Facts and predictions: If you boat, be prepared

The following are previously unknown facts, unheard predictions, published stuff and other outdoor goodies having to do with towing boats. Every boater who tows his or her boat from lake to lake needs to have three things at all times.

Spare tire

First is a spare tire for the trailer. Trailer tires typically go flat after tire shops close, during the night, and miles from the civilized world and a cell tower.

Along with a spare, one with air in it hopefully, is the need for a small jack and a wrench strong enough to break loose the nuts holding the spare in place.

Maintenance

Second, is the knowledge that the bearings and seals on the trailer wheels have been serviced recently. A wheel that’s screeches is soon to fail.

Drive slowly

And third is the discipline to tow at a reasonable speed. Trailer tires are smaller than the tires on a tow vehicle and that means they will rotate at higher speeds.

Most tire failures are due to high temperature, overload, and impact abuse from highway pot holes, expansion joints, etc.

Spare trailer tires are seldom checked. They just seem to hang out somewhere on the trailer waiting their turn. Too often, when called to service a spare tire is just a flat as the one that needs replaced.

Preparation

It’s a smart idea to prepare and carry a small emergency kit that should include the following items; flash light, spare light bulbs, a few feet of insulated wire, screw driver, pliers, duct tape, electrical tape, tire gauge, two or three bungee cords, and a small grease gun.

Predictions and facts

Prediction: If one tows often, he or she will indeed experience an occasional tire or other trailer failure. It just happens. Be ready.

Prediction: Trailer tires that are filled to the maximum air pressure printed on every tire will fail less often that than tire that are run with less air pressure.

Prediction: Anglers and pleasure boaters who invest in road side assistance insurance plans are smarter, cleaner, and more relaxed than those who don’t.

Fact: The frame of most boat trailers is typically closer to the ground that of a truck or other four-wheel drive tow vehicle. The importance of this fact is that the driver who straddles a road kill is often left with a stinky mess on his or her trailer and boat.

Fact: Pillows and other light weight items should be stowed or somehow fastened down if a boat is towed uncovered.

Fact: Once arriving at the lake, remember to remove the transom tie downs before launching. This rule helps cut down on ramp embarrassment issues.