 In this exclusive month long piece, KingfishConnection.com will ask some of Yamaha's best professionals for some tips on how to trailer long distances between tournaments in a safe and secure way.
KC.com: On a very long trip, will you plan your pit stops well ahead of your departure?
Jack Bracewell (Eren’s Addiction Too): We don’t plan our stops. I tow my boat with a Chevy 2500HD. Our fuel capacity dictates our pit stops. The trip to Biloxi (for SKA Nationals) is approximately 650 miles for us. We start looking for fuel about every 150 miles.
At each pit stop, I feel my trailer hubs to monitor the temperature and always take a quick walk around the trailer at each stop.
Ralph Smith Jr. (Team Knock Down): You bet, it will make your life easy. Pick truck stops to fuel and places that are easy to get in and out of. Also, make sure that you watch your clearance for your T-top.
How many people do you recommend traveling with on the road?
David Albritton (Gatorfan): Last year we traveled to Biloxi with two other teams. Unfortunately we wound up having some engine problems, but it sure was nice knowing that we had friends there to help us if we needed them.
Our team consists of only three people. As a minimum, we always have two of us in the truck for every trip just in case something happens. We want to make sure that we have enough of us to deal with whatever may happen. It also makes launching and loading the boat much easier if you have a second pair of hands around.
Jack Bracewell (Eren’s Addiction Too): We normally travel with two or three other boats. I don’t mind traveling with more, but it seems that a small group is easier to access gas stations, food stops, other miscellaneous stops.
What are some simple and inexpensive products that teams should purchase to make traveling on the road with a large boat safer?
Ralph Smith Jr. (Team Knock Down): With a multi-axle trailer make sure that you carry a block of wood that is approximately 12" high. Also, cut it at an angle. If you have a flat tire you can use it as a lift. It's inexpensive and it works. Also flares are a must.
Jack Bracewell (Eren’s Addiction Too): On our trip to Biloxi, we carry one or two additional spare tires. I’ve never needed them, but certainly don’t want to end up on the side of the road and wish that I had brought them. I always carry a tire gauge, grease gun, extra grease, and toolbox. Don’t forget your flashlight.
David Albritton (Gatorfan): I take three things with us on almost every trip.
First, a good floor jack. Second, be sure to take along a grease gun. Last, a quality strap to ensure the boat stays secured on the trailer. If you have extra room, carry along four or five short 2 x 12 boards. They can be used to block the trailer tires as well as leveling the ground under the jack if you are stuck on the side of the road.
Many times king mackerel events happen during inclement weather. What are some tips you can give to trailering in rain storms and high wind?
David Albritton (Gatorfan): Slow down, slow down, slow down! Always be prepared to make sudden stops. I make sure that the trailer brakes are checked at least once a year to ensure I can get everything stopped quickly. I just bought a new Loadmaster trailer and paid the extra money to get the quality Kodiak brakes. Safety should be your first priority.
Ralph Smith Jr. (Team Knock Down): Two simple words. SLOW DOWN!
Jack Bracewell (Eren’s Addiction Too): Trailering in inclement weather is never good. I slow down to a speed that I feel comfortable with. I make sure to give myself plenty of room. I try to be even more aware of my surroundings and try to have a clear escape path in case something happens in front of me. Cars don’t mind cutting off trucks pulling boats, we’ve all been there. It’s our responsibility to deliver our boats and teams to the tournament site safely. I plan to be in Biloxi on Sunday prior to the tournament. If I get there a little late everything is still good.
When at a venue, how do you protect all of your fishing gear from both the elements and thieves?
Jack Bracewell (Eren’s Addiction Too): We’ve been very fortunate as far as theft goes. Eren really enjoys the planning part of our tournament season. She gets on the internet and checks out the local accommodations. Eren will check out hotel pictures, room pictures, check Mapquest to view the area we’ll be staying, find restaurants, and check out marinas. We’ll also rely on friends that live in these areas or have traveled there before. Regardless of whether the boat stays in a marina or stays on the trailer, we take most of our gear with us to the room. We try hard to not temp a thief.
As far as protecting our gear from the elements, we take a water hose, soap, and brushes to clean everything daily if we’re going to be on the road for a while.
David Alrbitton (Gatorfan): We never leave the rods or downriggers in the boat over night. Take the time to take the rods with you to the room. It’s the first thing that a thief would spot and the easiest thing to walk off with in a hurry. If you’re worried about the area where you’re parking the trailer, put a cable lock through one of the tires and around the trailer frame.
Regarding the elements, we keep all of our rigs and tackle stored in a Tupperware box. We can keep it in a hatch and away from the saltwater.
Ralph Smith Jr. (Team Knock Down): If you can't lock it up on the boat make sure you bring it with you to the room. If not, it will grow legs and walk off. I know from experience.
Thanks guys for all the tips!
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