Trailering Question

[Perlmudder]

So we are taking out boat in for some warranty work next weekend. The trip will be about a 175 miles there and a 175 miles back. I dropped the trailer off at a local shop and had them check out the bearings and make sure the brake calipers are tight (we have broken 2 due to the bolts coming loose). It has surge breaks so I will check the break fluid before we head off. Not a very long trip compared to some of you guys, but I really don't feel like breaking down on the highway.

Anything else I should check before leaving?

Thanks!
-Josh

Here is a map of the route we will take. Will probably leave the cottage Sunday night and head back to Toronto, then on Monday head to Cobourg.

 

[Perlmudder]

hmm map didnt save properly, so here is a link!

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Crystal+Beach&1s=on&2c=Cobourg&2s=on

 

[Offshoredrillin]

chics, beer and beef jerky, maybe some chips and ez cheez...road trip!

 

[Big Time]

So we are taking out boat in for some warranty work next weekend. The trip will be about a 175 miles there and a 175 miles back. I dropped the trailer off at a local shop and had them check out the bearings and make sure the brake calipers are tight (we have broken 2 due to the bolts coming loose). It has surge breaks so I will check the break fluid before we head off. Not a very long trip compared to some of you guys, but I really don't feel like breaking down on the highway.

Anything else I should check before leaving?

Thanks!
-Josh

Here is a map of the route we will take. Will probably leave the cottage Sunday night and head back to Toronto, then on Monday head to Cobourg.

Make sure you have a spare and the proper tools to change it...sounds stupid but you would be surprised. I always check the tire pressure as well (check the spare PSI too!). The trailer place probably already made sure the bearings were greased, but might be worth another look.

 

[Prostock85]

boat properly strapped, check lights and make sure you have your registration

 

[Chris]

Yeah- straps on the back. Gravity is rarely your friend.

Check your hitch. I've seen them loose, rusted, cracked, etc. Also check the hitch ball for tightness. Take a close look at the tow vehicle too. This is it's biggest, most strenuous job of the year.

 

[Sydwayz]

Pick up a Laser Pyrometer to keep an eye on bearings, tires, and brake temps.

Also, once you have a jack that works on your trailer: I suggest a 12"x12" piece of plate steel (from Home Depot or Lowes) to carry with you to place the jack on when needed especially on soft/loose ground.

 

[Perlmudder]

Thanx guys! Ive got the straps that came with the boat for the back, and a rachet one I always use on the bow eye. I just bought a new trailer ball for for 6k and the bar is good for the same. Since its a new ball, I have heard of putting grease on it? I have a tube of regular grease I bought for bearings so that should be fine, right? The trailer hitch is only a month or so old, we just bought the truck. But I will put a wrench to it just in case. I checked the lights last weekend and they seem to be in perfect working condition. We however do not have a spare or a jack... maybe I will see if I can borrow one during the week from someone.

 

[JupiterSunsation]

Greasy, tight balls.............WTF kind of site is this?

 

[old377guy]

and then by all means call Gino to see what else can possibly go wrong........

 

[Wobble]

and then by all means call Gino to see what else can possibly go wrong........

:26: crap, that would be quite a list

 

[glh]

Ask LubeJob/Gino for tips!

 

[Offshoredrillin]

oh i forgot, to add condoms. never leave home without them, they are the Amex of being single...

 

[scottc]

As for the jack, wood works better. But only on multi axle trailers. Just put in front of the good tire like steps (usually 2 or 3 2x6x6 stacked) and pull forward to raise the bad tire off the ground. Don't forget to loosen the lugs on the bad tire first.

 

[DonziGirl]

make sure said jack goes high enough. ran into that problem on Sunday

 

[Tom A.]

I have a small floor jack, wood chocks and a good socket set I always bring with me. If you don't have a lazer pyrometer, I always stop after the first 100 miles, and put my hand on the tires and bearings. You will know right away if one is heating up. Also, just as a precaution I welded the nut of the ball to the hitch after I had tightened it up. I had two come loose on me (no problems thankfully) but had I not checked them enroute, it could have been! If you give everything a once over every time you stop you can usually catch a problem before it becomes a major issue. I always start at the hitch, check the bow tie downs, driver side wheels/bearings, rear straps and then up the passenger side.

 

[Bad Idea Baja]

Don't forget a small chain. You might get in a situation where you just can't put a wheel back on. Jack the axle up & secure it with the chain & limp her on it.
I have a big Dewalt bag that I carry my **** in.
2 bottle jacks, a 4 way lug wrench, spare bearings & seals, grease & grease gun, multimeter, seal drivers, electrical tape, Oklahoma socket set (cresent wrench), a pipe wrench, a rubber mallet, bearing buddies, lug nuts, chain, screw together chain links, flash light & batteries, both rubber & leather gloves, needle nose & regular pliers, flat blade screwdriver & I think that is it.