John,

You've been at this a lot longer than I have. But my 38 ft HM aft cabin weighs 12000 lbs dry and my trailer weigh 4000 lbs. I don't think your Chevy would pull it from Bullfrog to Flaming Gorge. I would, however, be willing to let you try it because that is what I'm getting ready to do.

R. Stasser

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Graybear
'88 Holiday Mansion aft cabin 38 ft
twin Volvo duo-props 350 engines
Flaming Gorge, UT

mr bear, you've probably just kicked off a long discussion. too bad we cant get into the forum archives of about 3-4 years ago regarding the holiday mansion towing topic. john is an old pro at loading, towing and unloading his h.m. we really had great discussions on every facet of towing. if my old mind isn't slipping again i believe john posted a series of pics showing his loading and towing proceedure. i really enjoyed all those discussions and the many possible creative approaches one might use in towing at 70, 80, 90 mph. ........best to ya'll.....chuckie(NTB)

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chuckie

GrayBear

Don't know about that elevation but here in Texas my 454 does just fine. Cruises at 60 tops at 70 with 290 hp 96 K3500 with 4.56 gears.

I would have few fears towing at altitude, but would not plan on getting in a hurry. How do the big fifth wheels do on the same road, I would expect similar performance.

The biggest problem you will see with a Kenworth will be problems at the ramp without 4x4.

The odd thing is many "professional" boat movers use 1 tons.

One tons around here pull 20,000 to 30,000# every day and run better than 200,000 Miles with few problems. I know of several grass framers that pull upwards of 40,000# every day for 200,000 miles. No hills just 100 degree heat. Manufactor ratings 15,000# at best.

You will find several things that are strange when towing, air drag is a bigger number than weight in terms of hp required, till you get to hills or in your case mountains. In Hill Country Texas, I keep up with most all the TT or beat them. Milage towing is about 5 mpg.

You are off a little in the weight dept. My HM 38 Coastal with bridge, single 454 Bravo 3 weights better than 15,000 with fuel and trailer is 5200#. I gross 22,000 for trailer. Aftcabin is heavier and twins?.

Chuckie, I really domn't like to tow 70. As for 80 or 90, I'll pass. But if you do, please use cheat/half chock on front canapy, so it will not blow off. 55 or 60 is a good speed.

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Johnplatou
1990 HM 38 with Mercruiser 454 Bravo.Lift Stored, Trailerable, and Fits in garage. One of 9 boats presently owned. Boating experience 45 years and 8000 hours. Trailering Hm 38 16 years and 6000 miles, other trailering 100,000 miles and 39 years.

I admit that I'm a new-comer. So haven't had the benefit of previous discusions nor the experience with big boats. I also don't have a large 4X4. So when the boat gets moved, I'll have someone do it that is supposed to know what they are doing. The marina that I'm moving to has a guy that has made this same trip for them many times. So I think I'll use him.

Sorry to start a lengthy debate. Certainly not my intent.

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Graybear
'88 Holiday Mansion aft cabin 38 ft
twin Volvo duo-props 350 engines
Flaming Gorge, UT

mr. bear, am afraid you misread me. wasnt chewing you out. more discussion is welcome. see how old john jumped right in? we used to kid him a lot about dragging his boat at top speed over the texas roadways. maybe you can talk him into moving the boat for you........chuckie)

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chuckie

Chuckie

Remember the discussion about what size aircraft we would need to airfreight my HM38, trailer, and one ton Chevy pickup? Did we ever come up with a suitable aircraft.

Could make towing in the mountains a long easier. No worry about long, steep grades.

Would make long distance tows much easier, only permits required to and from airport to water, no worries about state permits along the way. Europe no problem, we could join Mark in Australia for the weekend. Be a great time of year, they are in the middle of Summer.

How tough are over wide permits down under? Never have pulled my HM there before.

Did we ever come up with a cost per mile?

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Johnplatou
1990 HM 38 with Mercruiser 454 Bravo.Lift Stored, Trailerable, and Fits in garage. One of 9 boats presently owned. Boating experience 45 years and 8000 hours. Trailering Hm 38 16 years and 6000 miles, other trailering 100,000 miles and 39 years.

Edited: 01/08/2006 at 07:23:28 AM by johnplatou

Bob here's all the picture I have.

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Johnplatou
1990 HM 38 with Mercruiser 454 Bravo.Lift Stored, Trailerable, and Fits in garage. One of 9 boats presently owned. Boating experience 45 years and 8000 hours. Trailering Hm 38 16 years and 6000 miles, other trailering 100,000 miles and 39 years.