Boat Towing TipsI have been talking all about the fishing, then it dawned on me that you have to get your Boat to the lake. A few boat towing tips might help save you some future preventable headaches. Presently I have a Explorer that I tow my boat with and have been looking at the Toyota Tundra in the near future. You want to make sure that what ever you are pulling your boat with can take the strain. You figure you're trying to pull at least 3,500 pounds fully loaded and going to be doing anywhere from 55 to 75 miles per hour on the highway.
I would recommend a tandem trailer. That way the weight is distributed evenly. With single axle trailers, you will notice if you haven't already that sometimes when pulling the boat; you will feel the boat sway a little on the road. The tandem trailer will eliminate the sway.
Make sure all your light are working: Brake,Turn Signal and side makers, remember there are times that you will be traveling at night and dark times.
Check the air pressure on the trailer tires. It will save you money on gas and the wear and tear on the tires. Keep the tires full of
air even when the boat is up for the winter.
When you first put your trailer on your truck's trailer hitch's ball, ensure it is indeed on. I have seen guys start to take off with the trailer ball not seated and it jumps off. I would hate to think you are doing 65 miles per hour and see a boat that looks just like yours pass you and then find out it is your boat that you did not hook up properly.
Safety chains are a must. They should run from the trailer to the frame of what you are using to tow the boat. I like to criss cross them. That way if something does happen and the boat jumps off the ball; the chains will catch keep the boat from hitting the ground.
Once on the highway, if it is a four lane road, stay to the right and give your self plenty of room if you have to stop real fast. Stop and think, there is a lot of weight behind you pushing your vehicle forward. It will take three times the distance to stop than if you were not pulling your boat.
You also have that crazy person that will pull in front of you and then slam on the brakes. Now is not the time for road rage while you got all that money that is tied up in your rig to take on another car or truck.
Most of your tandem trailers have brakes on the trailer which is highly recommended. When it rains for a short period of time slow down, the fish will wait on you but those slippery road will eat your boat up real fast.
If you have to pass on the road, make double sure you have enough time to get out, get around and get back in. I say double because what ever time it usually takes to pass a vehicle, double that and ensure that all can be done at a safe speed.
The biggest thing I guess would be allow your self plenty of time if you are on the way to a tournament. Allocate extra time for maybe breakfast, gas, or mother nature calls; you want to arrive safe and everything in the same shape as when you left the house.
Keep the Hooks Wet!
Steve McGoldrick
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