Trailering cross country

[jbinbi]

I am in the process of buying a boat on the West coast but having to move it to the East coast. The boat comes with a trailer, which has been used very infrequently. It may have under 100mi on it, though it is 10 years old. I am trying to find out if it has been serviced recently, but would assume I would need to get new tires/axles serviced or replaced.

See pic of trailer.

I know nothing about trailering, I have an add up on uship, and the price diff is huge between someone using this trailer vs. loading on flatbed.

For those who have experience in trailering or moving boats, would appreciate your thoughts. Is this trailer something that can go 3000 mi? If you have a good boat mover who would do X country, pls let me know as well.

[Capt Clark]

Jbinbi,

The trailer looks to be in good shape but it would be prudent to have the trailer serviced before anyone should haul the boat across country. The professional boat transporter would be a likely person to ask to do both the service & the move.

Capt Clark

[psk125]

What kind of boat is it for? Trailer looks like typical long-haul keelboat trailer, probably better for the boat being moved than a flatbed. Since it comes with the boat, it will likely be cheaper to have it serviced and hire a driver with a truck that can pull it (if you don't want to drive it yourself).

[Sailmonkey]

If the trailer is in good shape, it can easily be pulled 3000 miles.

Can’t tell anything about the current condition from a grainy photo though.

[disputin]

As the former owner of a trailer sailor I would focus on four things.

1. Get the bearings and hubs repacked or replaced. Any good marine service center can do this.

2. If it has a surge brake system make sure it is functional. Again a marine service center can help.

3. Make sure the tires (and spare) are servicable and hold pressure. Tire appearances can be deceiving. There is a reason RVers put tire covers over their tires. UV light kills trailer tires.

Note: Make sure you have a wheel wrench and jack that works with the trailer. Don't ask my why I think this is important.

4. Get the wiring harness functional. This is always a rats nest and I never did find a solution that I was very happy with. I tried getting a boat dealer to do some work on it and it was worse than what I was doing.
Putting a trailer in salt water and having crappy trailer wiring is always a losing battle.

Make sure you disconnect your wiring harness from the truck any time the trailer is going in the water.


Take care,


Sean

[valhalla360]

You will have to give it a good once over but it looks viable.
- Check the tire age (there is a code on the side). If it's over 5-6yr old, change the tires even if they look good and have plenty of tread.
- Have the axle bearings repacked.
- Make sure the brakes are functional (check for a moblie RV tech....likely much cheaper than a marina).
- Make sure the brake lights are functional.

Haulers may prefer to use their flatbed because they know what they are dealing with. If they show up and there are issues, a good hauler will refuse to move the boat...waiting will be on your dime.

Also make sure the hauler is fully insured for professional work. You don't want to find out as your boat is lying broken on the side of a Kansas freeway.

[denverd0n]

Disputin pretty much covered everything. There is no reason to replace the axles, or the springs, assuming they are not seriously rusty and/or damaged in some way. The bearings, however, I would definitely repack (at least), and possibly just replace with new.


Good luck.

[Lake-Effect]

+1 on disputin, too. I've done my own bearings, but I would also trust just about any competent mechanic to do them too. Trailer brakes - maybe better to seek out a specialist.

When I'm on the road, I usually check the trailer after an hour (or less if new to me or just serviced); I touch/grab the wheels and hubs to see if they are hot (sticking brakes will make the wheels blazing hot, so be careful). If the hubs are more than slightly warm, there may be a bearing issue. Also check for grease exiting or slinging from the back seal.

I have bearing buddies and carry a grease gun on the road.

Don't forget an extended mirror. When towing, I just settle in the right lane, stay at posted speed, leave lots of room in front of me, and relax. Have good company, or good tunes. You can't rally-drive with a trailer.

[JMac1985]

Did you make a decision on the boat transport? I am in a similar situation as you. I am working on a deal for a 23 foot power boat in Sonoma California area and will need it transported to Pittsburgh, PA area. Boat comes with a reliable trailer. I am trying to determine best method to transport and reputable companies.

Let me know if you located a transporter. Thanks

[jbinbi]

Have found a few guys via uship.com and some recommendations from the hull truth forum. Don't own the boat yet, so can't really book anyone yet.