New to Trailering
- Thread starter awlom
- Start date
Formula Tenn
New member
don't know your year but i had my 95 34pc hauled about 200 miles this spring. transporter didn't have to remove anything but i don't know about permits and stuff like that. he did it with a low boy and road tractor. talk about overkill, that set up could have hauled quite a bit more than my little cream puff 
As for pulling your 280SS Formula. I would not expect any problem pulling it, unless you are heading for the mountains.
When they rate a vehicle for towing weight, it must be for the entire US. That means the flat lands of Florida, to the mountains of Colorado.
With a little common sense you will likely be OK for short distances.
As for the over-width. Yes, by strict DOT rules you need a wide load permit. However your boat is only 9' 2" wide, and that is up on the rub rail. Your rear transom is more like 8'. The DOT will not notice this, unless the inspector is a anal and carries 2 plumb bobs to hang down from each rub rail to get an accurate measurement.
As for a 34PC and bridge clearance. If it a older 34PC with the rear facing arch, fold down the light and you should be good to go if the trailer is a low (watch the trailer brand as some tend to build them taller). If it has radar it will need to be removed or folded back.
If it is a new 34PC with the forward facing arch it will need to be removed, or fitted with a system to fold it down such as the unit that Tim Tevlin is marketing.
I have a Formula 37PC that I have towed for nearly 2,500 miles now with great results. Prior to that I pulled a 31PC for 10 years.
BRAKES are important. Mine are electric over hydraulic disc.
Hitches are important, as is how the boat/truck sit in combination.
If you have a torsion axle trailer, it must sit level when hooked to the tow vehicle.
Email me and we can discuss more if desired.
jshelton@tds.net
When they rate a vehicle for towing weight, it must be for the entire US. That means the flat lands of Florida, to the mountains of Colorado.
With a little common sense you will likely be OK for short distances.
As for the over-width. Yes, by strict DOT rules you need a wide load permit. However your boat is only 9' 2" wide, and that is up on the rub rail. Your rear transom is more like 8'. The DOT will not notice this, unless the inspector is a anal and carries 2 plumb bobs to hang down from each rub rail to get an accurate measurement.
As for a 34PC and bridge clearance. If it a older 34PC with the rear facing arch, fold down the light and you should be good to go if the trailer is a low (watch the trailer brand as some tend to build them taller). If it has radar it will need to be removed or folded back.
If it is a new 34PC with the forward facing arch it will need to be removed, or fitted with a system to fold it down such as the unit that Tim Tevlin is marketing.
I have a Formula 37PC that I have towed for nearly 2,500 miles now with great results. Prior to that I pulled a 31PC for 10 years.
BRAKES are important. Mine are electric over hydraulic disc.
Hitches are important, as is how the boat/truck sit in combination.
If you have a torsion axle trailer, it must sit level when hooked to the tow vehicle.
Email me and we can discuss more if desired.
jshelton@tds.net
BeechBoy said:
Listen to this advice. I have been through 2 axles on my 370ss trailer. Pull that thing perfectly level if running torsion axles.
My last 3 boats have all been over 9 feet wide. I did get the recreational permit for my 370, but I also fudged the overall width so I could obtain the yearly permit.
You shouldn't have an issue with your boat. I was never hassled in my boats that had a 9'6" beam.
Trailing your 280 should be easy, just don't try it with a tahoe.
olneymdhouse
New member
2003 GMC 2500 HD stock hitch pulls a 280 SS w/twins and loaded with fuel and gear just fine. Estimated 9000 lbs total with about 10% on the tongue. The transmission heated up a bit going over the mountains but it did fine as long as you don't over push it. I use the 4x4 on the sandy launch ramps. Invest into getting your hub bearings checked regularly. They take a lot of pressure on the tight turns, especially the if it is a tri-axle trailer.