TOWING TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Winter’s blahs are gone, and it’s time for taking that first boating trip of the season. Are you ready to hit the road? Good preparation, knowing trailering safety, and good towing practices are all part of a successful and safe trip. —John Tiger 1. What are some good steps for trip preparation before that first boating-season adventure?

A. Take a short trip around town or just up and down the highway with your trailer attached as a shakedown run before your big trip.

B. Begin by packing plenty of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches—no tuna!

C. Check your trailer’s suspension and running gear for potential problems, such as a rusted and weakened axle, rotted tires, and broken hull rollers or bunks.

D. A and C

E. All of the above

2. Your towed load is 1,700 pounds for the boat, trailer and related gear. Your trailer does not have brakes. Should you consider installing them before that first big trip?

A. Check with your state’s towing laws for the minimum trailer weight required for needing trailer brakes.

B. Check the towing capacity of your tow vehicle, specifically the owner’s manual, to see if trailer brakes are discussed there.

C. No trailer brakes are needed unless the towed load is over 3,500 pounds.

D. A and C

E. A and B

3. What are some of the differences between a factory-installed trailer hitch versus an aftermarket hitch?

A. Factory hitches are custom-designed for the vehicle at the same time the vehicle is designed, so they offer a better match than an aftermarket hitch.

B. Aftermarket hitches are usually rated for higher loads than factory hitches.

C. Factory hitches are usually better hidden behind the bumper.

D. A and C are true.

E. All of the above

4. You’re only towing your boat a few miles to do a shakedown river cruise before your big early-summer road trip. Should you tie down the transom, or is this unnecessary? A. No, tie-downs are used only when towing long distances. B. Yes, tie-downs should be installed and secured on every trip, regardless of distance. C. You can use them, but it’s not necessary to keep them tight. D. None of the above

5. Name some tools and supplies to bring on any road trip when towing your boat.

A. Emergency tow card (AAA, BoatUS, etc.), copy of insurance policy and contact information, and GPS.

B. Barbecue grill, beach chairs and portable music.

C. Rope, hand tools, grease gun, spare hub with bearings, and spare tire. D. Floor jack and a lug wrench that fits trailer wheels.

E. A, C and D

F. All of the above

6. Checking your boat before a trip should include:

A. Check bilge pump and navigation lights for proper operation.

B. Check outboard mounting bolts to ensure they’re tightened properly.

C. Check for stained carpet and old beer bottles under the seats.

D. A and B

E. All of the above