CONTINUOUSWAVE

I want to solicit comments and thoughts about towing a 170 Montauk to New Jersey from Florida with a 2015 Ford AWD Escape. The Escape is properly equipped to tow 3,500-lbs. Normally I would use my Ford Expedition but I need to move both the boat and car to New Jersey. I have used the Ford Escape to tow the 170 Montauk locally in Florida, to and from the launch ramp, but this trip is about 1,300 miles; I am a bit concerned that I am getting close to the max GCWR.

On the trip itself it's a pretty flat run going from Punta Gorda up the west coast of Florida, Interstate 75, cutting across Florida to Jacksonville from Gainesville, then straight up Interstate 95. I will take my time doing it in two days.

Here are my weight projections:

2005 Boston Whaler 170 Montauk & 2010 E-Tec 115HO

Weight Pounds
Boat      1,400
Motor       390
Fuel        225
Battery      75
Oil          30
Trailer     550
Spare Tire   40
Misc        100
Anchor       50
Total     2,860

2015 Ford Escape AWD
Weight Specifications

Car AWD GCWR           7,626

Curb Weight            3,769
Trailer Hitch            100
Fuel                     129
Driver                   200
Tools                    100
Total Weight (Car)     4,298
Total Boat+Car         7,158

The actual combined car and boat weight compared to the GCWR is only leaving about a 468 pound buffer.

To me your towing weight and vehicle ratings look compatible. In my experience, the boat weight is often under-estimated. However, your estimates look comprehensive, so I wouldn't expect a large variance, other than, perhaps, the actual weight of the boat hull.

If you want further confirmation, tow the boat and trailer to a certified scale. A good procedure for deducing a number of important weight loads in towing from five scale measurements is given in an older article at

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/016667.html

You can often find truck scales near state borders, particularly near the border of a state known for strict weight load enforcement. Could that be Georgia? Or one of the Carolina's?

Check the trailer tongue weight. It can affect the rear axle maximum load rating.

Another specification to check (and also mentioned in the article linked above): the load rating of your tow vehicle's rear tires. Too much tongue weight can push the load on the tow vehicle rear tires to their maximum.

If I may, let me offer a few other suggestions for long distance highway towing:

--make certain all tires are inflated to their proper pressure, particularly the trailer tires and rear axle tires of the towing vehicle. Some vehicle specifications will call for less than maximum pressure for the rear tires to improve ride characteristics, but if there is any doubt about load rating, I would err on the side of increasing pressure toward maximum tire pressure rating;

--buy an infrared temperature gun; use it to check the tire, wheel, and bearing temperatures at regular intervals while towing; and,

--take a grease gun with you; being able to add grease to a hot bearing might be very helpful.

Agree with Jim -

Get a certified weight of boat and trailer from a commercial scale.

I presume your trailer has electric or hydraulic brakes? If not, you need them.

This will be a fly and drive out trip. A one way ticket to FL on Dec 27th and then I need to start to directly driving to NJ early the next morning. Unfortunately getting the rig weighed before leaving will not be possible. Wheel bearings are in good shape and the radial tires are pretty new - the boat and trailer are garage kept and stored up on jack stands.

Jim as always good pointers - I always bring my grease gun and trusty Fluke 62 MAX IR thermometer, spare trailer wheel bearings, ect. The 2005 BW supplied Karavan trailer did not come from the factory with brakes, and I won't have the time to get brakes installed. I have towed a few hundred miles around FL with this rig in the past with no problems and what I would consider reasonable performance.

One of my biggest concerns is hitting a snow storm on the way back.

Give yourself a spare day so you do not have to push. Two days may be just right.
An extra will allow for problems and reduce pressure on you to get there on time.
You are pushing the specs. Maybe not exceeding, but pushing?

Good Luck.

As for the weather, if you stay close to the coastline you should avoid a big snow. Having said that, I awoke this morning to several inches of snow on the ground--quite a surprise.

You have direct experience towing this specific combination, so trust your own opinion or gut feeling. I've driven I-95 and found it a bit tight and pushy. Take the extra day so you can opt out of busier times of day.

I'd suggest hydraulic surge brakes on the trailer to increase safety. We tow ours with a Toyota Tundra and Subaru Outback. Especially with the lighter Subaru or if you need to suddenly stop, the brakes are a benefit.

The best configuration for this type setup is to have the vehicle reverse lights wired to a solenoid controlled hydraulic valve in the trailer tongue. This disables the brakes so they don't engage when backing the trailer.

We could be twins?
I have the same package set-up as you do. A 170 Montauk with a "90" hp and a Ford Escape here in Fla. Like you I tow it allot on the turnpike and I-95 from Palm Beach to the Keys (155 mi run) and No Problems with breaking, transmission, suspension, or ramps. Trust your experience and what you already know.
Also, my wife is from N.J., but we are not going back.
-Barnacle-