Trailering an offshore 24

[mjtyszki]

I have purchased an offshore 242g with hard top and Johnson 225 sitting on a galvanized ez-loader trailer. Problem is that the boat is in Pensacola Fl and I live in Austin, TX.

With that being said, I have a 2004 Dodge 1500 4X4 with a 5.7 in it. I am confident that the engine will pull the boat but I am a little concerned with the weight of the boat on a long trip. Anyone else trailer around this size and weight with a half ton?

Also, regarding tounge weight. On the trailer the tounge sits at about 650 to 700 lbs. Seems to be a bit much even for the boat size and weight. The people that pulled her before were using a 3/4 ton though...

Any suggestions will help greatly! Thanks!

 

[capt chris]

I would check what the tow rating is for your truck/engine/rear axle ratio combination. I would also want to know what the combined weight of the boat, trailer, fuel, gear etc is. Then you will know if you can tow it with your truck. It's also important to know what kind of brakes are on the trailer and what kind of shape they are in. I would also make sure and check the bearings on the hubs. Also check the beam of the boat b/c anything over about 8'6" will require a permit, but that is unique to each state. Just be sure you have enough truck because that is a long haul and you don't want to push the limits of your truck's capabilities.

 

[ocdansar]

I pulled a 1984 24 offshore with twin 150 mercs for thirteen years all over florida with a half ton chevy pick up and a halfton suburban I think towed weight was around 7700 lbs

 

[SlimJim]

No problem, Its not a heavy boat, I had mine towed from GA to Cal last year and it was a easy tow. Just make sure the tires on the trailer are good and are Radials tires. That boat towes really well.

 

[gwwannabe]

mjtyszki (how do you pronounce that? )

I bought a 20' Overnighter and trailer in NJ and towed it back to VA. Made it about half way and found that the bearing on 3 of the 4 wheels were shot. Why the wheels stayed on the axles is anyone's guess. This was on a Saturday night so the fact we found someone to help us was truely miraculous. As was previously stated, I highly recommend you replace all the bearings before you even start your return trip. Probably a good idea to do the brakes, too.

The highway between Austin and Pensacola is pretty much flat so I don't think you'll have much trouble towing it.

Gary 89 Overnighter