Anything I've overlooked?

[Fishing Rhino]

I have plenty of boat handling experience, but very little when it comes trailering a boat long distances.

It seems to me that the most common problems with trailering are flat tires and failed bearings.

Making preparations for the long haul to Pickwick in a couple of weeks.  Have a spare tire, grease gun, and will be getting a hub and bearing kit just in case.  I'll be bringing a tool kit that will handle changing the hub and bearings. 

Also will bring a fuse assortment, a spool of electrical wire, spare bulbs, connectors, and a tool to make basic wiring repairs.

Should I get a jack for the trailer, or will the jack for my pickup be adequate?  Plan to also bring extra rope and ratchet straps.

Anything more that I should include in my "to do" list?

[Glenn]

Yep, tire chalks (the wedge things) and a trailer jack "donut".  These are in case you have to disconnect the trailer from your rig. 

If memory serves me correct, it's a new boat, so your tires should be good.  That said, make sure the spare is inflated to the correct PSI.  Make sure your jack will work for your trailor, and bring a small board to place underneath it in case you have to jack it up on a soft surface.

Oh!  I almost forgot!  Make sure your lug wrench is the right size for the lugs on your trailer.  I have to carry a seperate wrench for my trailer.

Also, spare bulbs are a good thing to have handy.

[burleytog]

Yep, tire chalks (the wedge things) and a trailer jack "donut". These are in case you have to disconnect the trailer from your rig.

If memory serves me correct, it's a new boat, so your tires should be good. That said, make sure the spare is inflated to the correct PSI. Make sure your jack will work for your trailor, and bring a small board to place underneath it in case you have to jack it up on a soft surface.

Oh! I almost forgot! Make sure your lug wrench is the right size for the lugs on your trailer. I have to carry a seperate wrench for my trailer.

Also, spare bulbs are a good thing to have handy.

That would be http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chock_(wheel)

[Fishing Rhino]

Thanks, those are added to the list.

[Shane J]

Sounds like you got it covered pretty good. I'm also prepping to tow a far distance to D.C. in a month, and am going through the same process myself. Good reminder thread now that everyone's got their trailers on the road, and on the move. Be safe and just get there and back all intact!

[donmac]

At each gas stop grab the top of each tire and push it in and out  to check how much play there is.  Also touch the hubs and feel how hot they are.  If play is dramatically  increasing or one is hotter than the other, these are early warning signs of bearing trouble.

[simplejoe]

Carry extra lugnuts, you never know if you'll need them. For the couple dollars it would be, it's nice to have them.

Remember your truck also, go get the oil changed, make sure everything is topped off. Just look it over, it's also going to be making the long haul pulling the boat.

[stratos 375]

in addition to what's already mentioned, I carry a couple of orange safety cones or fold flat reflective signs, a pair of spare transom & bow straps, a good flashlight or two w/ stand and a decent size first aid kit. Make sure your fire extinguisher is in a place where you can get at it easily.

[fishfordollars]

A pocket full of cash. Be safe and have a great trip. Wish i could be there. I will be in Alabama that week, but will be visiting my son, daughter-in-law, and the grandbably on the south side of Birmingham.

Gonna get to spend a couple of days on Logan Martin and Lay Lake.

[Fishing Rhino]

I have to admit it.  I was thinking about the things that would keep me rolling, not the things I would need if I had to stop.

Thanks, plenty of good advice.  The truck is set.  Oil changed, rotors turned and new brake pads on the front, plus given the once over.

Vehicles I'm well used to travelling with.  Have a good flashlight, and other gear in the truck.  It's the trailing thing I'm not experienced with. 

I have enough experience driving with trailers, but never had to prepare them for the problems that can crop up.

[Diablos]

Hey fishing rhino...considering I'm your neighbor(New Bedford) what kind of boat did you get?

[Fishing Rhino]

Hey fishing rhino...considering I'm your neighbor(New Bedford) what kind of boat did you get?

A Nitro Z7.

[NBR]

Try your tow vehicule;s jack to see if it works. My current van's jack works; the previous vehicule's did not.

I trailered almost 2000 miles each way from NH to the MN/ONT border country several time and into eastern ONT over 700 miles many more and the biggest problem was me. I cut a corner or two too short.

I did have the nut come off the ball stud on the way to MN/ONT one time but the pull load on the ball shank held the ball on the hitch until I got there and I had no damage. Now I check the ball nut often.

I do check the bearings for heat every time I get out of the van.

[Fishing Rhino]

I'm going to get a pair or two of wheel chocks, and the safety reflectors as suggested.  Bulbs would be a waste of time.  The trailer has the sealed lights. 

Picked up a spare light today.  Going to get a pair of Bearing Buddies, but will still perform the checks for heat buildup, and loose nuts at each stop, plus check to make sure the lights are ok.

Will also put a wrench to the nut on the hitch ball. 

The other thing I must do is to protect the wires where they pass through the trailer frame.  No grommets or any other type of protection to prevent the chaffing of the insulation on the wiring.

Wouldn't be fun trying to rewire a trailer at any time, let alone on the road.

Thanks for all the sage advice.  It is much appreciated.

[riverfisher]

Don't forget TP!!

[Fishing Rhino]

Don't forget TP!!

TP, tire pressure?

I've got a gauge in the console of the truck.  It's a nice one with a large dial and a button on the side to release excess pressure.  Learned about them when I was involved with a local race team.

Wouldn't be without one.

[TrackerG]

LOL I don't think thats the TP he's talking about...but thats pretty good. If your old fashioned...just take a monkey wards catalog!!!