Tag Archives: towing tips

Safely Tow Your Boat to Winter Storage

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Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Now that summer has come to an end, we can expect cold weather to hit us soon! Fall is a good time of year to pull boats and water crafts off the dock and place them back into storage for the winter. Since it’s been a few months since the last time you towed your boat, it may be a good idea to review some helpful boat towing tips to ensure the safety of your truck, your riders, and of course, your beloved boat! Continue reading for tips on safely towing your boat back into winter storage.

Boat Towing Safety Tips

Whether you choose to use a car or truck, you should realize that once you connect the trailer and begin to haul your load, the vehicle will drive differently. It will respond slower to brake signals, accelerate slower, turn wider, and drive heavier altogether. Getting used to this feeling is part of the towing learning curve, and simply takes time. With enough practice, you will be able to maneuver and navigate a tow without any anxiety or hassle.
It is also important to remember how to back up properly when hauling a boat and trailer. It can be confusing knowing which way to turn the wheel and tires. Be sure to review the owners’ manual for these particular instructions, and practice a few times in an open space before the real reversing happens.

Here are some more tips to remember:

Be sure your load is balanced and the weight is evenly distributed on all sides. If you have loaded your boat up with a bunch of supplies and extra equipment, be sure to disperse them evenly for even weight distribution.

Always check the tongue weight to be sure you are not overloading the hitch. Use the ten percent formula: If a boat and trailer weighs 5,000 pounds added together, the tongue weight should be 500 pounds.

The towing vehicle, trailer, and boat should be nearly parallel to the ground.

Be sure all ratchet straps are secured. The trailer winch strap should be secured to the bow eye.

Check that all vehicle and trailer lights and signals are working. This includes turn signals, flashers, brake lights, parking lights, reverse lights, and more.

Always do a final walk-around inspection for loose straps and obstructions before getting behind the wheel. Pull over and do these every 50 miles as well.

Always have a spare trailer tire, as well as, a lug wrench, grease gun, and tire gauge in the case that you get a flat.

Call a licensed towing company for professional boat towing services for long distance towing or heavy boat towing.

Indianapolis Boat Towing

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for professional boat towing in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our tow truck operators are highly trained, licensed, and experienced within the towing and recovery industry. We offer a wide range of towing services for all vehicles, boats, water crafts, equipment, and more. Call 317-247-8484 for free price quotes and information regarding boat towing services in Indianapolis, IN.

Towing a Boat

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Boat Towing Services 317-247-8484

Boat Towing Services 317-247-8484

There are many people out there that live on the water and dock their boats and jet-skis directly outside their homes. Unfortunately, not all of us are this lucky! There is a whole other population of folks that have to hitch, tow, and haul their water crafts miles and miles to their desired lake-front locations. People who travel seasonally like this are most likely experts at boat towing; however, there are others that are just starting out, and require a little more guidance.

Once you learn the ins and outs of hitching a boat to a truck or trailer, read on to learn about towing a boat properly and safely for your next road-trip and water vacation.

Safe Boat Towing

When it comes to towing a boat, once of the most difficult and crucial points of training is learning how to make a turn. Driving in a straight path can seem easy enough, but taking that first left or right can have rookies stumbling over what to do. The first important factor to remember is that the turn is going to require a much wider range. Keep checking your mirrors and be sure to accommodate enough space for the turn; this means being aware of other drivers and vehicles, and knowing the amount of space given for the turn. If the turn is too narrow, you may have to find another path, or have friends get out and direct you through the turn manually. These helpful reminders can get you through this obstacle and reduce the amount of mailboxes and street signs you take out!

When it comes to backing up with a boat in tow, visibility is the key factor. Before hitting the gas to back up, double check your mirrors. It may be helpful to get out of the vehicle before backing up, to assess the area and space available for driving. Once you have a very good idea of what is behind you, check your mirrors once more to be sure the back is still clear. From here, begin to move slowly and make small adjustments with the steering wheel, until you reach your desired destination. Ideally, experts would suggest avoiding backing up altogether, but we know this isn’t always the case.

Last, always remember that your brakes will be affected when towing a boat or other water craft. Braking will be different because of the added weight to your vehicle. Be sure to accommodate space and time to allow for proper braking times. Just remember, the heavier the load, the longer it will take for your vehicle to come to a stop.

Indianapolis Boat Towing Services

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

For more information about towing a boat and towing safety, call and speak with an expert at Zore’s Towing in Indianapolis, IN today. We have been Indy’s leading towing company for over 30 years. Trust us for accurate and professional information and guidance regarding proper towing. If you need a tow, we offer the most competitive boat towing rates in the city. Call us today at 317-247-8484, or visit our Indianapolis Towing Services website anytime.