long haul trailering

[David Butler]

I'm going to take my boat to Florida this fall. This will be the first time i have ever made a long haul 1500 miles.

Any suggestions on the the best preperations before starting a long trip.

Thanks in advance

Dave

 

[Richard Whittemore]

I would;

check tire pressure, 50lb in each tire

Pack wheel bearings and fill bearing buddies.

Check lights and wiring.

Pack spare bulbs.

make sure the boat is on the bunks and the bunks are not

rotted.

Inspect safety chains and hooks + hitch and transom brace.

Chech bow winch and safety line.

Drive in high instead of overdirve.

Have a great time.

I'm sure I forgot something, somebody will catch it.

 

[David Hunt]

Check your lug nuts (as opposed to jack nuts).



Leave the transmission in drive and let the transmission decide whether or not to it wants to be in overdrive.



If you cover the boat, make sure all your loose straps are not loose.



david....

 

[JEFF WHITE]

i went to springfield mo and back to northeast pa and the only advice i can give other than what was already given is have a good trip!



wheel bearing check at every rest stop/fuel stop is good,check the tires also,check the springs while you are there to be sure none are broken.check the bunks,and mounts also.check the winch strap,safety chain on the bow also,if equipted.if with the cover,keep an eye on the mirrors for it coming loose.spare bulbs,wire,and connectors if needed.keep the tires inflated to max pressure on the tires.if using the boat for storage arrange the load so it doesnt put too much weight on the toungue or the tires.check the transom saver.



also,it sounds stupid,but disconnect the batteries,due to if you have a short in the wiring it doesnt ruin your trip down/back.a small inconvience there and back,but if anything comes on like a bilge pump/aerator pump,it doesnt burn it up.



have a good trip!

 

[Larry Harp]

Don't forget to lube your ball.



Harpo

 

[Greg. Avery]

Make sure that your lug nut wrench will fit your trailer & inflate tires cold aslo have some flares just in case.

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Take a spare......spare what? ANYTHING you can carry. Hub, bearings, tire & Rim, lug nuts, ball, and use cable ties to attach your safety chains to your hitch, run the gas out before you go (extra weight). Make sure the ball is tight. Locking hitch pin. Tie downs in good shape. Motor toter attached with bungies at both ends. Level your gear over the axles. Tighten bunks. I'm still thinking......



TOXIC

 

[Steve Rizza]

Dave,

Even if your bearings are good,buy new ones.Change them out using as little tools as possible.Pack up the tools you used and put them in the truck.Clean up the old bearings and put them in the truck.

It sure gives me peace of mind having bearings and tools to change them under the truck seat.



Steve

 

[Rick Hale]

Soonerfan -- What type of lube should be used on the Ball?

HaleDamage

 

[Bob G.]

Hale,



I use general chassis lube on the ball and in the trailer coupler.



Bob G.

 

[Larry Harp]

I never go anywhere without my ball properly lubricated.

Harpo