer (Fountain 38LX) back to Houston from Miami 1200 miles. I did it with a GMC2500HD single rear wheel so I dont think your truck will have much of an issue. Granted, I had installed a super heavy duty hitch and air assist bags. Just make sure the trailer is properly fit and balanced for that boat AND electric over hydraulics will make the trip much less white knuckled. If I can offer you one piece of advice, its this. I highly recommend NOT taking the turnpike. Use I95 instead. While the turnpike is nice, gas stations are few and far between (with limited space) AND, there is nowhere to pull over and get anything if you need it. I used the pike on the way with an empty trailer but after seeing the facilities available, I used 95 on the way back. Plan ahead and you can find plenty of truck stops along the way with good facilities and plenty of space for you. PM me if you need anything and I can also give you my $0.02 on the permitting issue. Shipping will cost you an arm and a leg. My USHIP quotes were $5000-$6000 (and they are great about mentioning permits). Take someone with you, trade out, and you can be there and back in no time. I made it there, loaded the boat and back in a 49 hour span which included one night on the way back in a hotel. You will save yourself a lot of money doing it yourself. I didn't run into any width or height issues. Good luck.

Just a suggestion and would eliminate all the headaches, I'd look into a professional shipping company. Would be costly but IMO well worth the money.

It is easier than falling off a log, good luck, plan your trip so you can have dinner in New Orleans one night, i have done Florida to California twice hauling boats with 10' beam,

Had a flat tire once in MS on a Sunday, called the Auto Club to change the tire and got a new tire from a truck stop a few miles later, you may be best served if you have the trailer serviced before you start back.

Again Good luck and enjoy.

I just hauled 18,000 pounds of boat 10'6" beam and trailer (Fountain 38LX) back to Houston from Miami 1200 miles. I did it with a GMC2500HD single rear wheel so I dont think your truck will have much of an issue. Granted, I had installed a super heavy duty hitch and air assist bags. Just make sure the trailer is properly fit and balanced for that boat AND electric over hydraulics will make the trip much less white knuckled. If I can offer you one piece of advice, its this. I highly recommend NOT taking the turnpike. Use I95 instead. While the turnpike is nice, gas stations are few and far between (with limited space) AND, there is nowhere to pull over and get anything if you need it. I used the pike on the way with an empty trailer but after seeing the facilities available, I used 95 on the way back. Plan ahead and you can find plenty of truck stops along the way with good facilities and plenty of space for you. PM me if you need anything and I can also give you my $0.02 on the permitting issue. Shipping will cost you an arm and a leg. My USHIP quotes were $5000-$6000 (and they are great about mentioning permits). Take someone with you, trade out, and you can be there and back in no time. I made it there, loaded the boat and back in a 49 hour span which included one night on the way back in a hotel. You will save yourself a lot of money doing it yourself. I didn't run into any width or height issues. Good luck.

I am a little confused as the turnpike has gas/rest areas/restrooms/parking/food etc provisioned for big rigs without ever leaving the highway. ;?

Yes they are there. However, They certainly didn't seem overly spacious for maneuvering 60 plus feet of truck and trailer. Nor were they very close to one another ( very spread out from one to the next) and I felt fuel level could become an issue. When getting 10 mpg or less, you will go through a tank quickly. If you do it, pay attention to the signs that tell you how far the next one is. You will be surprised. I will take plentiful and spacious truck stops any day. I had none of these concerns on the way back along i95. You will find no auto arts, walmarts, dealerships, trailer parts etc along there either should you need anything or forget something. Your call but after having done it, it will be I95 for me next time.

The worst spot I've found is I-10 in Louisiana; it is rough, and the frequency made my rig (truck and tandem-axle trailer at 9,500 pounds) hobby-horse. I tried to vary speeds and lanes, and basically ended up bouncing my way west.

Piece of cake. You could tow the baha ha with that rig. Just start driving the boat will follow you as you motivate down the road. That F-250 won't care.

I'm with the rest of the guys, hook it up and haul it. you have truck enough. like they said just watch the fuel and plan your stops. one big thing, make sure the trailer sets as close to level as you can get it when its hooked up on the truck. the tires will wear a lot more evenly. Good luck, enjoy the ride.

I've made the trip from Florida to Los Angeles three times with boats weighing over 10,000 pounds and being over 10 feet wide with an F-250. No incidents, tickets or accidents. A set of wide load banners is required if you buy permits. I only bought a permit for California because of the high level of enforcement for monetary gain.

See if you can borrow a Rav4?!!?

We did 11,000lbs from Ohio to Florida many times with a F250 srw diesel. The truck is an awesome towing platform. You will have plenty truck. No worries there.

I did provivsion the hell out of our spares, a floorjack, etc.. blah blah. I thought about worse case scenario at night in the rain. An infrared temp gun is great to monitor bearing temps etc..

Take an extra 5-10 gal of diesel in cans just in case you are running low and cant find a fuel stop large enough. It sucks to run a diesel out but sucks even more when you are in the middle of nowhere towing a large boat. Its amazing how fast 30 gal goes by when towing loads like that. I've used that option before and was really happy I had the extra fuel.

We recently purchased a 3370 Pursuit and I ended up paying a hauler to bring her home. Best $$$ I ever spent. I paid 50% before the haul and went home to wait like it was Christmas morning and then paid the rest after a thorough inspection with the hauler.

I REALLY liked not worrying about wear and tear on my truck, my boat, and my life (and lives of others!) and could really get used to the whole hauler thing... just my .02

Either way, if you use your own truck; plan the route right down to gas stops get the proper permits, be well prepared and you will do fine.

-Or, get a hauler ;) -

The worst spot I've found is I-10 in Louisiana; it is rough, and the frequency made my rig (truck and tandem-axle trailer at 9,500 pounds) hobby-horse. I tried to vary speeds and lanes, and basically ended up bouncing my way west.
Most of I-10 from the MS/LS state line through Baton Rouge has been resurfaced. It's still got it's spots in New Orleans East but it's 75% better than it's ever been.

Call James at 727-422-2628 for recommendations and cost.

It is easier than falling off a log, good luck, plan your trip so you can have dinner in New Orleans one night, i have done Florida to California twice hauling boats with 10' beam,

Had a flat tire once in MS on a Sunday, called the Auto Club to change the tire and got a new tire from a truck stop a few miles later, you may be best served if you have the trailer serviced before you start back.

Again Good luck and enjoy.

No offense, but going into NO with that rig would be a major PIA and he's likely gonna be on I-12, well north of NO.

Most of I-10 from the MS/LS state line through Baton Rouge has been resurfaced. It's still got it's spots in New Orleans East but it's 75% better than it's ever been.

I would be concerned about Lafayette to Lake Charles. That has historically been a bumpy run. He won't have to hit the east. He should be on 12.

No one has mentioned insurance as yet. I use BoatUS, and opted for their tow insurance. It sure came ion handy once when A new hub I had installed blew out on the tow home. I could have made the run home, got the tools, parts, etc and fixed it there...but having it loaded up and towed to my home made things go much easier...or to a truck stop or safe area for you to do any needed work
The tow service add-on was very cheap as well.

I-10 from the west end of the Atchaffalaya Spillway bridge to Lafayette is pretty damn bumpy (~10 miles).

I just made the trip from NY to So. Florida approx 1200 miles with a GMC 2500 HD Duramax towing a 32 Intrepid....The trailer had brand new "TITAN" Tires on all 3 axles and Brand New Complete Kodiak Disc setups....I started out with a frozen Caliper (Only in Saltwater once and rinsed well) after that I had a series of 4 tire failures (NJ, NC, GA, FL) I carried 2 New Spares (1 Titan which was one of the failures and 1 Good Year Marathon) I had to stop at Walmart on Sunday to replace 2 tires in SC and then again in FL for another 2 all of which were GY Marathon's. Luckily I had a Snap On Impact Gun and used a series of 3 wood Blocks to drive up on to elevate the bad axle...had a jack as a back up. It was the trip from hell...I have been towing for years and never had an issue till now. Have to love those China made tires....although many here have had problems with Good Year Marathons but they held up for the remainder of my trip. I will sell the boat before I ever make that trip again! I would make sure that the trailer is in tip top shape before making the trip.....and have a safe trip!

Call James at 727-422-2628 for recommendations and cost.

Thanks for the phone number. I will call this guy tomorrow and check pricing.

Others - Thanks for all the advice. I think I'm going with a boat transport company. I did find out that if you have State Farm Insurance and you plan on staying legal and obtaining permits in each state (yes, Fl, MS, AL, LA and TX all have a permit that is required to pass through their state with a load exceeding 8'6" in width), your insurance company has to carry a $10,000 surity bond for each state, in case you are in an accident within that states borders, to have a legal case protecting you and your vessel should it be your fault. This security bond, even if you only hold it for the duration of your trip, will cost (depending on the current coverage you have) somewhere in the vicinity of $600, total of (5) states worth of coverage.

Both MS and LA require a letter from your insurance carrier stating that you have this coverage....again, if you are going to be legal and carry the permits required...and you must fax in the certified page prior to making the trip.

This $600 adder puts me within a couple hundred dollars of using a transport company, after I figure in the diesel to get there and back, food, hotel rooms, spare tires, and misc. equipment to be "over prepared".

I will most likely use a few credit card points to fly down there and make sure the boat is what I want and then coordinate the transport company to pick her up while I'm down there and haul it back. For those interested, some companies, in So Florida, offer a (1) way ticket for transport which can cut normal transport costs in half. I'm seeing bids in the $1.50 - $2.00/mile range vs. the $5K I was quoted from uship. My house to Stuart Florida is 1050 miles...so not too bad of a price tag to pay to get my boat home safely.

One more thing regarding State Farm - if you do use a transport company, SF requires the company be licensed and bonded for your boat to stay covered under their care.

Again, I feel smarter just having been a part of this thread. Thank you all very much for the advice and tips.

Why don't you meet them at the Texas La border and take her home yourself. Don't know your location but it would save some of that 1.50 a mile and you would be able to get used to towing it yourself. My .02

Having done a similar trip twice from SC to NJ (much smaller boats), I think the weakest point is the trailer bearings. In addition to the tools and parts suggested above I would have the bearings all replaced and brakes serviced before getting down there. At least then you know you're putting your best foot forward with respect to the point most likely for failure.

I had a 27 Phoenix delivered from the Keys to Slidell for $1,100.00. Used Uship and was very happy with the service and communication. By the way, the prices started out much higher but as I had time to wait a guy that was going that way gave me a great price so he would not have to come back West empty. It is very easy to list your needs on thier website and I bet you will get many different bids.

usually 2 to 2.50 a mile. i dragged my 38 fountain to huntington beach from Jupiter. 2600 milesish. 56 hours one way with the boat. no issues with permits etc. even at the stops in az and cali border they are just looking for illegals and most of the dot guys go after the commercial hauling boys not rec guys. i doubt the regular state officers would even know the towing rules.

No problem my friend. I regularly tow a 31' custom with a large volvo diesel up and down the coast a few times a year with a SRW F250 diesel. The only thing that has ever happened is I have blown a few tires on a triple trailer. Make sure you have spares, a good jack, and extra tools for that used trailer. Keep and eye on the hubs that they aren't over heating and make sure your tire pressue is good. Remember its not a race, take your time and whenever you stop make sure your straps are tight. Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

The chassis will handle it no problem, It's what that truck was built for. I routinely chug around the Great Lakes with 10-13,000 pounds behind mine. It pulls the load so easily and with so little drama that doing a long day (12-16 hours behind the wheel) requires little effort on my part.

Most issues with towing will be related to the trailer not the truck. Remove and check all the wheel bearings and make sure the brakes and all trailer lights are working before you leave. If the tires on the trailer ar more than 5-6 years old, replace them.

In addition to carrying a good jack and the tools mentioned in other posts, I carry a cordless impact driver and a 4' piece of 2x10 lumber with me also. If you do have tire trouble, it makes changing it a breeze.

My contribution to this discussion concerns tires. You didn't mention anything about tires on your trailer.
If your trailer has newer load range E LT tires, you will not have a blow out. ST (trailer tires) are designed for 65 mph, 100 degrees. You will likely exceed those limits in the south on the freeway, in the summer and will have a blowout and that's no fun by the side of the road in 100 degree weather.

I dont see any problem with your truck towing it. though I didnt see it mentioned in this thread

have you verified your whole route for roads wide enough, and bridges tall enough to get through? Unmarked bridges have a 14' clearance or higher... Did you also check for if WIDE LOAD permits are needed? Over a certain width will have requirements in different jurisdictions. These were all things that were bothering me when i was looking for my boat. Luckily i found it only 50 miles from my house and brought it back in the ocean.

either way good luck with your purchase.

In 2009 I had a 28' shipped from Bradenton Fl to Fort Worth, I used JonMarTransport. I found him on UShip.com.You can google him and use him directly, that's what I ended up doing after talking to him. Cost me $1388.00 and it went off without a hitch. He was on time and stayed in touch with me along the way. He emailed me his insurance info prior to shipping. Might of cost me a few hundred more but I didn't have to fight anything mentioned here. He used a 1 ton Dodge dually. He actually had a blowout on the way and had to use the spare from Mississippi on. I did have the bearings and tires checked out prior to him leaving and I did fly down and was present for the Surveyor's sea trial.

Shouldn't be a problem hauling your boat just use common sense .its what i do is hauling for a living ,since retired ,go figure .

I'm also an experienced PowerStroke guy, and my F250 Lariat crew cab is a diesel 2wd.

You have the truck to haul the Grady White, and I assume you're experienced at pulling boats. I wouldn't suggest a newbee attempt this, but an experienced boat towing person should be okay.

Check each states' online sites about road conditions. That's why truckers all carry laptops.

Any diesel pickup that is going to be used for towing should have an aftermarket pyrometer, boost gauge and transmission gauge on the dash--without fail. Modern diesels are pretty much bulletproof, but the transmission is the weak point. Your enemy will be heat, especially in your transmission. You might also consider putting an aftermarket air filtration system on the truck.

An infrared thermometer is a good item to carry to scope out the axle/bearing temperatures for problems. I wouldn't consider pulling any boat without having the bearings inspected and repacked--even if the trailer was brand new. I don't even trust the manufacturers, who often use shortcuts.

I used "uship"...1600 miles, AZ to WA cost me $1700.00 + about 80 bucks in permits. I figured I would have spent a grand in diesel alone, plus wear and tear on my f350. The boat was a 29 foot pro line, 10 foot wide on a triple axel.
Mercury permitting services out of TX made obtaining 4 state worth of permits painless and quick..had them in a couple of hours.

Thanks for all the really good advice. I found a boat closer to home, did a survey and made the purchase when everything checked out. My trailering distance was 90 miles. Thanks again for everyone taking the time to respond.