Alan,

I'm surprised that no one has suggested it, but have you
considered finding a place by that lake to store your boat?
Not to talk you out of buying that new truck you want... but
regardless of your decision to tow that distance on a regular
basis, I would think it would be much easier on you too! If
that lake is a popular recreation type area, I bet there are places
around there where folks probably already do that with boats and
RV's. My brother did this a few years back at the coast in SC.
Rather than tow his RV, he made arrangements with someone there
to leave it on their property when he left. Whenever he went
back, he only needed to hook up and tow a few miles to the
campground. If you feel comfortable with that area that no one
will help themselves to parts while you're gone, or can remove
any valuable equipment and take it with you when you leave, it
might be something to seriously consider. As far as a secured
storage area is concerned, that may or may not work as you may
not have access when you want it. Food for thought anyway...

-Jim


Alan wrote:
snipped I frequently tow my boat 400
miles to a lake in VA, often coming home on Sunday afternoons. A
breakdown along I81 would be a real mess so It's probably time to get
something newer. The truck has a 5.0L V8 and has done a great job
towing my rig (about 4000# incl. trailer)