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Oversized Towing

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17K views 99 replies 41 participants last post by  HVYRTFT 
#1 ·
My family has bought a boat, and I've been tasked with retrieving it and bringing it home. The beam is 9'6'', so I am guessing it will be right at 10' or so with the trailer. Obviously, the legal limit is 8'6'' so I am going to have to get oversize permits, flags ect.

Has anybody had to do this NON commercially? I've been on the Mi DOT's website, and it looks like this is going to be a pain in my ass... Especially since I have to cross the Mackinaw Bridge.

I've read the laws about signage but the lighting laws are poorly written.

Help.
 
#40 ·
What's the big deal? Anyone who can afford the boat should be able to afford the transportation to take possession of the boat. If you didn't factor that into the purchase price, well............. It kinda comes with the territory.... duh.

It's like me buying my motorhome and then bitching about the $600 per year license plate. You have to pay to play.
 
#45 ·
Supring.. just axles costs. 4.00 for the truck, and then 5 for each towed axles.. so 19.00. If under overall width of 10 feet, an escort is not need. If over 10, a free escort is provided. If wind speed is over 25 wide loads are not permitted to cross.
 
#58 ·
My brother has the same damn boat and trailer. He currently keeps it on Muskegon Lake and stores it in Montague for the winter. He hauls it around without issue. Honestly I don't think you will have any trouble at all getting that boat and trailer home without permits. For what it's worth, my brothers boat is for sale too. Maybe your parents can get out of their deal. It would be alot closer :teehee:.
 
#59 ·
what's the weight of the boat? Unless you're going to be over weight for any bridge span formulas, you'll be fine. Most states permits aren't even all that expensive, quite cheap really.

I've been on the phone with the DOT from many different states and pulled all kinds of permits for inordinate size vehicles, every state has different laws.

Also, most states will not allow you to run after hours or on the weekends with a permitted load.
 
#62 · (Edited)
Sorry I have not read every post but did you call the mackinaw bridge authority. We have towed a 9 foot beam all over the place. Other than getting through the toll which they will have to let you around and be escorted. I dont see this being an issue.
 
#64 ·
Yep I called them. No extra charges besides the normal axle charges. 4.00 for the truck, and 5 for each additional axle. Over 10 foot requires escort. Winds over 25mph stops anything over 8.5 from crossing until it settles down.

As stated earlier, every state is different. I looked into it here in WI and found that the permits are cheap but they forbid you to travel Friday and Sunday afternoon and evening as well as any day before a major holiday. I also found out that almost no one gets these permits. But again, if you kill some one in an accident be ready to give it all away...
This is why my folk are extra cautious. They've worked very hard for what they have, any have no interest in giving more away than what the .gov takes already.
 
#63 ·
As stated earlier, every state is different. I looked into it here in WI and found that the permits are cheap but they forbid you to travel Friday and Sunday afternoon and evening as well as any day before a major holiday. I also found out that almost no one gets these permits. But again, if you kill some one in an accident be ready to give it all away...
 
#78 · (Edited)
AAAnd it's confirmened. Not getting the boat.

But to stay on topic I learned a lot about oversized towing.

1. Once you have learned to navigate the online programs that the states use, it's pretty easy.

2. 8'6'' is max legal towing width. (Already knew it, just posting it for information purposes.)

2. Under 10' Wide can be towed with single or annual permits (after applying) with ONLY flags that are 18''X18'' on each corner.

3. Over 10' Wide Can not be towed weekends or holidays, and must have oversized banners front and rear.

4. No oversized towing at night.

5. No towing over the Mackinaw Bridge if winds are over 25 mph.
 
#92 ·
For permits you will be better to get ahold if a permit service, give jet permits a call, 414-425-2911 Ask for Jill. they will be able to pull your permit for you. As for signage u will need a wide load sign front arm rear if u r legal weight. If u r overweight u will need oversize signs. U will also need 6 orange flags two at extreme front and rear of vehicle and two at widest point of the boat.


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