Does Your Trailer Get Respect?

For the most part, boat trailers are like Rodney Dangerfield - "They don't get no respect." But, they're the only thing between our beautiful boats and trouble. And, the trailer tires are the only thing between the trailer and the pavement.

Why do we see boat trailers sitting on the side of the road? Usually for one of two reasons - first are underinflated tires, causing excessive heat buildup and sidewall rupture. Virtually all tire manufacturers recommend using maximum-rated pressure shown on the sidewall, even if the load is less than maximum.

The second cause of trailer tire blowouts is weathering. Our Arizona sun promotes weathering far worse than in northern and eastern states. Heat, ozone, and UV degrade tires. Inexpensive tire covers and parking on plywood, particle board, etc., dramatically reduce this degradation.

Most tire makers say replace tires between three to six years. Tread remaining is not a predictor of tire condition!

Check List

Other things to check before hitting the road include the following:

• Spare tire pressure,

• Tongue weight 5-7 percent of total weight,

• Coupler locked,

• Trailer winch locked,

• Tie downs on,

• Lights working,

• Chains hooked up and crossed under tongue, and

• Mirrors wide enough to see around trailer.

The above material is part of one chapter of 16 chapters in the United States Power Squadron's America's Boating Course presented at Cabela's March 28 and April 25 and at Sportsman's Warehouse April 25. Register with Chuck at (602) 908-7380 or at ChuckP7173@gmail.com.

Chuck Peterson is a past District Commander & Squadron Commander of United States Power Squadrons, America's largest recreational boating and education organization. He teaches many of their 29 courses and seminars. He has boated on the Great Lakes, around the Midwest, the Southwest, and around San Diego for several decades.

United States Power Squadron Current Class Schedule

3/28/2015 (Saturday) United States Power Squadron

Cabela's

9380 West Glendale Avenue

Glendale, AZ 85305

Time 9:30 am – 5:00 PM

Cost $25.00 (including 6 months free membership)

To register call Chuck Peterson 602-908-7380 or email chuckp7173@gmail.com

4/22/2015 (Wednesday) United States Power Squadron

Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona

333 E. Flower Street

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Time 6:30 – 8:30 PM

4 Nights (4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13)

Cost for 4 nights $25.00 Total (including 6 months free membership)

To register call Bill Johnson 602-525-6318 or email BillJ6@gmail.com

4/25/2015 (Saturday) United States Power Squadron

Cabela's

9380 West Glendale Avenue

Glendale, AZ 85305

Time 9:30 am – 5:00 PM

Cost $25.00 (including 6 months free membership)

To register call Chuck Peterson 602-908-7380 or email chuckp7173@gmail.com

4/25/2015 (Saturday) United States Power Squadron

Sportsman's Warehouse

19205 N. 27th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85027

Time 9:30 am – 5:00 PM

Cost $25.00 (including 6 months free membership)

To register call Ron Werner 623-465-2647 or email rwerner6370@gmail.com

5/20/2015 (Wednesday) United States Power Squadron

Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona

333 E. Flower Street

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Time 6:30 – 8:30 PM

4 Nights (5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10)

Cost for 4 nights $25.00 Total (including 6 months free membership)

To register call Bill Johnson 602-525-6318 or email BillJ6@gmail.com

5/30/2015 (Saturday) United States Power Squadron

Sportsman's Warehouse

19205 N. 27th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85027

Time 9:30 am – 5:00 PM

Cost $25.00 (including 6 months free membership)

To register call Ron Werner 623-465-2647 or email rwerner6370@gmail.com

6/27/2015 (Saturday) United States Power Squadron

Sportsman's Warehouse

19205 N. 27th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85027

Time 9:30 am – 5:00 PM

Cost $25.00 (including 6 months free membership)

To register call Ron Werner 623-465-2647 or email rwerner6370@gmail.com

10/14/2015 (Wednesday) United States Power Squadron

Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona

333 E. Flower Street

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Time 6:30 – 8:30 PM

4 Nights (10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4)

Cost for 4 nights $25.00 Total (including 6 months free membership)

To register call Bill Johnson 602-525-6318 or email BillJ6@gmail.com