trailer transport Southampton to Andover

[tangerine]

Hi , I wish to take my 29ft Colvic Sunquest from Southampton to Andover (30 miles ) for a major winter refit. Not sure exactly how heavy she is, but with twin Volvo AD31DP ,s I would guess at around 4 ton. Anyone enlighten me on the possibilities. Im very well used to dragging a large caravan around Europe, but I would guess we are talking around 1.5 ton here.

 

[gjgm]

well, you cant tow over 3.5t on a normal licence or any "car", so I think you need someone to do it for you.
I used to use a company near Winchester.. think it was trailerteck, or something... they sell and repair, but maybe they can help out themselves or know someone in the trade.

 

[tangerine]

I may well be under 3.5ton, Its only my own estimation. Perhaps someone has a more accurate knowledge of the weight.

 

[Chris_d]

You will need a professional boat moving company with a low loader, there are a few in the back of the Mags. A friend this month moved a 33footer from Oxfordshire to Portmouth for £375, got a reduction because they were picking up another down there, so worth ringing around.

 

[Kawasaki]

Yep gjgm is correct.
I would have thought the Colvic plus trailer to be well over the 4ton mark.

Think you'l need at least a small car carrier/transporter.
Know anyone locally in the motortrade?

Why not take Her round by water?

Towed a 4ton set up (no brakes!) some years ago with Grand Cherokee during the early hours.
Not reccomended!!

Must be lots of boat moving bods Darn Sarf.
If you can't get hold of a proper towing vehicle, I,d deffo pay someone who has the kit and does the job regularly

 

[Chris_d]

I would doubt your under 3.5t even if you empty the fuel and water tanks, 2 AD31P's weigh nearly 1.5t on their own. Also if your beam is over 9ft, I think (not sure of exact dimension) you are considered a wide load and have to notify the police etc... Much easier to get someone to do it for you, I've towed a single petrol engined 25ft sports cruiser, it weighed in at 3.1t with trailer, the spec for the boat said 1.75t showing how inaccurate they are. I towed that with an Isuzu trooper and it is not a trivial undertaking like a caravan, much slower progress and the weight really makes a difference.

 

[Mr Googler]

I would ring Nigel at www.boat-loads.com

They are based in Southampton and use custom trailers specializing in boats between 3.5 and 5 tons. Cost less as they dont use a full low loader rig with big thirsty trucks!!

ps no personal interest but he moved our boat from Cornwall to Cumbria at was first class.

There is also a width limit for towing without escort which I think is 10ft. As said I would reckon you boat would be at least 4 ton. Twin engines and legs are at least 2 ton of that.

Best of luck

 

[tangerine]

Many thanks Lads, Ive just spoken to Nigel in Southampton and he can help.

 

[derekh]

Glad you are sorted out but just a note to add. I have a 28' sunseeker 3.5 tonnes plus trailer which is around a ton and was custom made. the boat is 10'6" wide. I tow the boat to the marina in March and take it home to its cosy warm home in Oct. (Yesterday) 65 miles each way. I tow it with a 4*4 and travel at 7am in the morning (Always Sunday) at a maximum speed of 45mph. I have never had a problem.

 

[epervier]

[ QUOTE ]
Glad you are sorted out but just a note to add. I have a 28' sunseeker 3.5 tonnes plus trailer which is around a ton and was custom made. the boat is 10'6" wide. I tow the boat to the marina in March and take it home to its cosy warm home in Oct. (Yesterday) 65 miles each way. I tow it with a 4*4 and travel at 7am in the morning (Always Sunday) at a maximum speed of 45mph. I have never had a problem.

[/ QUOTE ]

On all points, illegal, over weight, over length, over width.
limits for a "car" towing, are 7mtrs long, 2.55mtrs wide, gross weight of trailer and pay load 3500kgs.

unless of course your 4x4 is one of these;-

in which case you're only breaking one rule, wide load, limit is when towing with a vehicle over 3500kgs 12 mtrs long 18mtrs including tow vehicle, width increases to 2.9 mtrs, over 2.9 mtrs wide you can still use public highways, but must inform the police 2 days before hand as it it classed as an abnormal load and must be escorted, also a trailer of that capacity must have air brakes and a minimum of 4 wheels

apart from that you'll be fine /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
or should that read fined /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif