I have to tow from Lake Erie to Florida

El Capitan

Well-Known Member
Jul 9, 2014
3,828
Chicago IL./Vero Beach, Fl
Boat Info
1970 SRV 180 w 2.5L Mercruiser.
2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
Engines
120HP Mercruiser
Older SRV210 on tandem axle w surge brakes. Tow rig is my 2000 Expy EB 4x4 w 5.4 v8 w factory tow package.

Boat weight is specd at 3430 dry w 228 mercruiser. This one has a 350 mercruiser so calculated 3500lbs for boat. Total weight I’m figuring 5000lbs w trailer.

My truck is excellent condition w all maintenance more than up to date. I plan on tranny and coolant flush prior to trip.

Trucks tow rating is +/- 8000lbs. I’m deducting 20% for mileage so let’s say 6400lbs tow capacity.

Have spare for trailer. It has 5 new tires and new light kit.

Any thoughts/advice? Thank you.
 
Let me see if I understand this. You have a half/ heavy half ton rig? And you want to tow 4000lbs? What is stopping you?

Just corner slower and watch your trailer tires when turning. Don't jack knife it when backing. Run the rig in tow mode. And keep your eye on the engine temp. When you stop, check the trailer hubs by touching them. They should be warm but not so hot you can't hold your hand on them. If in doubt about your ability, take a back road and go slower until you feel better about you and your load. And if you are backing challenged, forward turn with your hand on the top of the wheel. (right turn rig goes to the right) Reverse turn with your hand on the bottom. (turn to the right, back of trailer goes to the right).

Just go at your pace and enjoy the ride.
 
Have 3,400 pound jet boat we have taken from Canada to Mexico. Found 60 MPH was good speed and everything worked well. Last summer we took it 600 miles north on good paved roads. When we stopped for gas one of the three front windows was shattered it was 1/4" tempered glass. We plan on covering the windshield on our next trip. Pull it with Envoy Denali with V8 5.3. We have 2 spare tires only had to use one once. Trailer is tandem with surge brakes.
 
Grease your bearings and stop after a few miles to check the hubs as JHornsby suggested. If they are cool/warm continue on. Check yours lights, take your time and you should be fine!
 
Older SRV210 on tandem axle w surge brakes. Tow rig is my 2000 Expy EB 4x4 w 5.4 v8 w factory tow package.

Boat weight is specd at 3430 dry w 228 mercruiser. This one has a 350 mercruiser so calculated 3500lbs for boat. Total weight I’m figuring 5000lbs w trailer.

My truck is excellent condition w all maintenance more than up to date. I plan on tranny and coolant flush prior to trip.

Trucks tow rating is +/- 8000lbs. I’m deducting 20% for mileage so let’s say 6400lbs tow capacity.

Have spare for trailer. It has 5 new tires and new light kit.

Any thoughts/advice? Thank you.
You might want to hit your rear end oil too. That seems to be a weak spot. My 07 started singing a little after a similar trip to FL with my car trailer. I was pushing it a little hard going though the Appalachians though.
p.s. Glad idiots like tc410 make it easy to know who to hit ignore on.
Safe travels.
 
Keep the trailer tires at or near the max psi, I always kept my 50 psi trailer tires at 48 (when cool). We would travel from mid-Florida to Dale Hollow lake every year for 14 years, no issues.
 
Just pulled a 6500lb rig from TX to FL with a 1/2 5.0 F150. Adequate but no speed demon but stopped well which is most important.

Did all of the above and replaced my trailer tires even though they had plenty of tread but were pretty old.

Also carried the below because you can change a trailer tire in minutes which is invaluable if stuck on the side of a busy highway. Have had to do it twice with my car hauler trailer and now won't tow without it.

upload_2021-5-24_6-5-37.png
 
Just pulled a 6500lb rig from TX to FL with a 1/2 5.0 F150. Adequate but no speed demon but stopped well which is most important.

Did all of the above and replaced my trailer tires even though they had plenty of tread but were pretty old.

Also carried the below because you can change a trailer tire in minutes which is invaluable if stuck on the side of a busy highway. Have had to do it twice with my car hauler trailer and now won't tow without it.

View attachment 105869
Same here. That thing is priceless. My tires were only 4 yrs old, but lost two from the heat in FL. Cheap factory tires IMO too. You can see mine to the right of the door. Easy to get to.
20171029_172606.jpg
 
Stock trailer tires are notoriously cheap and inadequate. I'd really focus on the quality and age of the tires you have. They'll probably represent 90% of your risk during your trip. Tire pressures are critical.
 
Same here. That thing is priceless. My tires were only 4 yrs old, but lost two from the heat in FL. Cheap factory tires IMO too. You can see mine to the right of the door. Easy to get to.
View attachment 105871

Nice trailer. What is the car I see in the distance through the door?
 
I always carry an IR laser thermometer when towing. They're about 12 bucks. Getting the actual temp can be very useful. For example, too COOL can be a bad thing: Functioning brakes create heat, so you can find a non-working brake because it's too cool at a rest stop. You can find the bearing that's showing signs of wear but hasn't yet failed...
 
Last edited:
Nice trailer. What is the car I see in the distance through the door?
Thanks. Espos4 nailed it. That was a 69 Cutlass. Normally this is what I'm carrying though... It's my 69 SS396 Camaro. X66 car.

1577724977542.jpg
 

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