Towing 2005 Sundancer 260 to put in Slip?

[JBRoberts]

Hi all

The Chicago boating season just around the corner and I get to put my 260 into the marina for the first time! I have a dilemma on towing my 260 to put it in my marina slip. We have a 2013 Mercedes ML350 and live about 30 flat miles west of downtown Chicago marina. I will only tow the boat to put it in the water and take it out each season and was wondering has anyone had experience towing 260 with a none heavy duty truck for short distances and up and down slipway ? My trailer is brand new triple axle with hydraulic brakes. I've towed a lot of stuff before up to 35 foot camping trailer

Appreciate any thoughts and if it's a bad idea I'll rent a 1 ton truck from Enterprise?

Tks...JB

 

[Lazy Daze]

I wouldn't do it with an ML. I have a GL, and although it's bigger than the ML, it still wouldn't do it. I know you're saying it's flat and all, but the truck is just too far off it's capacity to be safe. And safe, in an emergency, is the key. I would find a friend or rent a truck (3/4 ton would be sufficient).

 

[JBRoberts]

Thanks Dennis...I'll find a 3/4 ton truck to be safe...JB

 

[johngus]

while your ML may pull it,its over its rating.god forbid there is an accident the insurance company can deny your claim.rent a truck.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Check with Hertz or Budget and see if they have trucks to rent. It'll be a whole bunch cheaper than a new tranny in your MB.

 

[BurgundyS24]

Home Depot rental truck maybe?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[NotHerDecision]

How about using a uhaul or Penske rental truck?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mesquito_creek]

Around here there are lots of RV/Boat movers. 30 miles is a short distance. I wouldn't be surprised if it was less money or close enough in price to just let a professional do the work...

 

[NVERL8]

Wow. Yes like they said find a 3/4 truck . I can say that I moved a 23 foot four winns cuddy once with my 2 door Explorer about a mile and a half and half way there I thought this may be the dumbest thing I've ever done.....

 

[RollerCoastr]

It's not easy to rent a tow vehicle. U-Haul only allows towing of their equipment. Regular car and truck rentals almost always exclude towing. The only option I could find when I looked at this was Enterprise Truck, and they would only rent to a business.

I hired a local hauler to move my 280. I made a phone call, cut a check.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Roller, my experience with rental car companies is the opposite of yours. In our area Hertz and Budget both rent 3/4 ton pickups and are OK with towing. I rented an F350 from Budget when we towed our 330 Dancer all the way across the state and back. No problemo.

 

[RollerCoastr]

I think I recall you mentioning that when I was ranting about my frustration. I checked in OH, MI and FL with no luck. It all worked out though. I've hired haulers twice now - once cross-country and once locally. IF you can find the right people, they can be cheaper and certainly easier.

 

[KevinC]

Maybe even try a local contractor, landscaper or tree service company looking a little side work? Many of them haul around a lot more than a 260 Sundancer in weight. I had trailered my 2003 DA twice a year (in and out) when I had it and it's not that bad. It was even a lot easier when we used my friends 350.

-Kevin