Whether you are bringing a boat or a camper on a long distance towing trip, you need to take steps to prepare your vehicle. Towing places a great deal of strain on your vehicle, and traveling a long distance can increase the risk of an issue developing.
Reduce Weight Before Starting a Long Distance Towing Trip
You should always remove any extra weight from your boat, camper, or whatever else you may be towing. Removing water from ballast tanks, luggage, and other components reduce the stress placed on your vehicle.
You should also take down anything that may catch the wind. This is especially true for boat canopies or sails. If they are still up when you get on the highway, they can cause your vehicle to fishtail or even rip right off.
You'll also want to remove anything that isn't secured down, like seat cushions or small electronics. Driving at high speeds over long distances means that they are likely to fly right out of your boat or trailer, never to be seen again.
Tire Pressure
You should always check the tire pressure of your car and trailer before towing anything. The added weight of the trailer and whatever you are towing increases the stress that your tires experience.
You'll want to make sure that you have inflated your tires to the optimal pressure. Ideal air pressure levels are printed on the sidewall of each tire. Be sure to check your trailer and vehicle handbook to see if specific guidelines for towing exist.
Strap In
If you are towing a boat on top of a trailer, you need to strap it in place. Transom straps connect to the transom, or flat rear section, of your boat and to the trailer itself. This prevents any sort of shifting while driving.
This helps maintain the balance of your trailer by preventing the boat from shifting to one side. This prevents your vehicle from becoming hard to control while on the road.
Schedule for Breaks
Another important thing to consider when preparing for a long distance towing trip is scheduling breaks to inspect your rig. You don't want to have a strap snap while in the middle of the road.
You should stop every few hours to get out and stretch. Not only does this help improve your focus on a long distance trip, but it also lets you walk around your trailer and see if everything is in good condition. Don't drive if anything looks damaged, is overheating, or otherwise isn't performing as intended.
Schedule an Inspection
Before you hit the road on a long distance towing trip, you should always have your vehicle inspected. This lets you identify potential mechanical issues early, and address them before they can affect your car in the middle of the freeway.
Feel free to contact us today and schedule an appointment for a vehicle inspection and any necessary repairs.