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.