Thanks to MotorBiscuit for this:
What could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately, the answer is a lot.
Improper towing can lead to tipping, unattached cargo and cause serious damage to suspension and braking systems as well as strain to your engine and transmission.
Here are four common towing mistakes you may experience.
1. Disconnected brake lights
One of the biggest dangers of towing something large involves not having visible brake lights or turn signals.
This is why the boat trailer comes with them, essentially eliminating this danger. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for a bulb to burn out, sometimes while you’re towing.
Always test your brake lights before you begin your journey. Make sure the wires are taut and not dragging on the ground.
AAA reports that most states require all towed vehicles to have at least one red tail light, so make sure your lights are functioning properly.
This may seem like common sense, but if the wires pull loose while you’re driving, you won’t know it. Keep an extra bulb in your truck, so you can switch out a broken bulb and be on your way.
2. Wrong ball hitch
Few things are more disconcerting for those new to boat towing than when the loaded trailer sways after a semi blows past, when the hitch hits ground when you’re driving across raised railroad tracks, or when the back of the trailer scrapes as you pull into a gas station.
Make sure the boat is level. If it’s not, then you need to adjust the height of your ball hitch. If you can’t, then you may need to look at getting another ball hitch.
3. Forgetting what you’re towing
Distractions will happen. While you may want to pull your hair out, keep in mind that you’re pulling a large object behind you that affects every move you make.
Drivers, be more conscious of cars around you, especially when backing up or making tight turns. Take your time.
4. Failing to secure gear
Make sure your gear, like tackle boxes and life jackets, are tied down. In your hurry to get on the water, you may have forgotten to do this.
You need to make sure that nothing can fly out of your boat while you’re driving down the highway. It should either be placed in your truck or tied down.
Bonus:
The Ford F-150 Pickup Truck is the Best Full-Size Truck for Towing a Boat
If you are looking for the best vehicle for towing a boat, the Ford F-150 pickup truck is top of the line, according to automotive experts.
America’s best selling truck for four decades, the F-150 offers a wide range of engines and trims which can be matched to meet your ideal towing capacity.
Ford takes pride in the F-150’s high towing capacity and offers a number of additional features to make towing safer and easier.
The #FordF150. The only light-duty pickup with available Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
The F-150 carries the highest towing capacity of any full-size pickup, ahead of the Ram 1500 and the GMC Sierra.
Depending on the size of the boat, you can choose from a basic V6 engine with 5,000 lbs towing capacity up to the V8 with a capacity of 11,100 lbs. With additional turbocharging options, the capacity can be increased as high as 13,200 lbs.
The F-150’s lightweight aluminum body allows for reduced overall vehicle weight, thereby increasing it’s towing capacity. With that in mind, it is good to be aware that any additions to the trim can potentially increase the weight of the truck and reduce towing capacity. Capacity is limited to 5,000 lbs if equipment other than a weight-distribution hitch is used to attach the boat trailer to the truck.
To assist with towing, the F-150 comes with a dynamic hitch assist with the built-in backup camera. It also includes roll stability and curve control on the basic trim, along with standard safety features, including automatic emergency brakes and forward collision warning technology.
Ford offers a Max Trailer Tow Package with a plethora of useful towing-assist features, including an electronically controlled rear differential, trailer brake control, and enhanced front stabilizer bar.
