Re: Trailering a boat
Many boaters neglect their trailors. I run through a fairly extensive routine each spring for my annual 200 mile trip from permanent residence to lakehouse, and a boat-off-the-trailer check for the return trip in October. My fall check with boat off trailer, involves lubing rollers and swivel points, including replacement of worn or cracked rollers.<br /><br />You don't mention age of trailer or amount of use so for your trip lift trailer (yes, 1" with the boat on it is Ok) and check tires, bearings, etc. for wear and irregularities. Grease bearings, properly inflate tires and inspect brakes. Then don't forget wiring, lighting, coupler, safety chains, and the hitch equipment....proper size ball shank?? Finally, check and re-check straps and harnesses that hold the boat to the trailer, including winch strap and winch safety chain (don't leave home without one).<br /><br />I use a Ford F150 Supercrew for a 4800 lb load with plenty of capacity, but an S-10 seems a little on the light side for 5000#. Weather conditions play an important role, I'm rarely concerned with pulling capacity, the critical spec is stopping capablity under all conditions. On a long highway trip, overheating and engine/transmission strain are rarley issues, except under extreme conditions. Up here in New England, I can't recall ever seeing a vehicle pulling a boat on the side of the road with those problems. As others mentioned above......get a spare tire. <br /> <br />Have a safe trip........
