Avoid a Boat Trailer Catastrophe
Getting a flat tire while on a family camping or hiking trip is bad, and it’s even worse when that tire belongs to the trailer carrying your boat. Flat tires accounted for forty-seven percent of all trailer roadside assistance calls made in 2008. Unlike car tires, trailer flats carry the additional risk of boat-related damage and injury. Luckily, there are a few easy measures you can take to reduce your risk of blowing a tire and ending up stuck on the shoulder:
- Make sure you’re using the appropriate trailer tires. Not all tires are made equal, and even though your tire may look like the right size and shape, there is still a chance that it’s the wrong type. All boat trailer tires are marked with an “ST” designation on the sidewall. This stands for “specialty trailer,” and if it’s missing from your tires then it’s time to get new ones.
- Don’t overload your boat or trailer. Carrying too much weight on a trailer is a sure-fire way to cause premature tire damage that may lead to a flat. Know how much weight your trailer can hold, and stay under that limit.
- Protect your tires from the elements. Excessive moisture can weaken or warp your tires, while UV radiation from the sun can lead to dry rot. Parking your trailer on a dry, covered surface will help avoid these common problems. If that’s not an option for you, investing in tire covers will also help.
- Perform regular tire checks and maintenance. If you don’t know what state your tires are in before you take the trailer out, you run a bigger risk of losing one to a blowout.
Whenever you take an extended road trip, make sure your outdoor emergency kit is with you and in good working order, including an emergency LED flashlight.
Read more road trip travel tips.
[photo: ScaryComputer]
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