I posted this as a reply in the Screw forum but this one seems more active so hopefully I'll get a quick response as I'm weighing up my options:


I am planning to tow a 34' racing sailboat from Seattle to San Diego next month.
I have a '05 (bought new Jan '06) Screw 5.4 with tow package. 88K on the clock already.
Boat and trailer weight (boat loaded with all the gear) is ~6200 lbs
Only two people riding in the truck so nots of extra people weight.
Boat trailer has electric brakes - 5 pin flat connector

This is probably a one time haul. What do you guys think?

Boat photo. Keel lifts so low profile on trailer. Boat type is a Flying Tiger 10M, hence the stripes. A MILF magnet!

Thanks in advance,

Chris

 

Others please chime in, but my experience has been good pulling that amount of weight. I have the two package and trans cooler. Just double check your trailer brakes and adjust them properly before starting your trip. ALWAYS allow extra stopping distance and you should be fine with the info you provided us. Also, a scan gauge is helpful to monitor engine temps and trans temps. I cannot live without mine!

Good Luck!

 

Thanks MFD.
2 Q's - I'm not familiar with a scan gauge and should I look into beefing up the back end?

I've towed my smaller boat up and down the coast with no issues but this is a little more of a project as you can see!

-Chris

 

IMO you should be just fine since you said it is just a one time trip. Just make sure all of your fluids are topped off and you should be good to go

 

If it's under the tow rating, it will be fine.

 

Here's a question - do you turn the overdrive off at all times? I've heard a couple of different opinions. With the 150 I've been towing with OD with my smaller boats but the loads on this will be different.

I am getting the oil, trans, brakes and PS flushed. Haven't had a tune up yet so would you recommend I have the plugs and wires replaced while in?

I'm interested in the Troyer Stage 2 mod with the towing setting. I don't think I have time to do it before this trip but has anyone who tows put this in their truck? Also, those telescoping mirrors look pretty damn cool!

-Chris

 

overdrive off, unless going down hill for a long time... i turn it off with my 3000 lb boat... the truck runs cooler...

 

edit:
repost

 

You'll be fine.

 

Beefing up the back end is not required, but if you can do it it always helps. The air springs I put on my truck definitely helps the squat and the ride is better loaded. The scangauge is just a monitor/tool that you can use to check how your truck is running during driving. Very helpful while towing.

And yes, leaving OD off will help the tranny run cooler. If OD is on, the tranny will heat up from the excessive shifting...

 

And the chances of OD chewing itself up will increase significantly with it turned on.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll look into the Firestone air springs - any other brand worth a look?

I like the idea of the Scan Guage - any rec's on which one?

I was at the boat today and have a bigger issue - whomever fitted the boat on the trailer have it way forward with the keel (with lead bulb) well ahead of the axles. Looks like I'm going to need to move the boat or axles. The projects continue!

-Chris

 

I got the Firestone's because of the good feedback I have read on this forum. There are others out there but the Firestone is good up to 5,000lbs with 100psi of air (MAX). As for the boat and the trailer, just make sure you're under the recommended tongue weight.

The scan gauge I have I got from modbargains when they had the $20.00 of coupon. It is the scan gauge II. I can't speak for the others.

 

You should be OK.
I trailer a 2359 Trophy that weighs in at 5300 with no fuel and trailer weighs 2200 so at a minimum im towing 7500 with fuel Im over 8000 lbs with no issues at all and I trailer at least 1000 miles every year so far this year from Ballard to Newport and back and Ballard to Ilwaco.
My tongue weight is 540 lbs.
I would get the Scangauge II that MFD is talking about.

Good Luck

 

Ride Rite's ordered. Great write ups on the site for the install. Thinking about the telescoping mirror retro but they are so damn ugly!

Any suggestions on a cool spot to mount the ScangaugeII?

-Chris