|
Question regarding cross-country tow
Hello to all -
A newbie here who just recently purchased an 00' Z278 Shabah (see "Mariahs for sale" category). I'm a bit concerned about going to pick it up this coming week. I'm taking my 04' Z71 tahoe 1200 miles across country and back to pick it up, and I've been told by others that I should be taking at least a 3/4 ton truck - preferably 1-ton. According to my owners manual, the weight of the boat is within my limits of 7800lbs towing capacity. Has anybody on here done any similar towing? I certainly don't want to blow my truck up on the trip back, nor put myself or others on the road in danger. Just looking for a bit of input. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all! Todd New Mariah owner |
The general rule of thumb, anything above 24ft usually requires a 3/4 ton truck minimum to pull it. That's not to say it couldn't be done, but you're probably "pushing it" being close to the max towing capacity. However I towed my Z250 back 500 miles from Baltimore with a 1/2 ton Escalade (glorified Tahoe). I didn't really encounter any problems, but it wasn't the most practical towing vehicle. Where you'll notice the issues with a 1/2 ton suspension is in sway control and rear ride height. Watch yourself next to semi's, RV's, and any place that warns you of crosswinds like up in the mountains. Hit trailerboats.com and study up on their towing guide, it'll help you learn how to control sway and any other issues you might have.
Do you have an approximate weight for the trailer? Steel or aluminum? What engine does your Z71 have? Hopefully something larger than the 5.3L? As long as you can take your time and don't push it, I don't see why it wouldn't be able to get you by, at least once. |
I have a 2003 Tahoe Z71, and work in the RV business for a living. I defiitely would NOT tow it with yours. I paid a driver to go get mine (due in any minute!!!) due to me being a novice tower and I really would prefer someone who knows what hes doing to drive it a couple hundred miles.
|
Scotty
We have a 97 tahoe to pull our z280.I have been told by my buddy who is a Service Manager for a General Motors dealership -- not to use my Tahoe for long haul towing. We just use ours to launch boat in spring and haul home in fall.(approx. 60 miles each way)
|
If you are experienced with towing it's do-able. Tahoe is a frame on vehicle is it not? Just make sure your rig is ready. The towing package should have included in auxiliary transmission cooler, and if it doesn't, you'd be wise to definatley invest in one before you make the trip.
|
Quote:
I think you should look at a couple things beyond what others have mentioned: * Load rating on your tires (Tahoe) * shape and load rating for the trailer tires (don't take this for granted) * Also make sure you check out the bearings, wheels and rotors and check the brake level in the actuator. I have a story - that I posted last September - that led to an entire trailer rebuild on my part.... I just upgraded my 1500HD with 'E' rated tires specifically to ensure I wouldn't have any tow issues. It also has the 6.0L v8 and tow package. Brent |
Hey Tvacek
Using your Tahoe is a bad idea, go with the ¾ ton like ShabahZ250 suggested and you’ll be fine. As ShabahZ250 was indicating, I think you forgot to factor in your trailer. That said, your load probably exceeds the GTW (gross Tow Weight) for the 04’ Tahoe. Our trailer weighs 1700 for a heavy duty tandem, I believe yours is a triple axle and so I doubt it weighs less even if it’s aluminum, so let’s say 200 or 300lbs more. Yes, your owner’s manual stated your Z278 weight is 6100lbs., but typically this is the dry weight and with the base engine which in this case is the 5.7 and your’s has the 7.4, I've seen differences listed of up to 200lbs between the two, but I know it's more than 120lbs. Add about 6lbs for every gallon of gas still in the Z's tank too. If you add the extra weight of your motor and now the trailer, your “package” weighs closer to 8100lbs, a little bit more than the Tahoe's 7800lbs limit... Another thing, check your tow hitch, most SUV's come with a class III hitch. Class III hitches are designed to handle up to 5,000 lbs. GTW and 500 lbs. tongue weight. You would have to adjust your trailer so you’re running with 6% or less at the tongue which may make the trailer very unstable. The only safe option if your determined to use your Tahoe is going with a weight-distributing hitch and then the rating can increases up to 10,000 lbs. GTW and 1000 lbs. tongue weight. Hey Scotty, listen to your Service Manager. Your 97's GWT is only 7000lbs and the 98' Z280 dry is already 7350lbs without the trailer, any distance with your Tahoe is an accident waiting to happen. Guys, I’m not being paranoid here, I don't know about where you live, but in California, they take trailering very seriously and any accident resulting in injuries due to you exceeding your tow capacity can and will bring criminal charges. It’s just not worth endangering yourself, other's or your Mariah because of convenience. Safety first, fun second, WetWilly |
FYI - The trailer that boat uses is 1900lbs, it's the same one that my boat uses. Too bad they didn't use an aluminum tri-axle because they weight 950-1000lbs. That would save a lot of gas!
I don't think you will have much issue with sway on a tri-axle because they are very stable, even with a shorter wheelbase vehicle. The problem you're going to have is braking and power. The Tahoe has somewhat undersized brakes to begin with so if the trailer brakes aren't in tip-top condition you're going to have issues. Also, you will have problems going up steep inclines. Not to mention it's going to be VERY hard on the tranny in the Tahoe, pretty much suicide if you don't have the optional tranny cooler. I think WetWilly was correct about the Tahoe having a 5000lb hitch as well. It would be way overloaded. Also most boat trailer manufactures advise against using anti-sway type hitches. |
Thank you all for the insight and the concern for both my safety and the safety of others. I'm doing a bit of research and taking all of this into consideration. Finding a buddy w/ a Diesel pick-up that is willing to let you take it for a 2400-mile road trip isn't as easy as I originally thought. I'll keep everyone posted on the outcome of this thread....
|
You may want to check some rental places around you. Sometimes you can rent heavy duty trucks at equipment rental shops or even specialty car rental shops. Just make sure there is no per mile charge :eek_animated:
|
Another option, check out http://www.uship.com
It's a site for locating freight transporters. The way it works is you basically post some information about it, then companies offer bids for transporting it to you! You could always give that a try while you try and locate a buddy with a truck! |
Ok....i'll think outside the box here. How 'bout a 'drive her home' trip? Let's see now, up the east coast, the Hudson, the Erie canal, Lake Erie, St. Clair, Michigan (Green Bay) or even Superior (Duluth) ?? Not practical i know but i liked the idea.... ;)
|
I'm with Mike - have the wife drive the Tahoe and empty trailer back (that's easily within the tow limits!) while you take your time on the new boat!!!
|
If I could make that work, that would be the coolest trip home EVER...... :yes_grin:
To answer your earlier questions, I do have the 5.3 liter...unfortunately the tahoe isn't available with the 6.0 liter. I do have the high-end towing package (minus the electric brakes) & transmission cooler. I've looked into a weight distribution hitch but it sounds like this will not work with surge brakes. |
I will tell you, I made the trek from Baltimore back to Cincinnati with a 5.3L. However my boat is a slight bit lighter, and I was still 200lbs over the max rating. The Pennsylvania moutains are a killer, I averaged about 25mph up each one and was running sometimes in 2nd gear. I'm sure there's been improvements to the engine and transmission since the 1999 model I used, but I honestly would not recommend it, especially for towing through the hills.
Like a lot of people have pointed out, it's probably not a good idea to tow it long distances with your Tahoe. I'd spend a little money and get it professionally towed to you. I checked the estimator on Uship and it's estimating anywhere from $1500 - $2900 for delivery. If this is within your budget (and it should be since you got such a steal on the boat!) this would be the way to go. Now, if you're running into some issues with transport, PM me, I might be willing to try and help you out... I've got a 3/4 ton Excursion V10. Maybe I could pick it up and meet you at the Ohio & Indiana border. It'd be a pretty flat tow back to Omaha from here... |
A co-worker sent this to me.
"You don't need a tahoe to get that boat..." http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j3...k/Clip0003.jpg http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j3...k/Clip0002.jpg :shakehead: |
Hey Tvacek,
Yea, I have some friends who believe everything they see too.... Got to admit, it does looks impressive with the Ridgeline pulling that load until you find out the Spectre only weighs 2700lbs.... :eek_animated: Spectre 30' Catamaran Specifications : Centerline Length - 30' Beam - 105" Hull Type - Catamaran Deadrise at Transom - 17.5º Weight - 2200 lbs (OB) 2700 lbs (IO) WetWilly |
OOPS...... Apparently my humor isn't widely appreciated.... Guess I should have done my homework!!!
Quote:
|
I pull my Z276 with a F350 duelley. I cant imange even usinfg a 3/4 ton. I just pull to and from the lake. Across country with a 1/2 ton out of the question for me. You really should reconsider and get a bigger truck. :shakehead:
|
Not sure where you are from, but the transport company I used (we use them for all our RV's) was very reasonable. I think hes around $1.50/mile loaded.
|
Hi Tvacek, naw, your humor is fine!
It's just that I do have some friends that see things and believe they're true because someone said they did it or has it... Let's just say, you know your in trouble when some of your friends believed "The Fast & Furious" was very realistic...... :shakehead: :shakehead: :shakehead: See ya at the finish line, WetWilly |
Just to update everyone, I have agreed to pickup Tvacek's boat and trailer in Maryland and meet him at the Indiana border. He is borrowing a 3/4ton Dodge Diesel for hauling back to Omaha.
I'm doing the majority of the haul on Thursday, and meeting him on Friday. Everybody keep your fingers crossed for both of us! |
Good luck to both of you. I sure Tvacek appreciates the help.
I said it before and I will say it again. This is a perfect example of what this site is all about. |
Best of luck guys! Hope all goes well :wink_thumbup:
|
Can we change Chris' title to "SUPER Admin and Mariah fanatic"???
Seriously... good luck. What a nice gesture! |
Just to show we are all about teamwork and cooperation on this board I am volunteering to water test the boat! :)
Seriously, what a great example! Travel safe Brent |
Im in for the water test. We need to make sure it's sea worthy for Tvacek.
Also I will bring the beer. :yes_grin: |
you guys are outta luck. Chris is coming up thru Ontario so he'll bring it past my place so that Z202, 180Diablo & i can water test it for Tvacek :p
|
Quote:
Wow Chris, what a super nice gesture on your part. Hope it all goes smoothly. "I love it when a plan comes together." |
Hey all, sorry I haven't checked the forum here in a few days.
Yes, ShabahZ250 has been extremely generous by offering to meet me approx. half way. This takes a tremendous weight off of my shoulders - - now I'm looking forward to the trip, rather than dreading it! :wink_thumbup: I just want to thank you all again for your helpful insight. Honestly, without your suggestions I may have tried to pull this monster with my sissy-tahoe across the country, jeopardizing my safety and others around me. Now I'm able to think about more important things - like what to name her....any suggestions??? :D I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as I get back. Thank you all again, what a great way to start my tenure as a Mariah Owner! |
Hi guys,
Me thinks ShabahZ250 just likes to show off his BIG rig... and if he don't show at the meeting point, we're gonna need to rename him ShabahZ278! :rolling_laugh: Seriously, Chris, what your doing for Tvacek can’t be expressed in words....., so he better have some BIG juicy steaks and beers grilling and chilling at the meeting place!!! You guys take it smooth and easy and Chris, get some pics of your rig hooked up! :wink_thumbup: Tvacek, for some name ideas, check out the links in post #7: Here WetWilly |
You didn't mention the most important thing you would have put in jeopardy. A vary rare Mariah.
All kidding aside have a safe trip. As for the names. When I was naming mine a friend sent me about hundred suggestions. I would be happy to forward them all to you. |
2 Attachment(s)
Well everybody, I'm back safe and and delivered Todd's boat to him yesterday afternoon in Cincinnati, where he arrived in a 3/4 Ton Dodge HD diesel to tow back to Omaha.
Full trip writeup to come within the next week, so keep your eye on the Trips & Travels section! In the meantime, here's a pic or two of my tow combo as requested.... |
Glad to hear you made it safely. Now here's to hoping Todd does the same! :wink_thumbup:
|
Hey everybody,
The boat and I are both safely at home...about 8 hours later than I expected, but the trip went wonderful. Borrowing the Diesel was probably the smartest thing I could have done. Chris, thank you so much again for all of your help. I have your address, so keep your eye out for a nice & juicy box of Omaha Steaks. I'd also like to mention that Chris went above and beyond the call of duty. Not only did he get the boat through the Appalachians, he went through the entire boat with a fine tooth comb, writing a list of things that may be needing attention. Fortunately, the list is short so I'll be getting started on that tomorrow. I'll keep everybody updated with photos.... after it's buffed out of course. :yes_grin: Once again, thank you all for the much appreciated information. I'm not sure what I would have done without the helpful resources of this website. Take care! Todd |
Here she is after the first step of Meguiar's gelcoat restoration..... more to come.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j3...k/DSC00878.jpg |
your wife/gf looks pretty good with the gelcoat restoration. what about the boat behind her? ;)
|
Fantastic!!! That Mariah is going to bring you much pride and joy.
|
Does the dog ski or wake board? :rolling_laugh:
You got yourself a beauty there! (Honestly, I meant the boat) WetWilly |
Looking great! I knew it'd clean up with a little TLC. If that's only the first step, I can't wait to see it when it's done!!! :wink_thumbup:
|
| All times are GMT. The time now is 09:29 AM. |