R29 towing

[sidecarist]

I am considering both the R-27 and R-29 and my deciding factor has come down to the towing of a 10' beam vs. 8'6" and the hassle of special permits etc. I would greatly appreciate feedback from the experienced R29 owners out there, or anyone else with experience towing over width boats. A trailerable boat is essential for me, but the hassle of multiple permits and scheduling them is a concern. I would be trailering from the North East and for some of the places I would like to visit I may be traveling through a dozen or more states traveling in both directions.

Thanks for taking the time to help out a future Tugnut!

Bob

 

[Stella Maris]

We went from towing an R-25 to towing our R-29. While it is wider, my biggest concern was the overall length, 62 feet. However, you just need to plan a bit more when towing. Otherwise launching and retrieval is not any more difficult. Because the trailer is so long, backing is not at all difficult.

As for permits, Stuart turned me onto a company that pulls all of your permits for you. You simply send them your information via email, call them to let them know the email is there, and then they email them back to you. I save them as a PDF file and load on my iPad. Each time I have had to show them to the authorities, they have accepted the iPad version. I have a spread sheet that I developed for the permit company where you simply put in all of your information. Once done, all you do is change dates, routes, start point, and destination.

Some people will tell you not to bother with the permits, however you might want to check with your insurance. Mine will not cover me in the event of an accident while towing if I do not have the permits. Also, we had to show the permits twice in California, once in Oregon, and once in Washington. Not worth the hassle it could create by not having them.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Seems to me that states in the NE are even more picky about wide loads. Going with the 27 would eliminate any issue with permits. Unless the regs have changed since we last checked, there still may be some states in the NE that have restrictions on non-federal roads for a max width of 96". Since most OTR trucks, buses, and RVs are 102", it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[commander bill]

The online permit system sounds like the way to go. As far as pulling without a permit I would never do that. I have a friend that pulled a similar trailer (not a boat) and had an accident. Bottom line is that the existence of a non-permitted trailer placed him in a mode where he was viewed "at fault". Not only did he have problems with his insurance but the severe citation issued by the police greatly complicated his subsequent civil case. He thought it was OK because the state had not appeared very interested in stopping people with similar loads.

 

[Jon]

Destiny,
Thanks for the info. Can you give me the name, address or phone number of the company you use for permits?
Thanks,

Jon

 

[Stella Maris]

Jon,
The contact info is:
Permit Company
866-943-3356, Jenny
Jbax@permitcompany.com

If you send me an email to:
Davidbakermdbs@aol.com

I will forward you the form that you will need to fill out and send to them for each permit. They cover all fifty states so they are really easy to deal with.

David

 

[Todd]

I tow my R29 with no problem. I use a 1 ton Dodge (3500) with diesel. Get about 10 mpg on interstate highway.

The first time I moved the boat, from Winter Island Yacht Yard in Salem Mass. to the Hudson river in NY I used an on line permit company. They said they charge $40 above permit costs. Turns out the charge $40 for each permit, cost me $120 plus permits.

I now go directly to each agency's website directly and get my own permits. It is immediate, you fill out the application, give them a credit card, and print the permit. My last move to Salem and back each required 3 permits,I think $20 each, and in Mass I could check off for two trips on the same permit application so the round trip cost about $100. It really is not much trouble and you need the same information you will have to give the permit company.

I suggest you make a diagram of the truck and trailer and record all measurements. They will want the overall length and width, front and rear overhang, (front bumper to center of front wheel and rear of swim platform to center of rear axel) the number of axels and their spacing, and the gross weight.

The gross weight of my rig is Truck 10,100 lbs. and trailer 15,000 lbs. Total 25,100 lbs. No special license is required if under 26,000 lbs.

If you plan to move your boat more than once I would suggest you get comfortable with the permit process and do it yourself. Last minute plans are not a problem, as I said you fill out the on line application and print out the permit. I also suggest you carry a printed copy. They will accept looking at your electronic device but you may have to hand it to some toll collector or official and make sure it will not require reception or you could have a problem that causes a delay and ties up traffic behind you. The toll collectors here in the north east always ask to see it when entering their roads.

 

[Jon]

Many thanks to all of you. Great info! Gives me a little comfort factor. Hopefully I'll see you on the water soon.
Thanks,
Jon