I am not a professional boat hauler or driving instructor. I’m just a guy who has dragged boats of every size and shape to the four corners of the continent. Along the way, I’ve made every mistake in the book — especially when complacency or urgency became a factor. So take it from one who’s done it the wrong way, and maybe you can avoid some of the same mistakes.
-Had to abandon more than one rig roadside due to the lack of a trailer spare.
-Watched a just-installed spare shred because it was sun-damaged from long storage on an exposed bracket.
-Collapsed an undersize and poorly supported jack.
-Scrubbed numerous sidewalls on curbs, and ruined rims in high-speed curb hops.
-Backed into and over bikes, soccer balls and mailboxes after failing to get out and look first.
-Started out with the tongue-jack stand still in the down position.
-Jumped a trailer off the hitch at highway speeds after failing to ensure the hitch ball was locked in place.
-Destroyed a fender and damaged a rim by forgetting to remove a locked safety cable.
-Burned up bearings due to insufficient service.
-And yes, I’ve launched without the plug in place.
