Towing Question

I'm looking at 04-07 300DA's and same year 310DA's.
I want to be able to tow whichever I get, usually once a year and there is a pretty good pass on one of the routes.
I have a 2000 F350 4wd with the 7.3 diesel. I have the 4" exhaust, fresh air intake, and a tuner.
Does anyone have any experience towing a boat this big? I understand I have to get a wide load permit.
Si far looking online, I really like the 310 over the 300.

I'm not one to completely go by "the rules", but as a starting point...

-- What is the trucks towing specs/limit?
-- What do you anticipate the boat/trailer combo to weigh in at? Err on the side of good judgement and calculate that based on a loaded boat.
-- Dually?

I'd love to say - sure, you'll be fine. But my first instinct is that it's just too much to risk. The older diesels are not like the newer ones. Plus, truck frames have gotten stronger, too. Another thing that worries me (a question/concern to check out, anyways) is the condition of the frame - rusted/pitted/etc.

I'll have to look into the towing specs. As far as the truck, it's in very good shape, no rust. Its not a dually but that part shouldn't be a problem.
The 310 without trailer is 14,000lbs, it's getting up there in weight

I would watch what the brake setup is.

It's not the pulling it, it is what happens when the brake lights come on in front of you.

Yes indeed FootballFan. I always give plenty of room in front when pulling anything, even though no one wants to be behind a trailer.
In pulled a 33' 5th wheel around for quite a few years, I'm quite aware of pulling, but the 310 is a lot of boat.

I've towed with similar trucks (and large boats) both with and without a dually. It DEFINITELY makes a difference. Obviously not in the ability to actually pull the weight, but there's a lot more that goes into trailering than just "can it pull it". You absolutely, positively HAVE to think about the other parts of trailering to be able to do it safely. Braking ability, obviously (you do not want the typical surge braking system here!). But also the stability of the rig. Having that second set of tires makes a very marked difference in the trucks stability. I can tell the difference with my eyes closed - although I try not to do that too often when trailering - a single rear wheel will wallow and sway. And if you had to do an emergency steering maneuver...

Figure somewhere north of 2,500lbs for the trailer.

Greg, I towed my 330 over Snoqualmie twice, both times with a rented F350 (from Budget) and had zero problems with towing. The boat sat on a heavy duty (and heavy weight!) steel frame, triple axle trailer.

I found that when heading up the pass from either side, keep it downshifted and keep the speed down to about 50-55. If I tried to keep up with traffic (65+mph) it was just too much for the truck.

Get the permits and the "OVERSIZE LOAD" signs, take your time, don't forget the time restrictions from Issaquah west and on I-405.

From my experience as being a cop for many years, most cops (other than the troopers) don't know what the laws are relating to tows so don't do any enforcement actions.

Being a private tow, you don't have to stop at the weigh stations.

Any other Q's, just PM me or fire away on here.

Thanks Mike. I don't get in a hurry over the pass, that's one hell of a pull.
Once I get the boat I'll look into the oversize restrictions.

I used to tow exclusively, my last boat was a Formula 370SS, 45' overall on the trailer, 23,000#, 10'6" wide and 14' 2" tall. I owned a Freightliner Sportchassis for towing.

You want to make certain your truck is rated for the tow weight, specifically from the manufacturer. If there was an accident and you are over your limits, your insurance company may deny coverage in a claim. Just double check your policy.

I've towed with 1/2 tons, 3/4 tons, 1 tons and medium duty trucks all over the west coast. If only doing once per year, just take your time, keep it under 65 MPH and make certain your trailer is maintained well. My boat was right at the limit on the axles, and if you have torsion axles, you have to tow the trailer perfectly level. Do a bearing service every year, make certain the tires are good to go... trust me, I've been on the side of the road with a blown bearing because I towed too high in the front. Leaf spring trailers are more forgiving.

Check your height, 13' 6" is the legal max. Make certain bridges in your route are high enough, lights and power lines should clear 13' 6". Your width will be OK, people move over.

Gofirstclass said:

From my experience as being a cop for many years, most cops (other than the troopers) don't know what the laws are relating to tows so don't do any enforcement actions.

Being a private tow, you don't have to stop at the weigh stations.

Click to expand...

The troopers in the truck are the ones who know what's up. I used to always cringe when I'd see one, my height was the issue. I always ran flags and front/back signs, so even if my permit wasn't up to date, it sure looked legit like it should.