I'll be towing a 16' Sailboat (2000 lbs. boat & trailer) from Cape Cod (MA) to Daytona Beach (FL) soon and wanted to know what the best practical route would be. I'll be towing with a Dodge Caravan 3.3L. Either I-95 all the way, or inland via I-81 to I-77 to I-26 back to I-95 in SC. Never been this route and wondering how hilly this would be for added strain on the vehicle. Or, would traversing to Route 66 to Route 17 back to I-95 be better. Looking for any and all helpful comments or suggestions.
Boat Hauling from Mass. to Florida
- Thread starter jpar44
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I-95 Seems Obvious
I would go the I-81 route and not deal with the city traffic and the tolls in New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. I used to travel from Hampton, Virginia to DC weekly and up to New Jersey just across the river from New York every other month. After a few years of that we moved again and I threatened to go AWOL rather than go back to DC.
If you do go I-95 and take the south end of the beltway around DC watch closely for the exit to I-95 south I think it was around exit 170 but look it up to be sure. The exit is on the left and over the top of a hill so you do not see it coming. It is very easy to miss and a long way to get turned around to go back the right direction. The traffic is heavy all the way from Baltimore to Richmond. It has been a few years and I may not remember that exactly right but with a trailer I would not mess with it at all.
I would go the I-81 route and not deal with the city traffic and the tolls in New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. I used to travel from Hampton, Virginia to DC weekly and up to New Jersey just across the river from New York every other month. After a few years of that we moved again and I threatened to go AWOL rather than go back to DC.
If you do go I-95 and take the south end of the beltway around DC watch closely for the exit to I-95 south I think it was around exit 170 but look it up to be sure. The exit is on the left and over the top of a hill so you do not see it coming. It is very easy to miss and a long way to get turned around to go back the right direction. The traffic is heavy all the way from Baltimore to Richmond. It has been a few years and I may not remember that exactly right but with a trailer I would not mess with it at all.
I pulled 2000 lbs with a dodge 250 full sized van from MA to FL and back.
Going down we took 95. Timed our leave times before or after rush hour traffic ie NY traffic at 9 AM and leaving Boston at 8 put us entering NY just after the heavy traffic.
Flat ride for the most part using 95 and 295/395 around metro areas worked well. 81 is a nicer looking ride but some hills are very big. I wouldn't want to do it with my caravan. If bad weather in the hills it can be an experience. I have done both routes with a motorcycle, while towing with a van and straight driving. I only take 81 when I am looking for the nice looking ride with less traffic and not pressed for time. 81 can add almost 2 hours to the trip vs 1 hour of possible traffic on 95 and the parkway.
If you have AAA, they give nice maps with routes mapped out.
Be sure to strap down well.
Safe ride
Going down we took 95. Timed our leave times before or after rush hour traffic ie NY traffic at 9 AM and leaving Boston at 8 put us entering NY just after the heavy traffic.
Flat ride for the most part using 95 and 295/395 around metro areas worked well. 81 is a nicer looking ride but some hills are very big. I wouldn't want to do it with my caravan. If bad weather in the hills it can be an experience. I have done both routes with a motorcycle, while towing with a van and straight driving. I only take 81 when I am looking for the nice looking ride with less traffic and not pressed for time. 81 can add almost 2 hours to the trip vs 1 hour of possible traffic on 95 and the parkway.
If you have AAA, they give nice maps with routes mapped out.
Be sure to strap down well.
Safe ride
jparr
I don't think your boat is heavy enough to worry about hills so I wouldn't put that into your calculus. I've traveled both I-81 and I-95. I would do whatever it takes to avoid I-95 between Baltimore and Richmond. I have spent 4 hours on the DC beltway traveling a total of 12 miles (with a boat in tow). However I-81 has a few tough spots of its own, especially near Blacksburg. And if you are really worried about hills, I-81 gets a bit "bumpy" as you enter Tennessee. Have you map quested U.S. 29. It does not show up as an interstate but it is a 4 lane divided highway all the way through Virginia and North Carolina, with bypasses around most of the cities you will pass. The speed limit varies between 55 and 70 so it is a fast route. And It is a nice drive (even scenic in some places). And you will pass right by Smith Mountain Lake if you want to pause and take a sail:dance:
I don't think your boat is heavy enough to worry about hills so I wouldn't put that into your calculus. I've traveled both I-81 and I-95. I would do whatever it takes to avoid I-95 between Baltimore and Richmond. I have spent 4 hours on the DC beltway traveling a total of 12 miles (with a boat in tow). However I-81 has a few tough spots of its own, especially near Blacksburg. And if you are really worried about hills, I-81 gets a bit "bumpy" as you enter Tennessee. Have you map quested U.S. 29. It does not show up as an interstate but it is a 4 lane divided highway all the way through Virginia and North Carolina, with bypasses around most of the cities you will pass. The speed limit varies between 55 and 70 so it is a fast route. And It is a nice drive (even scenic in some places). And you will pass right by Smith Mountain Lake if you want to pause and take a sail:dance:
OK here is my idea. Based on what I was able to find the Dodge Caravan has a rated tow capacity of 1800 pounds and the Grand Caravan has a rated capacity of 3600 so defiantly check you vehicle for capacity rating because I believe you will be at or near rated capacity depending on what caravan you own. That said hauling close to capacity is hard on a vehicle especial that distance. Does you vehicle has a transmission cool and I hope a towing package ?? Going 95 is much flatter as other have suggested. I 81 has some big pulls on it and will be harder on the vehicle.A possible alternative to avoid Wash DC and Baltimore is at Wilmington DE run 301/50/207 to just north of Richmond Va. I have used this many time (admittedly not recently but used this route running a tractor trailer regularly) and found it was a great alternative and what I like best about it is stopping for gas, coffee etc etc is quick and easy. Time wise can be just slightly longer but shorter mile but only marginally in both cases. Have a great trip what ever way you decide to go !
- Dec 25, 2009
- 269
The ICW
Not to dissuade you. You might want to look up a book called "Voyage of the Heart" you can read it free on line. It is all about a man's trip from Rochester, NY to somewhere in Florida pulling a 25' Hunter. The part about the trip down was harrowing. He off loaded and put her in the ICW and headed home via the waterway. All in all it is a good story and true too.
It actually is one of the books that got me interested in sailing again after having not sailed in 20 years.
Hope you have a safe trip.
Tom...
Not to dissuade you. You might want to look up a book called "Voyage of the Heart" you can read it free on line. It is all about a man's trip from Rochester, NY to somewhere in Florida pulling a 25' Hunter. The part about the trip down was harrowing. He off loaded and put her in the ICW and headed home via the waterway. All in all it is a good story and true too.
It actually is one of the books that got me interested in sailing again after having not sailed in 20 years.
Hope you have a safe trip.
Tom...
It's not the pulling power it's stopping power. I'd strongly suggest trailer brakes for a trip like that.
I agree. A couple years ago Ruth and I pulled our Mac to Florida and went out for a month right before Christmas. We left it there and returned in the spring. When we left right before Christmas we drove up 95 to PA to visit family and I hated it from Richmond to Philly and we only had the Suburban and no boat. Later we drove back down using 81 to see which way we wanted to pull the Mac north when we finally left Florida with her.
We then ended up buying the Endeavour and pulling the Mac back home to Utah instead of up to the northeast. We would of gone 81 vs. 95 though. I'd bypass NYC to the north and work over to 81 and take it. Not saying that the route would be faster, but I believe it would be less nerve-wracking,
Sum
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I have pulled many smaller boats all those routes over the years.
If you take I 81 to I 77 to I-26 to I 95, in essence you avoide the major headaches to include NYC, tolls, Baltimore/washington, I 95 thru parts of Pennsylvania near Philly and so forth. The trip is breath taking and in Virginia if you are a Civil War Buff, you can stop off in Winchester old town, New Market, Lexington (VMI & WL) and you avoid all the crazyiness. In fact, near Roanoke is a restaurant called the HOme Place and it is good food and good pricing. I own a dodge caravan and I have pulled heavier boats with it on that route.
If you want to go I -95 and want to avoid Washington/Baltimore, then pick up 301 south just past the Delaware Bridge of I-95 and take it to Rt 50 west. About 15 miles west of Annapolis take 301 south. Watch out for the cameras in several locations. Once in VA on 301, follow the sign to I-95 and take I-295 around Richmond going toward Rocky Mount, NC. Then I-95 south taking I-295 around Jacksonville, Fl during rush hour traffic.
If you go I 95 thru Virginia, do not speed particualry at the VA NC border as Emporia is known for giving out safety speed awards.
Crazy Dave Condon
If you take I 81 to I 77 to I-26 to I 95, in essence you avoide the major headaches to include NYC, tolls, Baltimore/washington, I 95 thru parts of Pennsylvania near Philly and so forth. The trip is breath taking and in Virginia if you are a Civil War Buff, you can stop off in Winchester old town, New Market, Lexington (VMI & WL) and you avoid all the crazyiness. In fact, near Roanoke is a restaurant called the HOme Place and it is good food and good pricing. I own a dodge caravan and I have pulled heavier boats with it on that route.
If you want to go I -95 and want to avoid Washington/Baltimore, then pick up 301 south just past the Delaware Bridge of I-95 and take it to Rt 50 west. About 15 miles west of Annapolis take 301 south. Watch out for the cameras in several locations. Once in VA on 301, follow the sign to I-95 and take I-295 around Richmond going toward Rocky Mount, NC. Then I-95 south taking I-295 around Jacksonville, Fl during rush hour traffic.
If you go I 95 thru Virginia, do not speed particualry at the VA NC border as Emporia is known for giving out safety speed awards.
Crazy Dave Condon
Well that is only partially true. You can burn up a transmission fast enough if you ask to much of it.
Well that certainly is the ideal option but... it is only a 16' boat. I pull my 22' Macgregor w/o breaks and don't even notice it.... but the one time I tried that with my Rhodes 22' I immediately went and priced a break kit for the trailer. The Rhodes has almost 4000# displacement.
It is a judgement thing. If he finds the trailer behaves and stays behind the tow vehicle ... then breaks might be overkill and an unnecessary cost/hassle. On the other hand....
81 through Pennsylvania and North Carolina are beautiful and very hilly. VERY hilly. If you had a completely competent tow rig I would say go ahead. You don't. It's doable but marginal. I have a nearly new full size long bed Chevrolet pick up with a modern diesel engine and 6 speed Allison transmission. I have never seen my engine temp guage move the slightest nor seen the transmission temp go above 180. 80 degree pluss temps. Pulling a couple of those Carolina hills I watched the engine temp and the trans temp soar. Your mini van has no trans temp display and you won't know when it is burning till it already has.
When I leave Forked River heading south I try to do it after dakr so I avoid the majority of the traffic and solar heat. I avoid the NJ turnpike because I'm cheap. I take 295 through southern Jersey and can watch the traffic moving slowly over on the turnpike. Baltimore is beltway west (outer) of the city, which always sucks, Washington is beltway east (Inner) which is shorter, less twisty and less traffic. Yes, do watch the signs closely because the ramp south is tricky. It's worse coming back. The rest of the trip south on 95 is not too bad at all and it is fairly flat.. I just did that loop last week pulling about 6500 pounds of travel trailer and Porta-Bote with sail kit. (carried on top of the pick-up cap.) 3,500 mile vacation. The only problems I had were with truckers. Years ago they were professionals. These days a lot of them seem just rude and crazy. Work hard to stay well out of their way.
When I leave Forked River heading south I try to do it after dakr so I avoid the majority of the traffic and solar heat. I avoid the NJ turnpike because I'm cheap. I take 295 through southern Jersey and can watch the traffic moving slowly over on the turnpike. Baltimore is beltway west (outer) of the city, which always sucks, Washington is beltway east (Inner) which is shorter, less twisty and less traffic. Yes, do watch the signs closely because the ramp south is tricky. It's worse coming back. The rest of the trip south on 95 is not too bad at all and it is fairly flat.. I just did that loop last week pulling about 6500 pounds of travel trailer and Porta-Bote with sail kit. (carried on top of the pick-up cap.) 3,500 mile vacation. The only problems I had were with truckers. Years ago they were professionals. These days a lot of them seem just rude and crazy. Work hard to stay well out of their way.
Grease the trailer wheels. Several redundant sets of safety chains. AAA roadside assistance membership. Several gallons of distilled water in case you overheat. Cell phones. Break down road safety markers. Phone numbers for local Highway Patrol for all areas you travel in. Boat insurance.
If you break down, and have to park the boat along the highway, call the HP to have issued a Do Not Tow tag for the boat. If you don't a local towing company will pick up your boat even if it just sits an hour or two. Having it towed away and storage fees is hundreds of dollars.
If you break down, and have to park the boat along the highway, call the HP to have issued a Do Not Tow tag for the boat. If you don't a local towing company will pick up your boat even if it just sits an hour or two. Having it towed away and storage fees is hundreds of dollars.
Sam Lust;
You abviously have never experienced the wonderful ride thru Washington DC and Baltimore like I have pulling many boats on I 95 for the past 35-40 years experience . Weekend traffic on i-95 south of washington is also very heavy with beach traffic which is why I jump onto old Rt. 1.
I have driven many vehichles and do know that my dodge caravan can pull 2,000 lbs ok but I tend to go slow and when going uphill, just slow down. Never had an issue.
However, I did have my alternator explode sending shrapel into the radioator of my truck with a Hunter 27 years ago coming to a stop at 11 p.m. where the on ramp for I -95 off the belt line in Arlington, Va and even then the traffic was heavy. I pulled up the hill and off to the far right as quickly as I could. That was interesting. Even pulled a heavier boat in snow many times bnut what it comes down to is how fast you are going and when pulling, go slow, not fast. I go 55-62 on flat and slower going uphill.
You abviously have never experienced the wonderful ride thru Washington DC and Baltimore like I have pulling many boats on I 95 for the past 35-40 years experience . Weekend traffic on i-95 south of washington is also very heavy with beach traffic which is why I jump onto old Rt. 1.
I have driven many vehichles and do know that my dodge caravan can pull 2,000 lbs ok but I tend to go slow and when going uphill, just slow down. Never had an issue.
However, I did have my alternator explode sending shrapel into the radioator of my truck with a Hunter 27 years ago coming to a stop at 11 p.m. where the on ramp for I -95 off the belt line in Arlington, Va and even then the traffic was heavy. I pulled up the hill and off to the far right as quickly as I could. That was interesting. Even pulled a heavier boat in snow many times bnut what it comes down to is how fast you are going and when pulling, go slow, not fast. I go 55-62 on flat and slower going uphill.
I grew up in D.C. till '58. Lived in there in the 70's. However back in those days it seemed nobody knew the beltway was there. My trailer then would have a couple of club racing Yamahas. Admittedly, D. C by day, even around the outside is a pain. That's why I time it for after 11:00 PM. The only reason to head west towards Silver Spring is to see that Mormon Church all lit up in white seeming to float in the distance. I headed that way last month just to see that again pulling 6000 pounds of trailer. I was reminded just how bad the road itself is. Also, D.C. drivers have never been noted for skill. I watched a guy crash an Audi in 3/8 of an inch of snow.
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