This is for everyone that is going to be hauling a car up to the PSMCDR. Most of you do this, but sometimes we get so wrapped up in our to-do list on the cars that we forget some important items when it comes to trailering. 1) Make certain that your tires are in good shape and air up to the proper pressure. If you have a spare, make sure it is good too. 2) Throw some grease at the bearings and hitch ball. Ask Wayne Nelson about having your bearings cook out on your trailer. 3) Disconnect the battery in the car and if you have a battery for a wench, diconnect that one as well. Our cars are still bouncing around with 40 year old wiring. We don't need one of these warriors to go down in flames. 4) Make certain that you tie your car down tight and recheck after the first 10-15 miles. I always check mine at every gas stop as well. Make certain that your straps are in good shape, if they are looking bad, replace them. I would hate for someone to have $1000's in damage due to a $20 strap failing. 5) Fire extinguishers. I carry one in the truck and one in the trailer. I also have a plan that if the truck starts on fire, the quickest way to have the truck and trailer seperate. 6) A flashlight, jack, and reflective triangles. I want to see what I am doing and I want others to see me. I have come to the conclusion that if a tire fails on the interstate, I am not chaging the tire on the interstate and going to the first exit I can. It is far too dangerous when everyone is wissing bye at 65-70 and faster. I also have enough of a jack to get the trailer up in the air while the car is in it. 7) Check you tire and wheel bearing temps. When at a gas stop, use that nifty IR Temp gauge that you purchased and put it to good use. It only takes a few seconds and you can see usually see if something is going out before it does!! I am sure that everyone else who has trailered has their ideas of what they need, but after listening to Hodgeman, Benoit, and others, you get an idea of what you need to watch for and what needs to be done so that minimal damage or injury to people and cars comes around.
