Trailering
June is the month where most boaters really start using their boats. The weather is warming and after winter, all of us are eager to get out on the water. You may have already had your boat serviced, but how about the other important items that make your trip a safe one ? Make sure your trailer and tow vehicle are ready to begin another season of service. Have your tow vehicle serviced. The transmission particularly gets heavy use. You may want to have the transmission fluid changed more frequently depending on the amount of towing you do. An automatic transmission cooler is important if you don't already have a factory tow package. The most frequent cause of premature transmission failure is overheating. Check your tow bar and make sure it is securely fastened to the frame of your vehicle. Some attaching bolts can come loose. Check your tow vehicle's brakes and tires.
Check your tow ball for adequate fit and that the ball has some surface grease. The safety chains should be crossed under the hitch. This keeps the hitch from falling onto the highway in the event of ball or hitch failure. More than 80% of trailer tire failures occur in the last 20 % of tread life. Don't substitute passenger car tires for trailer tires. The "ST" means special trailer and these tires are intended for trailer use. Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Check your lights for broken connections. Road vibration can result in broken connections. Use a hitch lock, this prevents theft and accidental opening of your hitch. Check your brake reservoir and fill to manufacturer's recommendation.
Once the hitch is properly placed on the tow ball, lift up on the hitch to make certain it is securely attached to the tow ball. Pressurized wheel bearings, such as "Buddy Bearings" keep water out of the bearing during launch and retrieval of your boat. They only work properly if they are filled to the manufacturer's recommendation. Check your tires for cracks that may lead to a blowout. These cracks are usually caused by UV exposure from the sun. Check that your boat straps are tight and that they are not frayed.
Check for adequate play in your safety chain. Make certain the latch is strong enough to prevent breakage should the tow ball fail. The chain should be long enough to turn corners without binding but not so slack as to drag on the ground. Most trailers now have two safety chains. They should be criss-crossed under the hitch. This prevents the hitch from dragging on the ground in the event of hitch ball failure. Finally, check and tighten the tow ball hitch nut to the manufacturer's recommended torque.