First Time

[willsrevenge]

I just purchased a pre-owned 20' Sea Ray on a Shoreline trailer and need to drive it home tomorrow morning (about 45 miles -- mixed of interstate and backroads). Never towed anything and am slightly nervous. Can you guys provide the top 10 things I need to keep in mind tomorrow morning? Thanks for your help.

 

[DJ]

Re: First Time

1. Check the tires (vehicle and trailer) before you leave. Both should be inflated to their maximum-especially rear tires on the tow vehicle.<br /><br />2. Make sure the coupler is latched and pinned.<br /><br />3. Make sure the safety chains are attached and crossed under the trailer tongue.<br /><br />4. Leave plenty of room between the vehicle in front of you and you. Triple what you normally do.<br /><br />5. Go slow, at first, until you get the feel of it. Make some practice stops in an area that is not congested.<br /><br />6. Make turns VERY wide.<br /><br />Remember. Most vehicles can get a trailer moving, stopping it is another story. As long as you are comfortable with your stopping ability, your towing experince will be a good one.<br /><br />Try to relax. I'll tell you this. I have towed trailers thousands of miles. I am NEVER complacent with one behind me-that's normal.<br /><br />Alertness avoids mishaps.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: First Time

And don't keep looking back at the trailer. This will give you a tendency to try to guide the tow vehicle with the trailer.

 

[DJ]

Re: First Time

Good one BK. <br /><br />Look where you are going. Plan ahead multiplied by three.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: First Time

1-Remember its behind you.<br />2-Drive cautiously but not necc slow, that will just cause more trouble.<br />3-Remeber it takes a lot longer to stop.<br />4-Adjust your mirrors.<br />5-Use your side of the vehicle to align on the road, using the stripe as a guide.<br />6-Make slightly wider turns<br />7-If at all possible practice in a parking lot before you leave out.<br />8-Bring a "spotter" with you if you can.<br />9-Remeber it will take longer to accellerate and allow plenty of clearance.<br />10-Along those same lines If you pass someone remeber you have an extra 25 or so feet behind you before you pull back over.<br /><br />Bonus- Have fun

 

[ED21]

Re: First Time

I would check/repack the wheel bearings unless you trust the previous owner has done it. Not something you want to do probably on your first trip, but blowing out a bearing isn't either.<br /><br />A spare would be nice.<br />Check the tires & inflation. Usually about 60 to 70 lbs. Check rating & max pressure on tires.<br /><br />Make sure you have the right size & rating ball.<br /><br />The lights & brakes if you have them should work. That might require an adaptor or wiring kit.<br /> <br />Attach the safety chains. <br /> <br />Take it easy.<br /> <br />There are any number of good books about trailering w/ pictures, diagrams & recommendations. <br /> <br />Good luck. It can be a little nervewracking at first, but with a little prep & knowledge you'll be fine.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: First Time

Gosh guys, ya'll jumped in there while I was typing. I thought I was gonna be first. I guess I need to learn to type faster.

 

[cajun555]

Re: First Time

Make sure tow ball matches trailer. Happened to my boss at a place where he bought a horse trailer. Hooked up 2 and 5/16 to a 2. Yes it come apart.

 

[cuzner]

Re: First Time

Since you're alreaddy on the road this may come a little late.For future refference.. RELAX and take your time.Hardest thing to do,but it will make learning easier.I've trained alot of drivers,and most problems happen because you will tend to oversteer,or focus one thing and forget everything else. When it comes time to back up use your mirrors,turn slowly and follow the trailer around.REmember to take sharp corners a little wider.If you can,after you get it home,take it to an empty parking lot and practise.First couple of times to the ramp,try to go when the ramp is slow,this is where you realy must take your time,not only backing in,but also launching and retrieving boat.Write yourself a list,remove straps,put in plug,turn on blower,lower motor. and check it off as you go.Ask for help if you need it.Most boaters are more than happy to help,and don't worry any jerks that b.... about you taking to long.Take your time and relax and you'll be fine.<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[shadowdwpp]

Re: First Time

Last year was my first year boating and I used a marina with in-out service. This year I bought a new SUV and will trailer my boat. I'm currently waiting for a new water pump but I was nervous about trailering the boat as well I just found this and it seems to have all the answers you could want about trailering.<br /> trailering manual <br /><br />the one thing it doesn't mention is make sure your windows are open and only the driver is in the tow vehicle for safety when at the ramp.

 

[paboater]

Re: First Time

Never ride your brakes breaks, people who never towed before have a tendency to do this. Breaks will overheat and you won't have any.

 

[paboater]

Re: First Time

Never ride your brakes breaks, people who never towed before have a tendency to do this. Breaks will overheat and you won't have any.

 

[jtexas]

Re: First Time

It helps me to adjust my side view mirrors where I can see the trailer wheels on turns. Especially right hand turns.<br /><br />Confirm operation of the trailer lights. Bring one of those little testers, wire stripper, extra wire in case you need to trouble-shoot on the road.<br /><br />DON'T PUT YOUR VEHICLE IN OVERDRIVE!