Oversize Load signage

[S. Todd]

I am looking for suggestions on attaching the "Oversize Load" sign to the rear of our 2021 R29S. I have purchased the mesh sign, 18" x 84". I am thinking that tying and bungy cording it to the swim step hand rails will be the easiest way but I don't want to create a drag parachute doing so. I also want to avoid it putting a rash on the gel coat if I go directly to the transom, which may not be easy with the propane box there. (I do not utilize a tender so attaching to that is not an option.) What do others do? Pictures?

 

[NorCal]

I do exactly what you suggested. Mesh sign attached to handrails on swimstep. Pulled over a 1000 miles no problems at all. I think there might be a bit of a bubble from the wind right behind the boat. My side flags got thrashed by the wind but the overwide sign on the swimstep looks great.

 

[Alpina]

I do exactly what you described with a few differences. I’m attaching a few pics but note that these taken while setting up the trailer for the first time so are not representative of the final set up.


I started off with an 18x84” sign but returned it because it didn’t fit as well as I wanted and the double sided text made it hard to read. I ended up buying a single sided 12x72” sign. It fits perfectly between the stainless railings before they curve around. The attached pictures shows the larger 18x84” sign. I used the 1/4” thick zip ties on the 4 corners.

For the front of the truck I purchased the strong 1/4”x1/2”x3” magnets. The hold the sign on really well.

If you look closely at the picture, I took a 10’ long 1.5” PVC pipe, drilled holes into it and mounted my flags. It makes it easy to attach to the rear platform and right in front of the tires in the trailer to mark the wide point on the trailer. Slips easily into place and held on with large cable/zip ties but could be held on otherwise.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[S. Todd]

Thank you both. That was the information I was looking for.
Todd

 

[dgiles]

What are your options at night with lighting? Or do you simply not tow at night.

 

[NorCal]

You have to check the state rules. I could tow at night in CA which I did but oregon was no overwide at night. I forget what Wa was. I did not add any extra lights for at night. I attached the orange flags at the last stanchion from the bow railing.

I think I also used the smaller signs. Not technically legal but that fits our trucks so much better. I stuck the forward sign on a bracket on top of truck camper shell. I didn't want to block the radiator as I was towing some heavy hills in the summer.

 

[Alpina]

What are your options at night with lighting? Or do you simply not tow at night.

The states that I checked didn't allow towing at night, nor on Sunday or holidays. There were also additional rules such as not traveling on the bridge before/after a certain time etc... Daytime in those states was defined as 30 minutes after dawn and 30 minutes before sunset. Might be different for other states, not sure.

I plan on adding additional temporary lights to the swim platform for better visibility. Since the trailer lights are low and under the stern of the boat, they might not be as visible as I would like. An example of the lights can be found here: https://www.homedepot.com/p/MaxxHaul-Ma ... /306368537

Franco

 

[Alpina]

You have to check the state rules. I could tow at night in CA which I did but oregon was no overwide at night. I forget what Wa was. I did not add any extra lights for at night. I attached the orange flags at the last stanchion from the bow railing.

I think I also used the smaller signs. Not technically legal but that fits our trucks so much better. I stuck the forward sign on a bracket on top of truck camper shell. I didn't want to block the radiator as I was towing some heavy hills in the summer.

Now you got me thinking. The regulations I reviewed stated 12" lettering. I think I bought a 12" banner conflating the size of the lettering and banner. I need to measure mine. The 18" tall banner fit very sloppily so I hope I am good with the banner that I purchased. That said, the guy in the slip across from me towed a 13' wide boat, without permits or signage at night when he picked up his boat 😀

 

[Alpina]

Thank you both. That was the information I was looking for.
Todd

Another point came to mind. In GA, I had to obtain a special license (Class E) to tow anything over 10k lbs. It's basically a non-commercial variant of a CDL. I had to take a special test. Given how little the folks at the DMV knew about it, I suspect not everyone who should get one does, but that's the law. I know other states require the same. You may want to check requirements of your home state. - Franco

 

[S. Todd]

There is no special license required here in Indiana or in Michigan. Towing after 30 minutes after sunset and before 30 minutes before sunrise is not allowed. I am retired now so I can make daylight towing work. I really have no desire to tow a wide load after dark. I am taking a cue from the commercial drivers and adding a flashing amber light to the top of my truck's cap and two battery operated amber flashers to the aft corners of either the swim step or gunnels even though as far as I can tell they are not required. My theory is it is better to be seen and hopefully given a wide berth than risk damage. (In our part of the country there are way too many people that spend their driving attention on their cell phones despite laws to the contrary. When I used to commute to work on my bicycle I counted 6 out 10 drivers distracted by their phones.)