Towing Question

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docmace

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I was wondering if anyone could help me with a towing question. I need to transport my 96 272 Sailfish approx 550 miles. I really want to do this myself and I wanted to see if anyone has done a similar tow. My vehicle is an '07 Ford F150 with a 5.4 V8 and tow package. Max tow weight is approx 8,000 lbs. The boat is on a Quickload Triaxle trailer with brakes on two of the three axles. The boat is a standard Sailfish with the usual equipment. Thanks in advance. Also, anyone know what size ball this trailer requires. I'm thinking bigger than my current 2".
 
I should also mention that I'm only going to make this haul once and the 550 miles are all flat. I know I would be pushing the limits but all I want to know is if it is at all possible or will I kill my truck, boat, someone else, or myself
 
I think your well over the limits on a 150. That's not to say you couldn't do it, but why risk it. If it were me, I'd rent a 250 or bigger.

Ball size is 2 5/16.
 
Hire a professional hauler. You're towing an oversize load a decent distance and should anything happen, you're screwed. A short local trip isn't that bad and the 150 can handle that once in a while.
 
Where from and to? What do you thinke the overall weight of boat, trailer and gear is? Do you trailer frequently?
 
I do trailer small loads frequently and I have pulled a 19 ft boat with ease. I know this is a whole different animal. I think the gross weight of the boat alone is 5500 lbs. I dont know the exact weight of the engines or the trailer. That's why I am hesitant. The haul would be from Tampa FL area to Gulf Shores AL
 
With a load of fuel, the boat's close to 8K, a galvanized trailer is about 2K. Basically the trailer alone is equal to a bass boat and trailer.
 
Ford shows the tow rating anywhere from 5,300 to 11,000 pounds. Rating varies significantly with different wheelbase, engine, tow package and transmission configurations.

If you've checked on your SPECIFIC truck setup and have determined that you're in the 8,000 to 8,500 range I'd say you're marginally OK. You also need to pay attention to your hitch setup/rating as well as the ball rating (yes, they are different and you'll be carrying about 480-800 pounds on the hitch. I assume you comply with FL law and have brakes on all axles on the trailer.
 
Thanks for the help. The seller told me that the set-up is 10000+lbs. I'm a risk taker but not that much of a risk. I am way over limit for my 150. I'll have it professionally transported and hope like hell I never have to trailer it anywhere. Thanks again for all the input.
 
docmace said:
The seller told me that the set-up is 10000+lbs.
Click to expand...

That depends on how much fuel and water he gives you. If both are empty, figure on that number being 1500 lbs. lower.
 
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