Watch when backing up that you don't try to turn too radically and push the bows into your rear mudguard similar to a 'jack knife'. Learned that lesson the hard way in traffic.
It seems that most people put too much pressure in trailer tires. Most boats are not that heavy and too much pressure makes the trailer jumpy. An easier tow, and a better ride for your boat is achieved by lowering the pressures a tad.
If you have leaf springs, you must lubricate them. They become a solid beam if the leaves cant slide against each other due to corrosion. Spray lube does the trick and put some on the 'hangers' also.
Check that your wheels spin freely. Jack them up off the ground and spin with your hand. They must be nice and free. If they seem stiff/sluggish to turn, the bearings need lube or replacement. To not do this occasionally is to invite disaster as the wheel parts company with the trailer and it usually happens on the motorway at 100k/hr. Nasty
.
Check your mast tiedowns are good and make sure they are properly attached. A wayward mast can be a very dangerous and costly thing.
When making a turn, be sure that as the mast protrudes beyond the tow vehicle roof line, it doesn't hook up in a tree or similar. I learned that one the hard way.
Make sure there is sufficient clearance between the tow vehicle roof and the mast. When going through a dip, the mast comes down as the tow vehicle goes up and the mast may be bent if there's not sufficient clearance.
Best not to leave the jockey wheel in place. On long trips I put mine in the boot. This prevents me from driving off with the wheel still down and destroying the tire. They also have a habit of coming loose and dropping down to the road which again, isn't good at 100k on the motorway.
Finally, I can't stress how important it is to check, check and check again that all tiedowns, hitches, safety chains, lights, couplings etc., are in place, locked, attached, switched on, working, etc., etc.
Happy towing <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
