Trailering either a 240SDAor 260DA

[BirchyBoy]

I’m considering moving to a bit bigger boat that we can spend a night or two in occasionally. Right now we have a 2006 185 Sport and I’m considering either of the boats in the title.

I know these are both right at the 8.5’ limit for width. Is anyone here trailering them for day trips, etc.? Anything to look for that are known issues? I’m likely looking at 2008 and newer, preferably with a generator, AC and windlass.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sure, they're very towable. But, just because someone says it's doable, doesn't mean it's doable for you. All depends on your two vehicle and your comfort level, though.

FYI... you're looking at 240DA or 260DA. SD = Sundeck.

EDIT: "tow" vehicle, not "two" vehicle. Sometimes my fingers and brain do not work at the same speed... although I'm not sure which is the slower one

 

[BirchyBoy]

Sure, they're very towable. But, just because someone says it's doable, doesn't mean it's doable for you. All depends on your two vehicle and your comfort level, though.

FYI... you're looking at 240DA or 260DA. SD = Sundeck.

Thanks for the clarification. I’ve got a ‘21 GMC Duramax DRW so that’s not a factor

 

[techmitch]

Sure, they're very towable. But, just because someone says it's doable, doesn't mean it's doable for you. All depends on your two vehicle and your comfort level, though.

FYI... you're looking at 240DA or 260DA. SD = Sundeck.

Thanks for the clarification. I’ve got a ‘21 GMC Duramax DRW so that’s not a factor

Adding to what Dennis said, make absolutely sure you get the correct trailer.

 

[Thornton69]

Our older and likely heavier 245 lives on a tandem trailer. The 2500 Dmax handles it comfortably.
If the ramps you intend to use are steep, you will want electric brakes to assist while backing down them. E/H brakes arguably stand up much better in salt water.
We tend to run longer distances in ours and stay multiple nights. Fuel range and cabin comforts are important for those trips. Make sure the other half of "we" is happy with what the cabin offers. Porta potties in the v berth are a pita.

 

[bbwhitejr]

We trailered a 2006 260DA for 3-4 years. Very doable with the Duramax as we had same. You will not find a 240 with a gen and 260s with gen can be rare. For us, here in the south, the gen was a must. We did not have a windlass and that was not a big deal for me as the anchor was only either 18 or 25 lb. You will not "whip" around with it as you might a small bowrider. It sits tall on the trailer and fully loaded we were 11k or so. We had a blast going different places and spending 2-3 nights out.

Bennett

 

[Blueone]

We towed a 260DA with a 3/4 ton Suburban....no problem at all. However we had an oversize aluminum trailer from Lazy Daze's company. The size of the trailer and electric over hydraulic brakes made all the difference in the world

 

[keokie]

Boats that size will tow great with a DRW. I have towed the one in my sig long distances for close to two decades. No problem. People sometimes ask "how do you launch/retrieve that?" I always answer just like any other boat.

For creature comforts, you will find a lot more options in one of the 280's from the early '00's. Given your tow vehicle, I would strongly consider that, unless overwide laws are particularly restrictive where you are.

 

[HuskyTrainee]

I’m considering moving to a bit bigger boat that we can spend a night or two in occasionally. Right now we have a 2006 185 Sport and I’m considering either of the boats in the title.

I know these are both right at the 8.5’ limit for width. Is anyone here trailering them for day trips, etc.? Anything to look for that are known issues? I’m likely looking at 2008 and newer, preferably with a generator, AC and windlass.

I trailer a 260 Sundancer. When I purchased it used, I trailered it 1k miles on a rented F150 (my Titan was rear-ended so I had an insurance paid vehicle, so why not). The only scary part was around the George Washington Bridge in NYC with the winds and terrible roads I've seen a 270 be trailered by a Mercedes Minivan.

The quality of the trailer is important. I put off maintenance one year until I got the boat in the water and ended up changing two hubs in the middle of the road (25 mph road but still). BoatUS Towing was no help as the place they contracted out wanted to charge $2500 to put it on a land mover and took one of my wheels (to match hubs) and still has it.

The length of the trailer is something you want to get used to. Take care in your turns and plan your route. Feeling invincible because of the size of your truck is dangerous. Look at moment arm calculations. You have a ton just with engine, genset, drive, and fuel about 30-35' from the furthest point on your truck.

Some boat launches that work well with smaller craft won't do well especially at lower tide levels. I've gotten stuck 1/2 way (bottom of trailer hit ground) trying to haul out and had to wait a few hours.

Have fun!

 

[mdolesh]

We trailered a 290DA for a few months with a F250 and ultimately put her in a wet slip. Like everyone says...its possible, but that doesnt mean its easy. The weight and size of those boats and the bunk trailer make things a little more difficult than you are used to with your 185 sport. You cant just muscle them around or easily crank them onto the trailer like you can a smaller boat. Not to discourage you at all...its just a whole different animal. If you go for it dont skimp on the trailer. Get the EOH brakes.

 

[HuskyTrainee]

I don't really think EOH are necessary for that size. I had single axle surge drum until they failed and did a season (2 trips at 10 mph max the 1.5 mile to slip) with no brakes until ordering a new dual surge disc trailer. Saltwater is tough on everything even with washing after every use.

 

[Blueone]

I don't really think EOH are necessary for that size. I had single axle surge drum until they failed and did a season (2 trips at 10 mph max the 1.5 mile to slip) with no brakes until ordering a new dual surge disc trailer. Saltwater is tough on everything even with washing after every use.

Omg….. no …electric over hydraulic is a must…. You can’t have that weight behind you and be in an emergency and rely on surge…. Huge mistake

 

[bbwhitejr]

I don't really think EOH are necessary for that size. I had single axle surge drum until they failed and did a season (2 trips at 10 mph max the 1.5 mile to slip) with no brakes until ordering a new dual surge disc trailer. Saltwater is tough on everything even with washing after every use.

If you are planning to pull it with anything less than a 3/4 ton vehicle, the EOH are a must to stop it. Highly possible to get into a situation where you will be really glad you have them. With a 3/4 ton+, no so much an issue.

Bennett

 

[Blueone]

If you are planning to pull it with anything less than a 3/4 ton vehicle, the EOH are a must to stop it. Highly possible to get into a situation where you will be really glad you have them. With a 3/4 ton+, no so much an issue.

Bennett

I disagree on the 3/4 ton …I did it.. EOH is a must…. For what it’s worth why not?

 

[HuskyTrainee]

I haven't used EOH, but my understanding is that they're more effective when operational. Given the greater complexity and higher PSI, and issues with submergibility, is there not a reduced chance of working?

 

[Blueone]

I haven't used EOH, but my understanding is that they're more effective when operational. Given the greater complexity and higher PSI, and issues with submergibility, is there not a reduced chance of working?

The only thing under water when launching are the brake lines, rotors, calipers…. Exactly the same as surge. The electric pump never sees water it’s up on the tongue near the hitch

 

[Lazy Daze]

I don't really think EOH are necessary for that size. I had single axle surge drum until they failed and did a season (2 trips at 10 mph max the 1.5 mile to slip) with no brakes until ordering a new dual surge disc trailer. Saltwater is tough on everything even with washing after every use.

10mph is not "trailering" as we're talking about, though. Trailering at normal roadway speeds with others around is whole different animal.

EOH: "Necessary"? No. But they do offer much better control and braking ability. Definitely a "plus" in my book. I had a 260DA with surge brakes (brakes on both axles, of course) and it was OK (it was pre-owned and came that way). But I've also trailered the same load with EOH and it's definitely better. Plus, you can apply the trailer brakes while backing down the ramp... and on some ramps this is a huge help! Or, if the trailer starts to get a little squirrelly from a gust of wind or a passing truck, you can gently slide the trailer (only) brakes on and calm things down.

As Blue pointed out, there is no difference in what's "in the water" on an EOH equipped trailer as compared to a surge brake system.

Actually, I've found that the hydraulic pump is more reliable over the years than the master cylinder of a surge system is.

 

[BirchyBoy]

Thanks everyone. It will take me a while to find one as they aren’t that popular in Denver, probably for a good reason

 

[HuskyTrainee]

10mph is not "trailering" as we're talking about, though. Trailering at normal roadway speeds with others around is whole different animal.

EOH: "Necessary"? No. But they do offer much better control and braking ability. Definitely a "plus" in my book. I had a 260DA with surge brakes (brakes on both axles, of course) and it was OK (it was pre-owned and came that way). But I've also trailered the same load with EOH and it's definitely better. Plus, you can apply the trailer brakes while backing down the ramp... and on some ramps this is a huge help! Or, if the trailer starts to get a little squirrelly from a gust of wind or a passing truck, you can gently slide the trailer (only) brakes on and calm things down.

As Blue pointed out, there is no difference in what's "in the water" on an EOH equipped trailer as compared to a surge brake system.

Actually, I've found that the hydraulic pump is more reliable over the years than the master cylinder of a surge system is.

Well I did do the 1 trip of ~ 1k miles on a single axle surge drum at up to 70 mph (speed limit in some places in the south) I slowed down when crosswinds made things squirrelly. I don't have enough experience with hauling to be able to quickly engage the trailer brakes but that does seem better. In retrospect, I wouldn't make that trip again without spare hubs, etc (I did have the trailer serviced at a place locally in GA before the trip).

 

[keokie]

Thanks everyone. It will take me a while to find one as they aren’t that popular in Denver, probably for a good reason

Look in Utah and Arizona. They are definitely out there.

As far as brakes, I have been towing heavy boats (and other things) since the early 90's. I have very extensive experience with all systems. They all work when set up correctly and maintained.

For heavy boats, EOH disc is my favorite. Great stopping power, relatively simple and very reliable and they work when backing down a ramp. But they are relatively expensive and can be complicated to install.

Next is straight electric drums. These provide very strong stopping power, they are reliable and relatively easy to maintain, and work when backing down a ramp. I have also always liked the ability to control braking separately from the tow vehicle. In nearly 40 years of towing extensively, this has never saved me from anything, but I like it just the same. Straight electric drums is a pretty cost effective and easy retro-fit on just about any trailer.

Then is surge disc. Great stopping power, and pretty simple and reliable. You can run into overheating problems on long downhills if they are not set up properly. Also, you must have a reverse lock out of some kind. And unfortunately they don't work backing down a ramp.

Last is surge drum. Stopping power is still very good, but they take more effort to keep adjusted, and they are less reliable (particularly wheel cylinders that sit for long periods). If I got another trailer with surge drums, I would likely convert it to one of the above to eliminate the time/effort required to keep surge drums working well.

Most people hate trailer brakes due to failures from lack of maintenance. All of the systems will provide very good to exceptional stopping power when functioning correctly.