This weeks article come to us via TowBoat US and their Trailering Magazine. Whether you are hitting the road on a high stakes tournament circuit or just headed out on a family vacation as we roll into spring and summer many of us will find ourselves on the interstate with the boat in tow. Here are some important tips to consider:
9 Interstate Trailering Tips
By Dan Armitage
A prime benefit of owning a trailerable boat is its portability; anywhere your tow vehicle can go, so can your boat and trailer. Many trailerboaters take advantage of their rigs’ “free range” capability a few times each year, towing their boats beyond the local launch ramp and onto the open road to distant waters and to enjoy on-water fun with friends or family. If you have not done much long-distance towing, there are some factors to keep in mind when trailering on the interstate highways that may not come into play during your usual runs to the home ramp and back
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The Air Back There
The biggest difference between towing a boat on local roads and hitting the open highway for any distance is the speed and distance at which the rig will be traveling. Quite literally, that pace affects where your rubber meets the road. The higher speeds create higher heat for your trailer’s tires and bearings to handle. A pre-trip inspection and replacement of suspect tires and bearings is important before any long-distance haul — as are regular checkups en route, and having replacements available in the form of spare tires, wheels, and bearings. One of the most important things you can do before a long-distance haul is to check the air pressure in your trailer and tow vehicle’s tires. Do this when they are cold, and bring the pressure within the recommended guidelines listed in the trailer and the vehicle service manuals. -
Hand On Hub
Once on the road, experienced trailer towers pull over to stretch their legs every couple of hours while performing a walk-around inspection of their rig, inspecting safety chains, looking for loose straps, a