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Hi all, I have a 16’’ deep v and I am headed to Ohio this weekend. I ordered 2 new tires, 145x12 that are rated for 81 mph. As for the motor it’s 35 hp evinrude, which back and forth to local lakes I just turn it and strap it down. I just got a stabilizer for it and with new tires am I all set or what else do I need to do?
Thanks
Patrick
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Keep an eye on your transmission temperature in this HEAT. I'm sure their will be hills along the way and going up the hill puts more strain on the torque converter causing trans fluid to get hot and build up preasure on the seals.
Don't forget to check hitch connections "locked down tight, chains, lights and wheel bearings. You didn't say if it was aluminum or fiber glass boat. You should be okay pulling it. Just go over everything good before you leave. I would make a check list of things to worry about and make sure you checked them out before you leave. :highfive
Grease those bearings!
Also run a strap across the back of the boat if you don't have a way to hold it down to the trailer. Big bump in the road could cause it to jump up off the trailer. :scratchhead
What the above post have said with particular attention to the wheel bearings. I have seen more break downs due to that than any thing else. A spare tire in good repair of course and a jack that will fit and lift your trailer as well as a lug wrench that will fit your trailer lug nuts. Nothing you haven’t already thought of I’m sure. I just like to ramble on, must have picked it up from my wife. Have a safe and fun trip and let us know how you do.
It aluminum, nice and light! My son is having problems getting the lug nuts off now... sprayed them with some pb blaster... thanks everyone for the replies!
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Send Tony (Redboat) a PM and ask his advice. He pulled his Tracker all the way to upper New York state a few weeks ago.
Don't take that 81mph tire rating too seriously. Those wheels will be turning a lot of rpms. That will create a lot of heat on your wheel bearings. Check them for excessive heat at every stop. Have a great trip and catch a lot of fish.
A Tow Boat US memberships with the trailer assist is the best money youll ever spend. Never needed it, but i have it. Had a friend that needed assistance and they were more helpful then the insurance company.
Food for thought.
Have a spare hub w the works, spare tire and all tools to change on the side of the road per axle. Don’t have to but I would.
Buy a new spare hub just in case you do have a bearing problem. It’s easier to change the whole hub with new bearings than to replace or repack bearings on the road. Northern Tool or Tractor Supply should have your size for less than $20. Remember a 12 inch tire is turning a lot more than your truck tires so 81 in the truck may be 100 plus to the trailer.
Spare hub is a great suggestion, and one that I would heed if going a long distance like you said. If you haven’t repacked or greased your bearings I would definitely do that too. Sounds like you’ve got the rest covered.
Make sure all your lights are working. Hate riding behind a trailer when the lights keep blinking off and on . Or they dont have any at all.
I just made sure the tires had good air, lights worked and had a spare just in case. No problems at all even through the PA mountains.
I did have a bit of trouble coming home with the Tahoe though. The alternator went just as I crossed back into NC. I rode on the battery all the way back to Wake Forest and it died right infront of my house! One more stop light and I would of been in trouble Lol
i firmly believe most of your trailering problems come when you fly down the hwy at 80mph, boat trailers aren't designed for that i don't care what you got, i have alot less trouble with my ranger when i keep it less than 70 mph especially on long 10-12 hr trips
I would suggest two spares
Depends on age on trailer. I personally would remove the hubs , clean wheel bearings and repack with grease. If sign of wear replace.
Good to hear RB. something similar happened returning from Truman then t hill. picked up sharp rock at truman, drove all the way up to macon, mo then home next day and tire went flat when I reached my driveway! Sometimes an angel is helping us along like with your trip!Quote:
Originally Posted by REDBOAT
When we pull ours to Arkansas every year, we have our spare tire mounted to completely new hub, Just in case the worst happens you'll have everything there you need. Also, put a tube of grease in your toolbox in case you do have issues with your bearings.
Fullthrottle said it all, great idea!
We pull our boats from SC to South Florida each year, about 600 miles. I bought an infrared thermometer from Harbour Freight. We stop every 2-3 hours for a break so I check the temperature on mine and others wheel bearing. It's a quick way to check them without burning your hand if one has overheated. Fortunately we've never had a problem.
Bunks are another check on aluminum boats. The vibration can really work harden the aluminum and if the bunks aren't in good shape with good carpet, you can get cracks in the hull.
Quote:
Originally Posted by REDBOAT
We traveled a good bit in our Motorhome and one of the overlooked factors regarding tires is age. 7 years is the magic number. Any tire past 7 years has aged through sun and element exposure and is no longer safe to us. Killed me and my pocketbook to replace 6 tires at $250 a tire on my MH when the thread looked almost new but early on in my RVing I had a couple of sidewall blowouts due to age and sun deterioration. Check the date on the tires and make sure they are not older than 7 years. You might get away with short trips on older tires but you put 10 year old trailer tires on the road at 60-70 MPH in the summer for extended trips and you have a blowout waiting to happen.
Your trailer should receive the most attention. I always have the hubs changed before ever trip to mn when i lived in south carolina. Looks like you got tires covered. Other than that or will also want to stopped your motor bouncing. Ive had trim seals go out even with a transom saver on my 115, but not my 150.
Pretty much everything that everyone else has covered, but I will post a few things that we carry every trip anywhere, even if it's close to home.
We always carry a spare tire, 2 spare hubs with seals, bearings, and caps. We also carry one of those Half moon jacks, you stick it under the axle and drive forward on solid ground to lift the trailer, it's not the safest thing, but it gets you in and out quicker. Infrared thermometer as others have stated, and the absolute best thing, a 20V Dewalt brushless impact (one of the smaller ones), and an impact socket to fit the lugs on the trailer tire. You will be amazed at how much difference it makes in 90 degree weather.
Changed the tires from 480-12 to 145-12, took the hubs off and packed the bearings and off we went. Made it without a hitch... well sort of, lost one of the buddy bearing protectors and 2 bolts out of 4 on one side of the bunk must have vibrated loose. Other than that we made it! Thanks for all the awesome suggestions!
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Where's that check list? :Rofl Glad you made it safely and next time tighten your nuts!:Rofl