Wide Load
Learning the rules of towing overwide boats can be confusing. Here's how to do it right the first time.
By Randy Scott
November 1, 2005
I tow boats and RVs regularly, nearly all of which fall into the standard allowable towing
dimensions. In other words, the boat or RV isn't too wide, long, high or heavy that it requires a
special permit and associated towing paraphernalia.
However, the first time I towed an over-dimensional boat and trailer, it was a totally different experience. For starters, the actual towing dynamics were unusual and a bit more demanding in terms of driving skill and concentration. Learning and abiding by the added laws involved in towing an overwide boat trailer was also challenging. In fact, it was the legal demands that I initially found most intimidating.
My initiation into overwide towing came with a story assignment that had me flying from my California home to Washington state where a tow vehicle awaited me. I then picked up a 30-foot Bayliner cruiser with a beam of 9 feet 6 inches - a whole one foot wider than Washington's maximum allowable trailer width - and headed across the United States/Canada border. The overwide was towed all the way through British Columbia, Canada, where it was put in the water and then cruised all the way up to Alaska. Finding out what the law required for my particular towing load took quite a bit of digging because I was unfamiliar with towing overwides, especially towing out of state. (But that was nothing compared to clearing Customs.) Like most things, however, doing it the first time generally takes a lot longer than on subsequent occasions once you get the hang of it.
In this case, I obtained a special permit from the Department of Transportation (DOT). It was also necessary to have special signage reading "Oversize Load." Fortunately, escort vehicles were not needed. One of the things you learn is that you should allow plenty of time to obtain all of these necessities. Don't think you can get it all for the weekend if it's already Thursday, unless you're pretty familiar with the process and know exactly what's needed for the paperwork and where to get it. The DOT runs on its own schedule, not that of a panicked, procrastinating boater.
Also understand that towing laws differ from state to state (see the accompanying box for details). If you're towing via the interstate you should research and comply with the laws for each state before hitting the road. Most states have a maximum width of 8 feet 6 inches, but some are limited to 8 feet. While it's rare that authorities will notice and enforce a 6-inch difference in width, the peace of mind from doing the right thing by getting the necessary permit(s) is worth it.
When determining a state's towing laws, read thoroughly. To illustrate the importance of this, let's use Alabama as an example. The maximum trailer/boat width is 102 inches (8 feet 6 inches). But that only applies to highways where the lanes are at least 12 feet wide. Elsewhere, the maximum width is only 96 inches (8 feet). If, however, your boat and trailer is more than 12 feet wide, you need escort vehicles in front of and behind the tow vehicle and trailer combination. These vehicles need to have flashing amber lights and a sign of designated size that reads "Oversize Load." It's permissible to place the sign and flashing lights on the rear of the trailer in lieu of a rear escort vehicle. You also must place red flags at the corners of the oversize vehicle. Alabama's basic over-dimensional fee is $10 ($20 if it's more than 12 feet wide), but you can opt for an annual fee that's available for a reduced rate of $100.
Unlike many states, Alabama does not have a separate speed limit for towing vehicles. Whatever the posted speed limit is for non-towing vehicles also applies to vehicles towing trailers. There's often a big difference between what is legal and what is prudent, however, when it comes to speed limits. Many portions of Alabama have a 70 mph speed limit. But rarely will you tow a boat that trailers comfortably at 70 mph, regardless of the brand of tow vehicle and boat/trailer combination. Set your own speed limit based on how the vehicle and trailer feel and handle, always remembering that an oversize towing package can be unwieldy, especially in emergencies.
Overwide boats are usually tall, too. So plan your route carefully. Avoid low overpasses and tree-enshrouded roads. An overwide boat weighs more and taxes a tow vehicle's towing capacity, so also avoid windy narrow roads and steep terrain if possible.
A good driver will always drive defensively, but this is even more important when towing an overwide because you're taking up a lot of room on the road. Tolerances are reduced. Most drivers don't understand the limits you have when it comes to merging into traffic, maneuverability and stopping; you need to allow for that misconcepetion. And, because it requires more than normal attentiveness, you tend to get tired quicker; reflexes are not as good, judgment is not as sharp. So drive shorter distances, take more stops and get your rest.
With this knowledge in mind, you won't be as hesitant to tow overwides. Plan ahead, do your homework and drive smart.
However, the first time I towed an over-dimensional boat and trailer, it was a totally different experience. For starters, the actual towing dynamics were unusual and a bit more demanding in terms of driving skill and concentration. Learning and abiding by the added laws involved in towing an overwide boat trailer was also challenging. In fact, it was the legal demands that I initially found most intimidating.
My initiation into overwide towing came with a story assignment that had me flying from my California home to Washington state where a tow vehicle awaited me. I then picked up a 30-foot Bayliner cruiser with a beam of 9 feet 6 inches - a whole one foot wider than Washington's maximum allowable trailer width - and headed across the United States/Canada border. The overwide was towed all the way through British Columbia, Canada, where it was put in the water and then cruised all the way up to Alaska. Finding out what the law required for my particular towing load took quite a bit of digging because I was unfamiliar with towing overwides, especially towing out of state. (But that was nothing compared to clearing Customs.) Like most things, however, doing it the first time generally takes a lot longer than on subsequent occasions once you get the hang of it.
In this case, I obtained a special permit from the Department of Transportation (DOT). It was also necessary to have special signage reading "Oversize Load." Fortunately, escort vehicles were not needed. One of the things you learn is that you should allow plenty of time to obtain all of these necessities. Don't think you can get it all for the weekend if it's already Thursday, unless you're pretty familiar with the process and know exactly what's needed for the paperwork and where to get it. The DOT runs on its own schedule, not that of a panicked, procrastinating boater.
Also understand that towing laws differ from state to state (see the accompanying box for details). If you're towing via the interstate you should research and comply with the laws for each state before hitting the road. Most states have a maximum width of 8 feet 6 inches, but some are limited to 8 feet. While it's rare that authorities will notice and enforce a 6-inch difference in width, the peace of mind from doing the right thing by getting the necessary permit(s) is worth it.
When determining a state's towing laws, read thoroughly. To illustrate the importance of this, let's use Alabama as an example. The maximum trailer/boat width is 102 inches (8 feet 6 inches). But that only applies to highways where the lanes are at least 12 feet wide. Elsewhere, the maximum width is only 96 inches (8 feet). If, however, your boat and trailer is more than 12 feet wide, you need escort vehicles in front of and behind the tow vehicle and trailer combination. These vehicles need to have flashing amber lights and a sign of designated size that reads "Oversize Load." It's permissible to place the sign and flashing lights on the rear of the trailer in lieu of a rear escort vehicle. You also must place red flags at the corners of the oversize vehicle. Alabama's basic over-dimensional fee is $10 ($20 if it's more than 12 feet wide), but you can opt for an annual fee that's available for a reduced rate of $100.
Unlike many states, Alabama does not have a separate speed limit for towing vehicles. Whatever the posted speed limit is for non-towing vehicles also applies to vehicles towing trailers. There's often a big difference between what is legal and what is prudent, however, when it comes to speed limits. Many portions of Alabama have a 70 mph speed limit. But rarely will you tow a boat that trailers comfortably at 70 mph, regardless of the brand of tow vehicle and boat/trailer combination. Set your own speed limit based on how the vehicle and trailer feel and handle, always remembering that an oversize towing package can be unwieldy, especially in emergencies.
Overwide boats are usually tall, too. So plan your route carefully. Avoid low overpasses and tree-enshrouded roads. An overwide boat weighs more and taxes a tow vehicle's towing capacity, so also avoid windy narrow roads and steep terrain if possible.
A good driver will always drive defensively, but this is even more important when towing an overwide because you're taking up a lot of room on the road. Tolerances are reduced. Most drivers don't understand the limits you have when it comes to merging into traffic, maneuverability and stopping; you need to allow for that misconcepetion. And, because it requires more than normal attentiveness, you tend to get tired quicker; reflexes are not as good, judgment is not as sharp. So drive shorter distances, take more stops and get your rest.
With this knowledge in mind, you won't be as hesitant to tow overwides. Plan ahead, do your homework and drive smart.
related articles:
Wide Load: Learning the rules of towing overwide boats can be confusing. Here's how to do it right the first time.Adding A Wireless Depth Sounder: Everything seems to be going the way of wireless. So why not a wireless depth sounder for your boat?
Install an Outrigger: Get some help reeling in the big ones by installing an outrigger or downrigger.
Down and Out: Get some help reeling in the big ones by installing an outrigger or downrigger.
Add a Wireless Depth Sounder: Everything seems to be going the way of wireless. So why not a wireless depth sounder for your boat?
