Towing a 24ft boat from Richmond, VA to Baltimore?

Question

hello all

i have this 24ft boat on a trailer that I need to get to Baltimore. Where and what truck do I need to rent in order to do this operation? Is it difficult to drive this thing?

Any particular licences or driving permits that i may need???

thank you

Answer 1

I have a 23' boat that weighs about 5500 LBS that I tow with my 02 chevy 1500 and it does good. I drove it from CO to AZ through the mountains without any problems.

Answer 2

i would rent a pick up with a diesel engine and its not hard but if you never did it before its a knuckle buster  you only need a oversize permit if its wider tham 8 feet 6 inches

Answer 3

I'd say a 14' U-haul or Hertz truck would be sufficient to tow it. Most have trailer towing capability. No special permits needed, but if you're not familiar with towing a trailer or boat that size, you need to go slow,and turn wide, to prevent jack-knifing the boat trailer and damaging the boat or trailer or both. Long as the trailer itself has good suspension and shock absorbers, it should be fine. Make SURE you have a spare boat trailer tire, AND that it's inflated BEFORE leaving the lot with it.

  For the most part, towing is easy, sometimes a large item will start to sway, and you'll need to brake, then accelerate, to stop the oscillations. Some sophisticated tow bars have dampners on them, most don't. If you start getting oscillations, then drive slower with the boat. Increased speed causes worse oscillations, usually over 55 mph. Long trailers don't oscillate as bad as shorter, heavier trailers do. But can't say it won't. All depends on the load and center of gravity, and the suspension of the trailer and tow truck.

Good luck, you'll drive right by my exit at Occoquan / Woodbridge, VA.  :)

The (AMC) Gremlin Guy

Answer 4

You didn't say what kind of boat. The width is OK up to 102". The loaded height is OK up to 13'6". Even if it's a fairly heavy 24' inboard it should be less than 10,000 lbs. Any 3/4 ton p-up is rated at that towing capacity. 1/2 tons are not. A one ton would give you extra stability if desired, but the 3/4 is already a little extra. You do not need any special permits or license to do that move. I do suggest you stay away from rush hour traffic and take the Key bridge instead of the Harbor or Fort McHenry tunnel through Baltimore if your destination takes you that way. Chances are that'll take you closer to where you're going anyway, the water. Be extra careful that the trailer doesn't start swaying, if it starts, back out of it and keep it below that speed regardless. This is where most inexperienced drivers have accidents and/or lose their loads. I would also consider taking Hwy. 301 vs. the interstate, not advising you to take it, just consider what the trade offs might be for you. It avoids Washington and most of Baltimore. Also takes you towards the water like the Key bridge. Stay in the right hand lane but do not run on the ridge at the edge. Don't jerk back reflexively if/when you hit the ridge just continue over it and bring it back under control. Get familiar with the right side clearance and how much room it takes to turn. Trip about 155 miles - 3 hrs. Good luck.

One more thing critical, if we don't get back: make sure all the tires are good and up to pressure. Many inexperienced haulers make the mistake of running with one low/flat tire (I presume it's a two axle trailer) because they can't see that it's low. If the other tire on that side goes flat you're shut down right then and wherever there happens to be. BTW: I just saw a 24' inboard that weighed 9,000 lbs.,12'6" loaded height, and 96"(8') wide. The pick-up you get must have an elec. trailer brake controller. If you're going to rent it from - U-Haul, Penske, Ryder, etc. I'm sure they will take care of that.

Answer 5

Any 1/2 ton truck should be fine (GMC Sierra, Chevy Silverado, Ford F150).  I'm assuming that it has a tandem axle trailer which helps with highway stability and also bears more weight on the axles and less on the tongue. Chances are it has a 96 in. or less beam so no permits are required and the only paper work needed is a valid trailer plate. Before you take off, pull the bearing caps off and grease the trailer bearings with marine grease, if you have a surge break coupler check and make sure it has fluid in the reservoir, tire pressure and trailer lights.  I have a 24' Four Winns with a tandem axle and it pulls perfectly behind my Yukon (1/2 ton).  Good Luck! P.S. Put a dab of grease on the ball before you connect the trailer.