Thread: Pulling a boat long distance

We pull our boats from SC to South Florida each year, about 600 miles. I bought an infrared thermometer from Harbour Freight. We stop every 2-3 hours for a break so I check the temperature on mine and others wheel bearing. It's a quick way to check them without burning your hand if one has overheated. Fortunately we've never had a problem.

Bunks are another check on aluminum boats. The vibration can really work harden the aluminum and if the bunks aren't in good shape with good carpet, you can get cracks in the hull.

Originally Posted by REDBOAT

I just made sure the tires had good air, lights worked and had a spare just in case. No problems at all even through the PA mountains.

I did have a bit of trouble coming home with the Tahoe though. The alternator went just as I crossed back into NC. I rode on the battery all the way back to Wake Forest and it died right infront of my house! One more stop light and I would of been in trouble Lol

We traveled a good bit in our Motorhome and one of the overlooked factors regarding tires is age. 7 years is the magic number. Any tire past 7 years has aged through sun and element exposure and is no longer safe to us. Killed me and my pocketbook to replace 6 tires at $250 a tire on my MH when the thread looked almost new but early on in my RVing I had a couple of sidewall blowouts due to age and sun deterioration. Check the date on the tires and make sure they are not older than 7 years. You might get away with short trips on older tires but you put 10 year old trailer tires on the road at 60-70 MPH in the summer for extended trips and you have a blowout waiting to happen.

Your trailer should receive the most attention. I always have the hubs changed before ever trip to mn when i lived in south carolina. Looks like you got tires covered. Other than that or will also want to stopped your motor bouncing. Ive had trim seals go out even with a transom saver on my 115, but not my 150.

Pretty much everything that everyone else has covered, but I will post a few things that we carry every trip anywhere, even if it's close to home.
We always carry a spare tire, 2 spare hubs with seals, bearings, and caps. We also carry one of those Half moon jacks, you stick it under the axle and drive forward on solid ground to lift the trailer, it's not the safest thing, but it gets you in and out quicker. Infrared thermometer as others have stated, and the absolute best thing, a 20V Dewalt brushless impact (one of the smaller ones), and an impact socket to fit the lugs on the trailer tire. You will be amazed at how much difference it makes in 90 degree weather.

Changed the tires from 480-12 to 145-12, took the hubs off and packed the bearings and off we went. Made it without a hitch... well sort of, lost one of the buddy bearing protectors and 2 bolts out of 4 on one side of the bunk must have vibrated loose. Other than that we made it! Thanks for all the awesome suggestions!


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