Trailering 280DA

[280 SeaRay]

From another post.....

Can you trailer a 280DA with it's 9'6" beam without special wide load permits? Seems almost too big for a trailer. Anyone actively trailering a 280DA?

Yes I trailer a 280DA... everytime I use the boat.... we average 100-150 hours a year on the boat... so I would consider this pretty regular. The boat is pretty good trailer boat... pulls nicely I would not say that it is too big to trailer. No you need wide load permits.... but it is just a single page application and $90 fee for California. Other states differ.... most states require oversize permit over 8'6".

Proper equipment is also a concern. Most people assume that because the brochure for their truck said it can tow x,xxxx lbs... means that it can out of the box.... simply not the case. Each piece of the puzzle has to be rated to tow the weight (reality weight) that you will be towing. Hitch, pin, ball mount, ball, saftey chains, trailer, truck, etc.

 

[Sundancer]

From another post.....

Quote:
Originally Posted by tcontic
Can you trailer a 280DA with it's 9'6" beam without special wide load permits? Seems almost too big for a trailer. Anyone actively trailering a 280DA?

Legally anything over 8'6" has to have an oversize load permit. There are a lot of folks that figure no one will notice if they are only 6" over. I just figure it's not worth the headache/ticket if I get pulled over and confronted. Of course at 11' wide, it's a little tough to hide. Lots of folks around here tow larger boats. Jeremy hit it on the head, there are a lot of links and all of them have to be in place to safely tow ANY load.

 

[Newbie]

Actually, if you read around, you will find most states have a limit of 8' on state roads and 8'6" on the highways. I've never heard of anyone being bothered for 8'6" on the state roads though. Cop would have to be a real A-hole to enforce it. Legally, you should have a permit for anything over 8' depending on where you live, but I figured I would play dumb if confronted on it. SB

 

[dpvandy01]

Glad to have this discussion. As you may or may not know from other threads I will be taking posession of my new custom built tri-axel Loadmaster trailer and I plan to use it. I was trying to find all of the requirements for over sized loads in Kentucky and Tennessee but man oh man is that a tall order. I know a small cash dontaion is required and I believe I need to carry a current list fo the road restrictions but where in Gods name do I find this info?? Please oh please oh please don't say.... "Call the BMV" because they don't know any better than me..... Any large load Kentuckians or Vols got any insight??

 

[280 SeaRay]

Oversize Rules and Qualifications (Tennessee) http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/1680/1680-07/1680-07-01.pdf

http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/centralservices/permit.htm


Kentucky

http://dmc.kytc.ky.gov/owod/


From your California based friend

 

[SearayPaul]

Jeremy

How is the loading and unloading of the 280.

I see Mr Cummins is missing from your inventory. What a shame.

 

[dpvandy01]

Oversize Rules and Qualifications (Tennessee) http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/1680/1680-07/1680-07-01.pdf

http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/centralservices/permit.htm


Kentucky

http://dmc.kytc.ky.gov/owod/


From your California based friend

The $100.00 Gold sponsorship just paid for itself................. I LOVE THIS SITE. Thank you thank you thank you

 

[280 SeaRay]

Jeremy

How is the loading and unloading of the 280.

I see Mr Cummins is missing from your inventory. What a shame.

The 280 loads very nicely about as easy as my 220 BR to be honest. I am very careful to not come onto the trailer with any force as the weight of this boat seems like it could break something on the trailer (I hope to never kow this for sure). I use only one engine until I feel the bunks.. then use both to load the boat no faster than idle (just clicked into gear)..... if I need more than that the trailer is too shallow (we adjust the trailer not use more throttle).

On the truck thing see this:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7378

 

[Quint4]

Jeremy,
I am glad to read your posts. I just bought this 290 and will be trailering. I am hoping it is not a burden. I have a Chev/duramax also. I am looking to add a ladder/platform setup to the front of the trailer to get on and off the boat while putting in and taking out.
Dave.

 

[280 SeaRay]

Dave... great idea on the ladder for the front... that is the one thing I will be adding as well when I have a new trailer built. The existing trailer is ok... pulls well etc. but is just a regular trailer with electric/hydraulic brakes.... I would like to have an aluminum one built to my spec. Your Dmax should pull the boat nicely... tow/haul on the Alli works very well with the boat behind you.

Trailering the boat is really a non-issue.... I stick to 55 MPH MAX on the freeway and do not get in a hurry. When towing the boat I make driving safely my only job period. This is a big load and I want to ensure I have full focus should an issue arise en route. I am not a fan of low tree branches as they do a good job of leaving marks on the arch (arrgggghh). I ensure that each piece of the towing puzzle exceeds the weight I am towing. Receiver hitch, pin, ball mount, ball, saftey chains, trailer, etc. I carry documentation with me on each piece. If you have not upgraded your factory GM hitch you may want to give it some thought... there seems to be a good deal of problems with cracks on the factory GM hitch. I upgraded to a Putnam XDR Class V to be sure... very well made and does not flex like the factory hitch.

 

[Quint4]

Jeremy,
Here are a few pics I grabbed off the internet of trailer ladder set-ups. My hitch is an after market put on by the PO. It looks very heavy duty...I bought a solid draw bar for the ball. I just ordered electric brakes and will be installing them to replace my surge. I am also adding a power winch to make loading a bit easier.

 

[dpvandy01]

Jeremy,
I am also adding a power winch to make loading a bit easier.

Sissy!!!!!!!!!!!!!:smt043

 

[Quint4]

Lt. Dan...you're in a hell of a mood lately ! beatin' up on the newbie...now callin' me a sissy.

 

[280 SeaRay]

Dave... I think and nice blue spiral stairs would put the finishing touches on your trailer . Just kidding of course... the power winch is a good idea as I have found that only a couple of inches off the bow stop and the trailer likes to sway which can be scary. The winch will ensure the boat is solid against the stop everytime.

When buying pieces of the towing puzzle... really pay attention to the capacity label. I found that most components are not rated to tow a boat in our size even though they are constructed similarly. There are a great deal of "Heavy Duty" labeled items that are not all that heavy duty when you examine the capacity limitations.

I think you will like the electric brakes (I assume they are marinized?) more than the surge setup....it is nice to have smooth no bump braking....

 

[boltman]

Can't wait to get My 320 back in the driveway and prepped for another fanastic summer of trailering and Cruising...
i don't know much about kentucky road rules, but i believe they may be the same as here in Michigan...
The 280 is considerably lighter then the 320 ,.so your truck will haul it without exception....