While working with Sage Marine I made multiple multi-state trips along with crossing the US from coast-to-coast multiple times a year. All trips involved towing a boat (and sometimes a stack of multiple trailers). During those years covered around 150,000 miles.
When towing I always drive 55-60MPH in CA - I don't want a ticket. Otherwise in most locations drove 60-65MPH. Yes in almost all cases this is much slower than the other drivers travel.
I rarely had any issues with other drivers and just stayed in the slow lane. I actually found the driving very relaxing as I didn't need to worry as much about the posted speed limit and as there was rarely a vehicle slower than me I didn't need to think about passing and lane changes (exception when climbing hills as always was faster than the semi-trucks).
The danger areas are always ALWAYS in and near cities. It is in population that the rude and dangerous behaviors seems to fester and 'explode' on the road. The rural areas almost always seem to have courteous drivers and the highways are not, usually, crowded.
My 'rules' for the road -
* never go faster than 65MPH! Trailer tires are not rated for faster! Going faster causes the tires to overheat leading to all sorts of bad results.
* confirm at every gas & pee stop that all vehicle and trailer lights are working - want no doubts I am seen and my turn signals (turn and lane change intentions) are clear. Lights are always on - day or night.
* while checking the lights confirm that the hitch, coupler and drag chains are in place and secure.
* also while checking lights CAREFULLY check the temperature of the trailer hubs, the hubs are not leaking grease and the tires look to be correctly inflated (more on this below) and no tread/sidewall damage.
* make sure all locations, like a gas station, have a pull-thru and adequate turning space. (This is almost always true for the large chain truck stops like FlyingJ, Loves, Pilot, and TA - these stops also _usually_ have well maintained bathrooms.) For times staying in hotels/motels this means using Google satellite view to check the parking lot and if I'll be able to get in/out.
* never traveling with tires older than 5 years and if you are in a hot/humid location after three years trailer tires are questionable!! Trailer tires are made cheap and they become unsafe by age (rarely ever because of tire wear).
* make sure the trailer spare(s) are in usable condition and have full pressure (see below). Be sure you have the tools/skills necessary to change a tire.
* inflate trailer tires to within a few pounds/PSI of their max pressure as noted on their sidewalls. Inflated tires run cooler.
*Some folks carry parts to change a failed hub. I would never ever change a hub on the side of the road. Even if you pay a shop to do the work having a spare means you don't get caught someplace that doesn't have the right part in stock .
* have good towing/trailer insurance like what BoatUS offers.
* don't tailgate ... leave a LOT of space in front!
* don't drive tired! When you eyes get heavy get off the road!! A few times I've pulled into a location just to lean the driver's seat back and rest/nap for 30 minutes.
I have more and likely missed some important ones but I've gone on enough ... ;-)
Great advice as always, Dave! Especially on the speed and making sure the rig is in tip-top shape. But, as a convicted rejuvenator of nearly unrestorable ancient fiberglass classics, I too often (Einstein's definition notwithstanding!) relied on optimism rather than prudence--due to pocketbook concerns....and recurring mental lapses! I must admit nearly every major towing issue I had was with a much older rig with older tires/bearings, undersized wheels, weak trailer structure, non-existent brakes, etc. Usually when I bought a 30-40 year old boat in a far, far distant land (like Texas.... or even the Ozarks) and tried to make it home on tires/bearings the previous owner swore he "just had serviced!" I finally learned to just premptively buy new tires and repack the bearings before taking off regardless....just in case!
Suggestion: Read the road-tripper's classic, "Blue Highways," by William Least-Heat Moon and get off the interstates. Another book that has been useful on my cross the country trips is Jamie Jensen's "Road Trip USA". Since you're self-contained, turn your time on the road into another adventure...and forget about the "got to get there by...." deadlines. And when you are on an interstate away from the cities and congestion, do both the truckers and yourself a favor and try to copy how they're driving.
Oooh, ooh! An actual bona-fide request for advice. A boon unlooked for. Most folks to whom I offer advice receive it only grudgingly. But I digress.
First, my background. It would seem that you ought to be offering advice to me, since to all appearances, you've clocked considerably more miles-over-the-road than I. I could tot up "thousands" of road miles, but not ten-thousands. Still, let's hop into it.
First off, like you, I'm a denizen of California, and most of my trailering miles are accumulated here, up, down, and across the state. And while it is certainly true that "55mph - All Vehicles While Towing" is the law of the land, it is also true that this is widely ignored.
So, while I suspect the "rule follower" in you takes a certain satisfaction in keeping the needle on the speedo tacked to the "double-nickel" I also believe this is the first and possibly most important habit you need to let go of in order to have a more relaxing experience behind the wheel.
It's certainly true that I'll tow 55 when I can. But as you've experienced, on the Interstate, doing so leads directly to the experience of having the truck and boat regularly passed by large wind-sucking 18 wheelers. Every time this happens, it is NOT relaxing, and it's pretty much guaranteed to happen multiple times an hour. Clearly, the CHP and the Truckers have arrived at some truce where the CHP will turn a blind eye to trucks travelling at or under 65. (Some still choose to go faster than that, but I suspect they're taking an Informed Risk about the possibility of a Ticket.)
So a driving habit I've adopted is to find a Semi that's travelling about the speed I want to go comfortably, usually around 63-64, and tuck in at a close-but-safe distance behind. This addresses a couple of your issues: first, by adopting the speed of one of the trucks, the number of *passing* trucks is vastly reduced. Second folks won't tend to try cut get right in front of you, because that jams them between you and your truck escort. They'll be more likely to drop back, or wait until they can pass the whole shebang.
My ambition for miles travelled in a day is also reduced from my younger days. Now, when I can, I prefer to schedule my hops around the "400 miles or less" milestone. This allows for more frequent and longer rest breaks, and less fatigue at the end of the day.
Despite what the full-color-glossy-brochures promised back in the 70s, I DO NOT find it convenient or relaxing to sleep on the boat while on the trailer. There are a couple reasons:
1. Unlike an RV, there's a big climb up to the cockpit on every in and out, as opposed to a convenient RV "front door" with a modest step up. 2nd, Every move around the boat involves acrobatic moves to avoid the stowed mast and rigging. Finally, the cabin itself tends to be stuffed with gear for the road; stuff that'll be out of the way or stowed in the truck once the boat is actually in the water. I book modest hotels for road my stops.
As an experienced tow driver, I expect you've covered the basics, but it is worth asking:
1. is the boat's center-of-gravity far enough forward on the trailer? This can make a huge difference. For my current boat, I had to move the axle some substantial distance aft - six or nine inches if I recall. This was a non-trivial amount of work, but completely worth it.
2. Are you using trailer brakes? It's impossible to have a relaxing towing experience with a heavy un-braked boat trailer (let's say 3000lbs GVWR trailer or more, but when towing with a compact "CUV" type vehicle, it may be appropriate to have trailer brakes on trailers as light as 1000 lbs.
Thanks for the deep dive. I’ll certainly try to follow a trucker that keeps a reasonable and steady pace this time. The boat’s weight distribution on the trailer is fine and the whole rig behaves nicely. I have electronic disc brakes that are activated by the “surge” on the tongue so while she doesn’t stop on a dime, she slows down without too much concern. Thanks again.
Jonathan, If I'm correct and that is you and your Mrs. on Off Center Harbor's video, I've loved your boat ever since! I once had a two day trip with my new Capri 22 from Montreal down to the mid atlantic and since it was my first big boat tow I was also quite nervous and jumped metally into the adventure mode. It was a great trip and I was in no hurry. I stopped at a planned rest area and climbed into the boat to sleep and let the worst traffic time slide by - loved the looks I got climbing in. In my life I find that if I push back the time limits so there are none, I'm at peace and more enjoying my time regardless of what it is I'm doing (or HAVING to Do!). Wishing you both safe travels and super adventures - Congrats on a great boat and a great Mrs./crew to enjoy it all with - I'm so jealous
Thanks Rob, yes that is we from a couple of years ago on OCH. I picked my wife up at the airport last night and she took a Covid test this morning. The reunion was a success but that’s not the only positive. Another delay but we’ll carry on.
Jonathan have you met John Hartmann and his (Vivier) Jewell yet? It would be delightful to see your Carri Mal side by side with his Umami! You both love fully battened sails and they are both designed to the max, cabin and otherwise.
I just completed trailering a very light Ross Lillistone Phoenix III from Ottawa Canada to the Chicago area - and your story gave me the willies! I had problems with staying in the right lane is busy metro area because of all the shenanigans with merges you described. In those busy areas, I gave up and moved one lane to the left. Much saner. only had one trucker give me the 'substantially larger' finger as a salute. Good luck on your journey!
Love your PT Tern and the idea of using her as an RV. Cross country is a long haul (and always driving to windward isn't necessarily the best tow😉)
When we were pulling a 32-foot, 10,000+ pound fifth wheel, I had all the horsepower needed to do 75-80 but I found 65 mph on the Interstate or two lane to be the best middle ground between the semi's, RVrs, and car traffic while generating the fewest salutes and near hits.
Having owned and trailed seven boats that were on trailers and had been advertised as "trailerable" and having made the crossing from California to the East Coast, I fully sympathize. As anyone who has done so can testify, the more comfortable the boat is to live on, the less comfortable the driver of the rig will be. I highly recommend that over 24ft , 5000lbs, or 3ft of draft, one might well reconsider.
So far, my worst towing adventure occurred when I was towing a 25' Whitehall for floating the Apple. At the merge for the Holland Tunnel, a driver in a Mercedes ignored and trailer and attempted to tuck in behind my van. Needless to say, she damaged her paint and fender and attempted to blame me for her lack of attention. the police patiently explained why she was wrong. They told me not to even bother exchanging information.
On another occasion, on the long downhill in Annapolis, I was reminded why it is a very good idea to leave a lot of braking room in front of you. I don't know whether the guy in front of me ever got the stains out of his trousers.
I've towed a Dovekie, a Montgomery 15, a Potter 19, a Starwind 18, a Sanibel 18, a ComPac 19, a MacGregor 26X, a C-Dory 22, and an O'Day 23 cross-country round trip (or equivalent), mostly with old (at least 20+) conversion vans or a Ford Explorer. The worst trip was (only) a one way trip WA to VA towing a Kent Ranger 26 (back roads because I needed to go slow) with a V-8 Ford Explorer (yeah, I know! I know!). I agree. ---"the call of the open road has lost its allure." Big time! Lost tires, bearings, hubs, brakes, an entire wheel, and a trailer tongue! But the cruising when I arrived was always great!
My sailing spot is 200 miles round trip every weekend during the summer. Last year I bought a space for the boat at the yard and it's changed how I sail. My boat has been to coast twice, various nearby states. I've burned a bearing up on the way to PT and we fixed it in a O'Reilly parking lot (Thanks Mike!) Currently it would take a bit to trailer my boat any distance anywhere. I can borrow a boat, rent one, or just watch them everywhere I go. That's lead to some of my favorite boating memories. And opened up new adventures and friendships. Maybe the boat won't go, but you will. And that's sometimes what's most important.
I wish you good luck on your long haul. Just a heads up, Menards sells trailer tires and if you end up not needing it when you arrive at your destination, they will let you return them even if you didn't buy them at that Menards store. In the mid-west you can travel at the posted speed limit. Good luck on your travels.
I understand completely. I now only trailer my GP14, a small wooden dinghy built 60 years ago. It is small enough that is almost completely disappears behind my not quite as ancient landrover. My biggest fear in the world is somebody not noticing the obnoxiously bright LED brake lights I keep on a trailboard on the boat's stern and slamming into the back of it.
I have had a few close calls, I have heard locking up brakes once. Another time a car attempting to pass me on the shoulder to make a right on red scraped the side of his car on my trailer's fender. People just do not seem to know how to deal with a boat on a trailer.
I actually enjoy trailering, have been towing since my first sailboat in 1983 (16' Rana sloop behind a '76 Vee-Dub bus). The current truck is a Ram 2500 diesel, which is way, way overkill for our Ranger 20 (we originally bought the Dodge to tow horses) but it allows effortless travel down Washington State's highways at a modest 60-65 mph, and the beast eats hills for breakfast. The attraction is similar to the satisfaction we feel when we know our boats are well-found with safety, operations, and comfort in mind - it's a doable challenge that results in happiness (once we're finally splashed and floating at least); I celebrate a safe arrival at the ramp, destination, or back home just like when I tie up after time on the water.
I've adopted the same technique of finding the car/truck/semi that's traveling at my speed and then just maintaining a 3-4 second distance behind. Dave H is right, it becomes a lane you own, no one in a hurry (which is basically everyone else!) wants to spend much time between you and the guy in front.
In addition to the excellent info in SCA, BoatUS and Practical Sailor also have great articles on preparing boats and trailers for travel, including checklists, maintenance tasks, repairs, and behavior behind the wheel. We can't do much about the lunkheads, landlubbers, and unfocused RV-ers around us (not to mention the "pros" burning through their miles) except to follow COLREGS Rules 2, 5, & 6 - and maintain a constant watch ahead, astern, and on all points inbetween. One thing I always find myself wishing as I motor down the road with my Precious behind is that everyone getting a drivers license should be required to prove an hour or two (with a certified coach) towing a rig around town and on/off a highway - in my experience most drivers are clueless about what can happen when we're cut off, tailgated, right-side-passed...(also there seems to be a real need for even more special training, as observed at boat launches where some people don't realize how damn entertaining (and sometimes painful) it is to watch an inexperienced driver trying to back a rig in public.)
While working with Sage Marine I made multiple multi-state trips along with crossing the US from coast-to-coast multiple times a year. All trips involved towing a boat (and sometimes a stack of multiple trailers). During those years covered around 150,000 miles.
When towing I always drive 55-60MPH in CA - I don't want a ticket. Otherwise in most locations drove 60-65MPH. Yes in almost all cases this is much slower than the other drivers travel.
I rarely had any issues with other drivers and just stayed in the slow lane. I actually found the driving very relaxing as I didn't need to worry as much about the posted speed limit and as there was rarely a vehicle slower than me I didn't need to think about passing and lane changes (exception when climbing hills as always was faster than the semi-trucks).
The danger areas are always ALWAYS in and near cities. It is in population that the rude and dangerous behaviors seems to fester and 'explode' on the road. The rural areas almost always seem to have courteous drivers and the highways are not, usually, crowded.
My 'rules' for the road -
* never go faster than 65MPH! Trailer tires are not rated for faster! Going faster causes the tires to overheat leading to all sorts of bad results.
* confirm at every gas & pee stop that all vehicle and trailer lights are working - want no doubts I am seen and my turn signals (turn and lane change intentions) are clear. Lights are always on - day or night.
* while checking the lights confirm that the hitch, coupler and drag chains are in place and secure.
* also while checking lights CAREFULLY check the temperature of the trailer hubs, the hubs are not leaking grease and the tires look to be correctly inflated (more on this below) and no tread/sidewall damage.
* make sure all locations, like a gas station, have a pull-thru and adequate turning space. (This is almost always true for the large chain truck stops like FlyingJ, Loves, Pilot, and TA - these stops also _usually_ have well maintained bathrooms.) For times staying in hotels/motels this means using Google satellite view to check the parking lot and if I'll be able to get in/out.
* never traveling with tires older than 5 years and if you are in a hot/humid location after three years trailer tires are questionable!! Trailer tires are made cheap and they become unsafe by age (rarely ever because of tire wear).
* make sure the trailer spare(s) are in usable condition and have full pressure (see below). Be sure you have the tools/skills necessary to change a tire.
* inflate trailer tires to within a few pounds/PSI of their max pressure as noted on their sidewalls. Inflated tires run cooler.
*Some folks carry parts to change a failed hub. I would never ever change a hub on the side of the road. Even if you pay a shop to do the work having a spare means you don't get caught someplace that doesn't have the right part in stock .
* have good towing/trailer insurance like what BoatUS offers.
* don't tailgate ... leave a LOT of space in front!
* don't drive tired! When you eyes get heavy get off the road!! A few times I've pulled into a location just to lean the driver's seat back and rest/nap for 30 minutes.
I have more and likely missed some important ones but I've gone on enough ... ;-)
Great advice as always, Dave! Especially on the speed and making sure the rig is in tip-top shape. But, as a convicted rejuvenator of nearly unrestorable ancient fiberglass classics, I too often (Einstein's definition notwithstanding!) relied on optimism rather than prudence--due to pocketbook concerns....and recurring mental lapses! I must admit nearly every major towing issue I had was with a much older rig with older tires/bearings, undersized wheels, weak trailer structure, non-existent brakes, etc. Usually when I bought a 30-40 year old boat in a far, far distant land (like Texas.... or even the Ozarks) and tried to make it home on tires/bearings the previous owner swore he "just had serviced!" I finally learned to just premptively buy new tires and repack the bearings before taking off regardless....just in case!
Ah yes, optimism over prudence. One of my favorites.
Thanks for the thoughtful and informative response. I think it will help all of us.
Suggestion: Read the road-tripper's classic, "Blue Highways," by William Least-Heat Moon and get off the interstates. Another book that has been useful on my cross the country trips is Jamie Jensen's "Road Trip USA". Since you're self-contained, turn your time on the road into another adventure...and forget about the "got to get there by...." deadlines. And when you are on an interstate away from the cities and congestion, do both the truckers and yourself a favor and try to copy how they're driving.
Oooh, ooh! An actual bona-fide request for advice. A boon unlooked for. Most folks to whom I offer advice receive it only grudgingly. But I digress.
First, my background. It would seem that you ought to be offering advice to me, since to all appearances, you've clocked considerably more miles-over-the-road than I. I could tot up "thousands" of road miles, but not ten-thousands. Still, let's hop into it.
First off, like you, I'm a denizen of California, and most of my trailering miles are accumulated here, up, down, and across the state. And while it is certainly true that "55mph - All Vehicles While Towing" is the law of the land, it is also true that this is widely ignored.
So, while I suspect the "rule follower" in you takes a certain satisfaction in keeping the needle on the speedo tacked to the "double-nickel" I also believe this is the first and possibly most important habit you need to let go of in order to have a more relaxing experience behind the wheel.
It's certainly true that I'll tow 55 when I can. But as you've experienced, on the Interstate, doing so leads directly to the experience of having the truck and boat regularly passed by large wind-sucking 18 wheelers. Every time this happens, it is NOT relaxing, and it's pretty much guaranteed to happen multiple times an hour. Clearly, the CHP and the Truckers have arrived at some truce where the CHP will turn a blind eye to trucks travelling at or under 65. (Some still choose to go faster than that, but I suspect they're taking an Informed Risk about the possibility of a Ticket.)
So a driving habit I've adopted is to find a Semi that's travelling about the speed I want to go comfortably, usually around 63-64, and tuck in at a close-but-safe distance behind. This addresses a couple of your issues: first, by adopting the speed of one of the trucks, the number of *passing* trucks is vastly reduced. Second folks won't tend to try cut get right in front of you, because that jams them between you and your truck escort. They'll be more likely to drop back, or wait until they can pass the whole shebang.
My ambition for miles travelled in a day is also reduced from my younger days. Now, when I can, I prefer to schedule my hops around the "400 miles or less" milestone. This allows for more frequent and longer rest breaks, and less fatigue at the end of the day.
Despite what the full-color-glossy-brochures promised back in the 70s, I DO NOT find it convenient or relaxing to sleep on the boat while on the trailer. There are a couple reasons:
1. Unlike an RV, there's a big climb up to the cockpit on every in and out, as opposed to a convenient RV "front door" with a modest step up. 2nd, Every move around the boat involves acrobatic moves to avoid the stowed mast and rigging. Finally, the cabin itself tends to be stuffed with gear for the road; stuff that'll be out of the way or stowed in the truck once the boat is actually in the water. I book modest hotels for road my stops.
As an experienced tow driver, I expect you've covered the basics, but it is worth asking:
1. is the boat's center-of-gravity far enough forward on the trailer? This can make a huge difference. For my current boat, I had to move the axle some substantial distance aft - six or nine inches if I recall. This was a non-trivial amount of work, but completely worth it.
2. Are you using trailer brakes? It's impossible to have a relaxing towing experience with a heavy un-braked boat trailer (let's say 3000lbs GVWR trailer or more, but when towing with a compact "CUV" type vehicle, it may be appropriate to have trailer brakes on trailers as light as 1000 lbs.
Thanks for the deep dive. I’ll certainly try to follow a trucker that keeps a reasonable and steady pace this time. The boat’s weight distribution on the trailer is fine and the whole rig behaves nicely. I have electronic disc brakes that are activated by the “surge” on the tongue so while she doesn’t stop on a dime, she slows down without too much concern. Thanks again.
Jonathan, If I'm correct and that is you and your Mrs. on Off Center Harbor's video, I've loved your boat ever since! I once had a two day trip with my new Capri 22 from Montreal down to the mid atlantic and since it was my first big boat tow I was also quite nervous and jumped metally into the adventure mode. It was a great trip and I was in no hurry. I stopped at a planned rest area and climbed into the boat to sleep and let the worst traffic time slide by - loved the looks I got climbing in. In my life I find that if I push back the time limits so there are none, I'm at peace and more enjoying my time regardless of what it is I'm doing (or HAVING to Do!). Wishing you both safe travels and super adventures - Congrats on a great boat and a great Mrs./crew to enjoy it all with - I'm so jealous
Thanks Rob, yes that is we from a couple of years ago on OCH. I picked my wife up at the airport last night and she took a Covid test this morning. The reunion was a success but that’s not the only positive. Another delay but we’ll carry on.
Jonathan have you met John Hartmann and his (Vivier) Jewell yet? It would be delightful to see your Carri Mal side by side with his Umami! You both love fully battened sails and they are both designed to the max, cabin and otherwise.
Best wishes with your delay...
Haven’t met him but I recall he moors the boat in the Benjamin River so I’ll try to find him in July. Thanks.
I just completed trailering a very light Ross Lillistone Phoenix III from Ottawa Canada to the Chicago area - and your story gave me the willies! I had problems with staying in the right lane is busy metro area because of all the shenanigans with merges you described. In those busy areas, I gave up and moved one lane to the left. Much saner. only had one trucker give me the 'substantially larger' finger as a salute. Good luck on your journey!
Love your PT Tern and the idea of using her as an RV. Cross country is a long haul (and always driving to windward isn't necessarily the best tow😉)
When we were pulling a 32-foot, 10,000+ pound fifth wheel, I had all the horsepower needed to do 75-80 but I found 65 mph on the Interstate or two lane to be the best middle ground between the semi's, RVrs, and car traffic while generating the fewest salutes and near hits.
Fair winds and safe travels.
Having owned and trailed seven boats that were on trailers and had been advertised as "trailerable" and having made the crossing from California to the East Coast, I fully sympathize. As anyone who has done so can testify, the more comfortable the boat is to live on, the less comfortable the driver of the rig will be. I highly recommend that over 24ft , 5000lbs, or 3ft of draft, one might well reconsider.
So far, my worst towing adventure occurred when I was towing a 25' Whitehall for floating the Apple. At the merge for the Holland Tunnel, a driver in a Mercedes ignored and trailer and attempted to tuck in behind my van. Needless to say, she damaged her paint and fender and attempted to blame me for her lack of attention. the police patiently explained why she was wrong. They told me not to even bother exchanging information.
On another occasion, on the long downhill in Annapolis, I was reminded why it is a very good idea to leave a lot of braking room in front of you. I don't know whether the guy in front of me ever got the stains out of his trousers.
I've towed a Dovekie, a Montgomery 15, a Potter 19, a Starwind 18, a Sanibel 18, a ComPac 19, a MacGregor 26X, a C-Dory 22, and an O'Day 23 cross-country round trip (or equivalent), mostly with old (at least 20+) conversion vans or a Ford Explorer. The worst trip was (only) a one way trip WA to VA towing a Kent Ranger 26 (back roads because I needed to go slow) with a V-8 Ford Explorer (yeah, I know! I know!). I agree. ---"the call of the open road has lost its allure." Big time! Lost tires, bearings, hubs, brakes, an entire wheel, and a trailer tongue! But the cruising when I arrived was always great!
My sailing spot is 200 miles round trip every weekend during the summer. Last year I bought a space for the boat at the yard and it's changed how I sail. My boat has been to coast twice, various nearby states. I've burned a bearing up on the way to PT and we fixed it in a O'Reilly parking lot (Thanks Mike!) Currently it would take a bit to trailer my boat any distance anywhere. I can borrow a boat, rent one, or just watch them everywhere I go. That's lead to some of my favorite boating memories. And opened up new adventures and friendships. Maybe the boat won't go, but you will. And that's sometimes what's most important.
Might consider campgrounds for overnights. Many have pull-throughs, are generally quieter, one of our favorites has a wine bar.
If your in the South west of Colorado there are several Great Lakes and camping areas to sail and stay.
Give it a try
I wish you good luck on your long haul. Just a heads up, Menards sells trailer tires and if you end up not needing it when you arrive at your destination, they will let you return them even if you didn't buy them at that Menards store. In the mid-west you can travel at the posted speed limit. Good luck on your travels.
Chat with a long-time serious small boat racer about zen and the kharma of the open road and dont drive into any tight spots without pull-through!
I understand completely. I now only trailer my GP14, a small wooden dinghy built 60 years ago. It is small enough that is almost completely disappears behind my not quite as ancient landrover. My biggest fear in the world is somebody not noticing the obnoxiously bright LED brake lights I keep on a trailboard on the boat's stern and slamming into the back of it.
I have had a few close calls, I have heard locking up brakes once. Another time a car attempting to pass me on the shoulder to make a right on red scraped the side of his car on my trailer's fender. People just do not seem to know how to deal with a boat on a trailer.
I actually enjoy trailering, have been towing since my first sailboat in 1983 (16' Rana sloop behind a '76 Vee-Dub bus). The current truck is a Ram 2500 diesel, which is way, way overkill for our Ranger 20 (we originally bought the Dodge to tow horses) but it allows effortless travel down Washington State's highways at a modest 60-65 mph, and the beast eats hills for breakfast. The attraction is similar to the satisfaction we feel when we know our boats are well-found with safety, operations, and comfort in mind - it's a doable challenge that results in happiness (once we're finally splashed and floating at least); I celebrate a safe arrival at the ramp, destination, or back home just like when I tie up after time on the water.
I've adopted the same technique of finding the car/truck/semi that's traveling at my speed and then just maintaining a 3-4 second distance behind. Dave H is right, it becomes a lane you own, no one in a hurry (which is basically everyone else!) wants to spend much time between you and the guy in front.
In addition to the excellent info in SCA, BoatUS and Practical Sailor also have great articles on preparing boats and trailers for travel, including checklists, maintenance tasks, repairs, and behavior behind the wheel. We can't do much about the lunkheads, landlubbers, and unfocused RV-ers around us (not to mention the "pros" burning through their miles) except to follow COLREGS Rules 2, 5, & 6 - and maintain a constant watch ahead, astern, and on all points inbetween. One thing I always find myself wishing as I motor down the road with my Precious behind is that everyone getting a drivers license should be required to prove an hour or two (with a certified coach) towing a rig around town and on/off a highway - in my experience most drivers are clueless about what can happen when we're cut off, tailgated, right-side-passed...(also there seems to be a real need for even more special training, as observed at boat launches where some people don't realize how damn entertaining (and sometimes painful) it is to watch an inexperienced driver trying to back a rig in public.)