[Platticus]

I'm preparing for the annual pilgrimage from SC to the Keys in May, and making sure everything is in order for the 850 mile drive. This will be year two with my Beavertail Vengeance. For the majority of the last year, the boat has sat on the trailer in the garage.

What do I need to look for or do to make the trip as seamless as possible? I've sprayed anti-seize on the lug nuts once or twice since last summer, but beyond that haven't done much maintenance. I did have it on jack stands for probably 6 months. Beyond checking tire pressure, any recommendations or best practices?

 

[Jpscott1]

I tow a 15T from SC to the 10,000 islands each year. I also tow back and forth to Charleston many times each year. I replace my trailer tires every 18-24 months. I make sure they are inflated to appropriate pressure. I purchase radial trailer tires speed rated at 81mph. My hubs and bearings are inspected and repacked/replaced at the first sign of issues. I have 2 spare tires mounted to the trailer. I carry a new hub/bearings and installation tools. I also carry a jack, tire tool, and various other tools (these are all neatly stored in a plastic box that rides in the boat until I reach my destination). Each time I stop I inspect everything. One time I had a small bulge on the sidewall I noticed when we stopped for fuel and I replaced the tire with a spare. Other than that- I have had no issues. I like to think that I can make it there and back without any assistance from the outside world- even if I have some sort of trailer issue!!!

 

[CaptDanS]

I also carry an infrared laser thermometer shoot the bearings. I travel for 15-30 minutes stop and shoot the hubs, been doing it for years.
Harbor Freight like $25.00

 

[prinjm6]

Jack each wheel up and check to see how much play there is in hubs. If tire doesnt wobble or you dont hear a howl when you spin tire bearings should be gtg. Shoot a little bit of red n tacky, not to much otherwise you'll blow out rear seal. Other than that making sure tire pressure is good and no dry rot/cracking on tires and you're good to go.

Pre packed hubs run around $60-75, I always carry a spare pre packed hub and 2 tires while traveling.

 

[krash]

I tow a 15T from SC to the 10,000 islands each year. I also tow back and forth to Charleston many times each year. I replace my trailer tires every 18-24 months. I make sure they are inflated to appropriate pressure. I purchase radial trailer tires speed rated at 81mph. My hubs and bearings are inspected and repacked/replaced at the first sign of issues. I have 2 spare tires mounted to the trailer. I carry a new hub/bearings and installation tools. I also carry a jack, tire tool, and various other tools (these are all neatly stored in a plastic box that rides in the boat until I reach my destination). Each time I stop I inspect everything. One time I had a small bulge on the sidewall I noticed when we stopped for fuel and I replaced the tire with a spare. Other than that- I have had no issues. I like to think that I can make it there and back without any assistance from the outside world- even if I have some sort of trailer issue!!!

Thats about as prepared as you could be.... other than having Geico or SeaTow roadside trailer assistance package.

 

[State fish rob]

Hubs should never get too hot too touch. I lay hands on mine several times every trip. Redundancy is the key. Don’t leave home w/o it I keep a large tool box w trailer parts ( hubs lug nuts etc) , water bottles , Gojo , rags, jack ,tire plugs , mini compressor. Traveling repair shop be safe in your travels

 

[Marsh Pirate]

I do the infrared temperature sensor. When I start the trip I check @ 10, 30 & 50 miles and then every time I stop. I check the tires and the hubs. I'm looking for a change and try not to be caught off guard. A tire getting hotter may have developed a slow leak. Also, note that the sunny side will be 10-15 degrees hotter. I also carry my Dewalt portable impact wrench and a grease gun to regrease before the return trip.