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Same Boat, Here's What I Did
I was in the same boat in June of this year, and here's what I did: Found a guy who had a diesel pickup and ran a lawn mowing service locally. Hired him to tow the truck with the right towing equipment--a load leveling hitch system. He towed it 300 miles for $300, flat rate. He had to travel down to get the trailer, then tow it here. I got lucky--because here are the variables:
While a trailer may be "towable", the condition and age of the tires is a critical factor, as is the condition of the axles, and the last time they were serviced. A trip like you're describing requires good tires on the AS, a good spare, and relatively fresh grease in the axle.
By the way, the speed should not exceed 65 mph on the tow, and that's due to the nature of the tires. Excessive heat can build up and you're in trouble fast.
The next two things that are essential include a load leveling hitch, preferably with an anti-sway system. Got mine for about $500, a Reese Dual-Cam, and it works fine. Whomever does the towing should know about this type of system and how to use it. The second essential is a good, solid brakes system that's been checked out. You don't want to tow without the brakes working as they should. That's a lot of weight back there, and it needs excellent braking capability.
Finally, there's the whole liability thing, which is why most folks wouldn't volunteer to do the towing. Stuff happens, and if the route includes I-40 through Western NC, there will be some pretty respectable hill work involved. BTW, I-40 out of Ashville, NC is closed for the next couple of weeks due to a major rockslide this weekend.
That's not to say it can't be done--it certainly can! If you have a friend who is experienced in towing trailers, that's maybe the best way to go. Protect yourself and friend, though, by having the wheels, hubs, and brakes thoroughly reviewed by a pro before you go.
I ended up buying a 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 with the Duramax Diesel and Bully Dog Chip computer system. It's 4 wheel drive too, and that's already come in handy. But I didn't pay the $57K original price--less than a third of that. Got a great truck that handles my 30' Excella marvelously.
Wishing you the best. What was your fighter type?
Dennis
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