New to Trailers

[jaymetcalfe]

I am looking at buying a boat in FL and trailing it back up to my home in NY. A friend keeps warning me about wheel size and the wheels heating up on the trip, etc. and that I had better be real careful about the condition of the trailer.<br /><br />Can anyone offer some advice on things to look out for regarding trailers??

 

[tommays]

Re: New to Trailers

if you buy a used trailer the only way to know its safe is to remove the hubs and check the condition of the bearings and brakes if it has them<br /><br />trailers tend to get upkeep right after they break it usally goes a lot better if you find the problem before it finds you on the side of a dark rainy road <br /><br />anything else is a real roll of the dice<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New to Trailers

First, how big a boat are you hauling. Next, make sure your tow vehicle can handle the load and has the proper hitch. Then worry about the condition of the trailer. Know how much the boat weighs. Check the trailer tires for size, capacity, condition and proper inflation. Make sure you have a spare and the tools to install it if necessary. Remove, clean and repack the wheel bearings for a long trip. Have it professionally done if you don't know how. If the trailer has brakes, make sure they work. If they are electric, your tow vehicle needs an electric brake controller installed. Make sure the trailer is properly titled and licensed. Lastly, since you've never trailered, better get some practice backing and turning. Accelleration, stopping, and handling are all affected by the trailer. Drive carefully.

 

[rwidman]

Re: New to Trailers

What Upinsmoke says. Also, if you have never towed a trailer before, a Florida to New York trip would not be the ideal learning experience. Get someone who's towed trailers before to go with you. Or pay someone to deliver it, either on it's own wheels, or on a truck.