Trailer equipment

[Big Block Power]

I'll put this in here. We may need a separate spot for Trailers?

This is the first boat I've had retractable transom tie downs. I never bought them for my other boats as I thought they were too expensive. If you trailer a boat this is the only way to go. They are disconnected and reconnected in seconds. You don't have to store them in your truck. I won't be without these ever again.This boat came with them on when I bought it.bonus
They are sold in many different stores and brands. Mine is very close to this though.

[jhnmdahl]

There's an "Anchor, Docking and Towing" subforum - I'll probably amend it to make towing the first item and move this post,

John

[liquid]

These are a must have. Period.

[TwoBurgers]

SO, we're talking equipment here... I too have three of the stainless boat buckles. They are definitely helpful in speeding up ingress and egress at the ramp. After my brother (trailered 26' Pursuit) was rear ended while stopped at a light, I decided to add some reflective tape to my trailer. It's overkill for sure, but when I'm headed home at night no one can claim they didn't see me in front of them.

[Tuscany]

The rear DOT tape is a must. Seems that everyone and their brother texts and drives these days, so expect more stupid, avoidable accidents to happen.
I'm not sure what the weight or gvwr cut off point is, but it's been federal law to have DOT tape on the sides also. I know that my trailer is over the minimum gvwr, so it'll have to have it on the sides.
I made a point to order four tail lights on my trailer just because it may help some texting driver to see me better.

Also ordered three boat buckles, and saw them as a must have.

[TwoBurgers]

I thought I would add another item I use to gauge the health of my trailer hubs. In the plastic bin of emergency towing items I keep in the back, I added a laser temperature gun. When I get to a destination (if I'm not rushed), I quickly get a read of each hub to judge its health. Surprisingly most hubs are very consistent (114F). I have a hub on my jet ski trailer that has a blown gasket, and sure enough, that side consistently reads about 10F higher.
Anyway, the laser temp gun is an easy way to judge the health of your hubs - and they only cost $10 to $30.

[Big Block Power]

That's a great tip. Thanks for mentioning it. Just keep in mind if you take the reading right after you stop the brake hub may be hotter. I have to get over this week for my trip west Friday.

[TommyTahoe]

A quick towing rig question- does any else besides Two Burgers use the AirLift air bags? TB and others please give your input as I'm thinking of installing in my Toyota Landcruiser- towing rating at 6500 lbs. Big difference/little difference or what not? Thanks, Tom

[Big Block Power]

Lots of people use them on there Ram trucks. I have auto level on my truck so nope.

[TwoBurgers]

TB and others please give your input as I'm thinking of installing in my Toyota Landcruiser- towing rating at 6500 lbs. Big difference/little difference or what not? Thanks, Tom

LandCruiser - what a great vehicle.
For my 4Runner, the "1000 kit" fit, and I installed it myself. It took more time than I would have thought, but having the bags balances the truck out perfectly. For my application, the bags are placed inside the each rear spring. I towed today without adding air (my portable pump died), and the feeling was night and day (felt terrible). I only had to tow it to have the trailer inspected, so no big deal, but having the truck level makes a big difference.
My brother installed a like kit in his Tundra, but added a auto inflator (air pump). It's a nice convenience, but added to cost and time to install. I have two valves at the bottom of the bumper which isolates each side, and I hear having each side isolated helps stabilize side to side movement. If my next truck doesn't have a self leveling system, I will add the AirLift bags.
Chris

[hoghead54]

I'll put this in here. We may need a separate spot for Trailers?

This is the first boat I've had retractable transom tie downs. I never bought them for my other boats as I thought they were too expensive. If you trailer a boat this is the only way to go. They are disconnected and reconnected in seconds. You don't have to store them in your truck. I won't be without these ever again.This boat came with them on when I bought it.bonus
They are sold in many different stores and brands. Mine is very close to this though.

What if your trailer is shorter than your boat?

[Big Block Power]

I'll put this in here. We may need a separate spot for Trailers?

This is the first boat I've had retractable transom tie downs. I never bought them for my other boats as I thought they were too expensive. If you trailer a boat this is the only way to go. They are disconnected and reconnected in seconds. You don't have to store them in your truck. I won't be without these ever again.This boat came with them on when I bought it.bonus
They are sold in many different stores and brands. Mine is very close to this though.

What if your trailer is shorter than your boat?

They pull out a long ways. I would still get them.

[cmattj]

I really like mine.. you'll never forget or lose them

[Ytmsn]

I never use transom tie downs.

Let the flaming begin..

[cmattj]

I never use transom tie downs.

Let the flaming begin..

Whaaaaaaattt???????? Our buddy?? Fearless YT??

Shall we " go- pro" your transom so you see the separation and movement???

I thought so.... sorry for the vicious haha

This guy didn't use them either..