Trailering a large boat: Lessons Learned

[rdlegacy]

I though this may prove educational to everyone.  If you tow one of the larger boats (or even the lighter weight ones too I guess), you have had some interesting experiences I know.

Here are some lessons learned.  I would be interested to read about yours

Trailering"

I have blown tires, its exciting.  My load can be from 9,000 lbs, to 9,500 lbd depending on gas and water.

What I have learned is:

1. Move up to a larger load range than what you have now.  Factory tires were load range C, I then moved to D's, and now have E's.  They are not that much more expensive, and well worth it for peac of mind.

2. You tires will only last 3 or 4 seasons.  Even though they may look great, if they are older you need to change them.  This is not lore, but documented by manufactures.  Even passenger car tires need to be changed after 5 or 7 years.

3. Cover your tires anytime you can to prevent UV damage, e.g. during winter storage, when at the ramp in the hot sun, etc.

4. Add grease before long trips.  On mine, they are the type where I can pump in grease and it replaces the old stuff.  I completely replace the grease several times a season.  Use hi-temp lithium based bearing grease, its more expensive but worth it.

5. Visit a tire mfg. web site such as Carlisle.  Now I'm not recommending this particular brand (that's a whole other topic), but they do have good information on preventive maintenace;

http://http://www.carlisletire.com/product_care/trailer_reference.pdf

http://http://www.carlisletire.com/product_care/proper_tire_care_safety.pdf

http://http://www.carlisletire.com/product_care/trailer_tire_poster.pdf

For the most part, if you tow a heavy boat,  keep your tire pressure at the max according to what is on the side of the tire.....max PSI / Load range

[M3EATER]

What Bob is saying about tires is quite accurate.

Think about the four tires (if you have a typical dual axle trailer) carrying that 9,000 to 10,000 load.  Your car weighs about 4,000 lbs ... your tow rig may weigh 6,000 or so........ on four tires.

In addition to Bob's notes on bearing maintenance, I'll add ..... regular brake maintenance and inspection.

At a minimum :

Dissassemble the brakes and inspect the pads (shoes), rotors (drums) and calipers (wheel cylinders).  Clean everything of rust, grease and brake dust .... Grease all points where the pads and the calipers slide, using a disc brake caliper grease (synthetic, water proof & high heat).  Reassemble.

Make sure the pistons in the calipers or wheel cylinders move freely when pushed back into the bores.  If they seem tough to push back in (using "Channel Locks" or a large C-clamp), it's time for a rebuild.

Bleed the fluid once a year ... replace all of the fluid by bleeding until fresh fluid comes from each bleeder.

You've got the obvious possibility of a loss of brakes, here.  However, it's more common to have a problem with something sticking (or breaking) and freezing up a wheel.  Neither is much fun ... when put into the right situation!