Towing Question (to tow or ship 1300 miles)

[LIZAMTAMPA]

To tow or pay shipping costs?  Can anyone provide feedback on towing my ski to NY; 1300 miles.  I have received quotes from the moving company and now beginning to think it may be best to transport myself.  The only concern is that this will slow driving speed and wear and tear on trailer.  Anyone ever tow for a long distance?  If so, any problems?

Thanks for the feedback!

[dbohland]

If your trailer is in good shape and be sure the wheels are greased, you shouldn't have a problem.  My cousin came down here to pick up a jet ski he bought and trailered it from Orlando to Cleveland, about 1,200 miles, without a problem at all.  The trailer even had the small wheels on it and it trailered fine.  You can save yourself a ton of money if you can trailer it to NY.  Your speed obviously won't be quite as fast, but I'm sure it won't slow you down that much.  Just be careful on the roads, and especially when changing lanes.

[jelico]

Have a spare, a grease gun, if you have bearing buddies that can be greased, and lug wrench handy. Stop every two hours and check bearing temp and lug nuts. Oh and a jack that will fit under the trailer if you do have a flat... Good luck!

[LIZAMTAMPA]

Thanks for the information!  I feel much better about towing.  How do you check bearing temperature? 

[mirror]

Touch it with a finger and if it is too hot to touch than your bearings life is going to be short. It will be hot but shouldn't be roasting hot. That's how I do it anyway. Just grease them before you go and take it easy on the way up there.

[Bozz]

I've pulled my ski's numerous times (2 of them) to TN and back, which is 1/2 the distance you are talking about... but not a single problem.  Like others have said, grease the bearings, make sure the tires are properly inflated... and go. 

Just know that those little tires are more susceptible to blowing at highway speeds and take it a little easier. 

Good luck!