Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Boat Trailer Service

Although they aren’t technically a part of your watercraft, boat trailers play a significant role in the boating and towing experience. That’s why inspecting and maintaining your boat trailer regularly is essential.

Check trailer tires for tread wear and age. Also, touch the wheel hubs to see if they feel hot. Tires that feel too hot are signs of an axle problem and should be fixed before failure.

What type of trailer do I need?

Whether hauling your boat or moving dirt, having the right trailer can make a difference. Many trailers are available, each designed to accomplish a specific task.

Some trailers are made from aluminum, which is light, strong, and expensive. Others are made from steel, which is heavy and less expensive but susceptible to corrosion. Whichever type you choose, it’s essential to inspect all of the small components on your trailer before using it.

Tires are essential since they take the brunt of the weight while driving and can wear down faster than other parts. Checking air pressure regularly is vital, as is keeping a spare tire and tools handy. Also, remember to repack your wheel bearings with grease before each trip. This can prevent them from failing on the road, which can cause significant damage to your trailer. Then, you can continue to enjoy your boating adventures safely and reliably.

What kind of boat will I be hauling?

Many small boats are suitable to be towed by pickup trucks. However, large houseboats require a special trailer or truck and driver. These boats are usually shipped via air freight rather than being hauled over land because they cannot be towed by a vehicle alone.

When choosing a company to ship your boat, like the boat trailer service Pennsylvania, ask how long the company has been in business and what kind of shipping experience they have. A reputable company will have the proper insurance and equipment to handle these shipments.

When loading a larger oversized boat, a marina may use a sling lift attached to a hydraulic or electric travel lift that straddles the trailer and roles the ship onto it. Avoid maneuvering the boat to and from the water can save time and labor costs. Before a trip, it’s a good idea to distribute the boat’s weight evenly and torque all lug nuts on the trailer tires. Also, remove antennas, flag staffs, and other items that could become flying objects at highway speeds. Lastly, be sure that any snap-on boat covers are designed to withstand highway speeds.

How often do I need to haul my boat?

Depending on your sailing goals, you might only need to trailer your boat once or twice per season. However, it’s always a good idea to ensure your boat is clean inside and out before each haul, remove personal items, and drain all fluids like gasoline or oil. Also, remember to check the height of your vessel to ensure it will fit under bridges if needed.

You’ll want to ensure the hitch and coupling are tight and safe between hauls. It would help if you also regularly inspected structural nuts and bolts on the trailer frame for looseness. Keeping a spare tire and jack on hand is also a good idea. Tires lose a pound or two of air pressure with each use, so checking them routinely is essential.

Many shortsighted boat owners lengthen the time between haulouts, which can cost you in the long run. Aside from the obvious expense, boats left unattended are prone to corrosion and pest infestation.

How much does it cost to haul my boat?

Regarding boat transportation, a company’s pricing should be transparent. It should also offer a high level of customer support. This could be through online chat, phone calls, or emails.

If a company cannot answer your questions promptly, it may not be a good fit for you. In addition to customer support, a transporter should have strong insurance coverage. This is important because accidents can happen, even unintentionally.

A trailer is a complex piece of equipment that needs to be inspected frequently. Things that annoy drivers, like potholes and uneven pavement, can be disastrous for the trailer. Tires should be checked often for loose treads or spider-web cracks, and structural nuts and bolts on the frame should be tightened. In addition, all fuel, gas, oil, and water tanks should be drained. Lastly, height measurements should be taken to ensure that your boat will fit under bridges along its route.

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