Towing Over Width Load I am thinking of towing my boat to Florida this summer for three of four day ocean trip. The boat is a 32' Boston Whaler that is 10' 2" wide. Everyone here says to just tow it and don't worry about permits. I am wondering what everyone here thinks.

Steve

 

my recomendation would be to contact each states dot dept and ask them because ifm youget stopped they will fine you and then maybe make you buy a permit. they will only take cash or credit card for the fines and you will not be allowed to move until they are paid plus some states have certain routes for oversized loads. Thats just my thinking since i do drive for living tho

 

Wouldn't you also need the large orange sign at the front and rear of the truck and trailer that says WIDE LOAD?

 

Don't know the width but some states require escorts for oversize. Call a boat hauler for info.

Regarding that I pulled a boat down last year to Florida (a ship actually) Never measured it but I am sure it was over 102". We found a route that took us around all the open scales.

 

He said his boat may be 10'2" . That would be 122 inches . I'd have a professional hauler pull it . He'd sure as anything run into a narrow construction zone somewhere .

 

Don't come through ohio with that... they will flock to you like flies on ****.

 

Well, thanks for the advice. I will have to think about it for a while.

Steve

 

I would atleast call the states you are going through.
Haulinindixie may be able to help you here. He hauls all over the place and knows the rules pretty well.

 

I just hate to have to get two seperate permits from each state for just this one trip. The permits don't last long enough to just get one for the round trip. They are expensive when you add them all up and if you use a service it is $60 for each state for the two permits ea.

Ohio even requires a $200.00 one time (yearly) special insurance permit. F them!!!

Steve

 

Welcome to the world of hauling profesionaly, thats the stuff we have to put up with all the time.

 

I'm in the same situation as you, I have a 32 foot regulator now that is 10ft. 5in. wide and I really want to be able to tow it but its just so wide I'm afraid of gettin fined of messing something up bad.

 

I guess my biggest problem is there isn't any sence to the permits. It is just another way for the gov. to pick my pockets again. They still let you haul the load. Even if they routed you why the fee? FFFF em again... It will cost in fees as much as my vacation will...

 

I would say get a couple wide load sighns and stick them on your truck and go. If you see scales either don't stop or try to go around them. More than likely they are not going to be looking for a pick up over weight or over loaded. We haul junk down to the city and pass scales all the time. We either use a 98 3500 dodge 12v or a 97 Ford F-250. Are loads have never weighed less than 24,000 pounds and our heaviest was 32,000 pounds. The trucks only have 18000 pounds plate and we have been beyon width quite a few times. we just go by the scales with any problems but then again we are only going 60miles your trip might be alot farther. The most thing I would be worried about is construction zones and narrow roads. other than that I would do it.