8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

Thank you for choosing D&D Autoworks for your vehicles’ service, maintenance and repair.

Tips to Remember when Towing a Boat

by | Apr 9, 2018 | General Car Maintenance, Tire inspection, towing, Towing boat

Before you get ready to tow your boat, there are some things you will need to do. The most important thing is to have your vehicle inspected. The vehicle should also be checked to ensure that it is capable of towing a boat or trailer. You can schedule an appointment and bring your vehicle in. This way we can inspect the parts and components for you. We can also check your vehicle is ready to tow a boat.

Don’t overload your vehicle

There are also some other tips to do when you get ready to tow your vehicle. Avoid overloading the trailer or towing a boat that’s going to be too much for your vehicle. Depending on the size of the boat or the trailer, you may need a truck to tow, although that’s not always the case. Also make sure to read your vehicle’s towing ability before moving forward. Pay attention to your tow rating, your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), your gross combined weight rating, the gross axle rating, and your vehicle’s curb weight. The to rating does not account for passengers and cargo, so make sure you adjust for those weights as well. Consider buying extra mirrors for your vehicle to improve visibility. These mirrors allow you to see more of your boat and trailer than traditional mirrors on some vehicles.

Inspect parts

Make sure that your truck’s hitch is bolted securely to the frame. If you haven’t used it for a while, inspect it thoroughly. Also make sure that it’s free from rust and not compromised. Check the boat trailer as well. The running gear should be ready and work properly.

Inspect the tires to ensure that they have a good tread, aren’t showing signs of wear, and are inflated to the appropriate pressure.

Check that the grease is fresh and the shape of the wheel bearings are good. Inspect all areas of the frame to ensure it will support your boat. Once you have your trailer hooked up, don’t forget to use the safety chains. One of the best tips here is to make sure you cross the chains to form an “X”. Finally, don’t forget to hook up your trailer lights so that cars behind you will be able to see you braking and turning. If you need any advice when towing, make sure to contact us.