www.iFourWinns.com

I couldn't find any threads answering this question.
I'll be towing my 17' Freedom 1100 miles to Florida this month.
Should I tow with tank full (24 gal) or try to run out the gas?

My thought is to keep the tank full so it doesn't take up moisture and fuel tank is relatively safe in an accident.
Also, maybe a half or quarter tank would slash around more.

Any opinions?

Thanks,
Doug

_________________
2003 Four Winns 170 Freedom Cincinnati, Ohio / Cape Coral, Florida

No longer than you'll be that way, moisture generation is of little to no concern in my opinion. Less fuel, means less weight to haul, which means an easier ride for the trailer/tow vehicle. My opinion, is to haul it as empty as you can get it, if half full is as empty as you can get it, without wasting gas, then haul it half full. When I haul, I try to time my fuel, for my trip, so I'm about as empty as I can get it, without impacting my fun before or after the trip..

_________________


2004 Four Winns 328 Vista
1997 Larson Cabrio 290 - sold
1988 Rinker Fiesta Vee 248 - sold

I agree, keep your boat as light as possible.

That also means it is recommended you don't travel with extra weight in the boat such as bags and coolers.

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

In general, lighter is better. But in the case of a 17ft Freedom with 24gal tank (145 lbs full) it really doesn't matter. Don't worry about the sloshing of a partially full tank. The tanks have baffles in them that keeps the sloshing from being a problem.

If you do carry any bags or coolers in the boat, try to distribute their weight so that their C.G. is slightly in front of your axel.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Thanks much guys.
I am planning an outing this week, so I won't top off the tank afterwards.
I do pack a few things in the boat and I'll place them up front, forward of the axle.


Best regards,
Doug

_________________
2003 Four Winns 170 Freedom Cincinnati, Ohio / Cape Coral, Florida

Smaller boat, smaller fuel tank, smaller axles, smaller bearings. Just saying, 1100 miles is a long ride.

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

Yep, it's a long haul but I pulled it home without any issues at all last Spring.
I've have new tires, spindles, bearings, springs and rollers on the trailer.

I was always leary of 13" wheels until I pulled my little Jayco 16' travel trailer 9,000 miles out West and back. Not a problem if everything is in good repair.

I run 60 mph all the way. Retired, so I don't get in a hurry

Doug

_________________
2003 Four Winns 170 Freedom Cincinnati, Ohio / Cape Coral, Florida

Yep!

9,000 miles... That's a long haul for sure! Most private trailers won't see that in a life time.

_________________
2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

I typically tow empty so there is less weight to tow and better fuel economy. Especially it is a long distance. Locally I tend to tow full or nearly full as I like to get gas ahead of time so as not to waste time getting on the water. Unfortunately I like the way the boat tows when it is full or nearly full. It tracks better.





Where/when are you going? My wife and I are planning on hitting the Ohio river on Thursday.

_________________
2008 Horizon 260 VP 8.1 Gi

We're looking ast Thursday as well.
I sent you a PM with contact info.

Doug

_________________
2003 Four Winns 170 Freedom Cincinnati, Ohio / Cape Coral, Florida

Weight and sloshing is no problem....24 gallons is one medium size woman. A 50 gallon woman creates issues with both weight and sloshing though.

_________________
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi