Long distance PWC towing???

[MonkeySea MonkeyDoo]

The family and I are planning a trip this summer to Table Rock Lake/Branson MO from Chicago (10hrs +). We are going to be bringing our GTX 155 with us and I wanted to seek advice and/or wisdom about long distance towing in this type of situation. I also have some specific questions but I am looking for ANY input. Thanks in advance for the input.

We will be towing a 2010 GTX 155 on a typical one spot PWC trailer. The drive is mostly interstate driving and speeds. The trailer is for all intents, brand new.

1. Is there a proper or preferred method of strapping a watercraft to a trailer? I've developed my own system with no problems thus far but I'd like to know I'm doing it the right way.

2. Should the machine be covered? I've read here that it can inflict a lot of wear and tear on the cover but what about stones etc. kicking up into the machine itself?

3. I don't know what size wheels I have off hand, but is there a minimal wheel size that should be used when towing long distances?

Again, any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks. :cheers:

 

[Dr Honda]

Really... it's no big deal. Make sure the tires are inflated, and the bearings are greased. I personally don't keep a cover on my boat or skis while towing It beats the cover, and can beat the ski. A "Poppy" cover will trailer very nice.

No special tie downs will be needed.

I would say to stop every few hours, and check the tire and hub heat... but really... if you keep things in good working order... you shouldn't have any problems.


Oh... Make sure you have a spare tire, and the tools to change it. Some people like to have a spare hub... but I feel that's a little extreme on a little trailer.

 

[b15philly]

I agree..... alot of people carry a spare tire with them but do not carry the right tools to change the tire out, just make sure your barrings are greased up, and I would advise not to trailer with a cover on....:cheers:

 

[crisso]

reply

As above and also take a spare D shackle for the trailer chain.It's amazing how many come loose.Pliers to do up the D shackle.
Spray the front areas of the ski with a mild mix of your boat wash and let it dry.Do this a few times.When you get where you are going,the bugs and road grime,come off a lot easier.Do this on the trailer also.
Wipe some grease on the towball.It's easy to wipe off after the trip.
Just in case.Take a spare set of wheel bearings and seal.They are cheap and take up no room.And a small pot of grease.(just in case)
Hope you have a great trip

 

[itsabowtime2]

In addition to what others have said:

Check your wheel bearings and re-pack if necessary. Even the best wheel seal can allow water in.

Tire size does matter. What size are you running. Larger tires tend to run at lower temps.

Personally, I never trailer with the cover on. Personal choice.

Our XP's trailer has gone on several 500 plus mile one way trips w/o issue and where we currently boat is 130 miles one way and the trailer makes that trip every weekend during the summer.

Check the tire pressure at each rest stop. Check your straps as well.

And drive carefully. :driving:

 

[RFoster130]

I agree with the others. Make sure the hubs are greased good and hit the road. Just check the hubs for heat when you stop and have a spare with you.

As far as a cover, I would cover it, but that is personal preference. With a good cover its not a big deal. Would you rather cause wear on a $200 cover or a let a $10,000 ski get beat up?

 

[93mustang97sea]

I drove a jetski on a trailer from Florida to New York.. Just check that your lights work and that the hubs are greased.. Check your tires and hubs for heat when you stop.. Make sure you have a spare for the trailer..

 

[seadooya]

:agree: with whats said, but i'd also, drain/install new tranny fluid and re-gear the rearend...

 

[MonkeySea MonkeyDoo]

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who responded. :cheers:

The spare tire and bearing advice was already on my mind so you guys have put that over the top for me.

I will take all the other recommendations to heart as well.

...summer can't happen fast enough:willy_nilly:

 

[speedster32940]

grease recommendations?

Just bought a 2008 speedster 200 and are planning a FL to NY trip in May. Are there any specific recommendations / procedures on greasing the hubs??? (Type of grease, type of tool to use???) Thanks...

 

[RFoster130]

I use a marine grease and just hit them a couple times a season. I have bearing buddies though. They are great for keeping the grease in there. I would install them if you dont already have them on the hubs.

 

[itsabowtime2]

High temp. wheel bearing grease, marine grease

Bearing buddies are great for mid season greasing via a grease fitting. Inspect the bearings once a season, or more if you dunk the trailer often.

 

[crisso]

wheel grease

Trailer/wheel bearing grease has a different property to normal grease.If you take a dob of it between 2 fingers and spread your fingers,it will go stringy.Normal grease will just pull apart.The wheel bearing grease does this to help transfer new grease to different parts of the bearing.It draws itself through.A diff. test is to put some on a metal plate. Hit it with a hammer.Normal grease will get some splatter.Bearing grease,will not.
I know you can't do this when you go to buy some,but it's just a FYI type thing.
I towed a ski racing boat across Australia and back.Bearing buddies on,bearings done before the trip.Look at the bearing B'S and just top them up with a grease gun.This is the same as across America and back in 2 weeks.We had no problems.
Make sure your tyres are very good
Hope this helps