You’re packed up, the cooler’s full, the boat or jet ski is hooked up, and you’re finally on your way to the lake. Then it happens, your truck starts overheating, you hear a loud pop from a tire, or your check engine light suddenly comes on.
Breaking down is never fun, but when you’re towing a boat or jet ski, it can turn into a stressful situation pretty quickly. The good news? Staying calm and knowing what to do can make all the difference.
Get Somewhere Safe
If your vehicle starts acting up, don’t panic. Turn on your hazard lights and carefully make your way to the shoulder or another safe spot if you can.
Try to avoid stopping around curves or on narrow bridges where other drivers may not see you. If your vehicle can’t be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on if traffic is heavy and call for help.
Your safety comes first, everything else can wait.
Leave the Trailer Attached
A lot of people think they should unhitch the trailer while they wait for a tow truck, but that’s usually not the best idea.
A trailer that’s sitting on the side of the road by itself can become a hazard, especially if the ground isn’t level. It’s also one more thing you’ll have to deal with later.
Unless you’re told otherwise, it’s usually safest to leave everything connected until a professional arrives.
Let the Tow Company Know You’re Pulling a Trailer
When you call for a tow, don’t forget to mention that you’re towing a boat or jet ski.
That little detail helps make sure the right truck and equipment are sent your way. Let them know:
- What kind of trailer you’re pulling
- About how big the boat or jet ski is
- Whether you think the problem is with the vehicle or the trailer
- Your exact location
The more information you can give, the faster everything tends to go.
Why Breakdowns Happen More Often When You’re Towing
Pulling extra weight makes your vehicle work a lot harder than it normally does.
Some of the most common issues we see include:
- Overheating engines
- Flat tires
- Transmission problems
- Dead batteries
- Trailer tire blowouts
- Wheel bearing failures
- Brake issues
A quick walk around your vehicle before you leave can help catch a lot of these problems before they ruin your day.
Don’t Try to “Just Make It”
It can be tempting to think, “The boat ramp is only five more miles.”
But if your vehicle is overheating or your brakes don’t feel right, those last few miles can cause serious damage, or even lead to an accident.
Stopping early might feel inconvenient, but it’s almost always the cheaper and safer option.
A Few Minutes of Preparation Can Save Hours of Stress
Before you head out, take a minute to check:
- Tire pressure on both your vehicle and trailer
- Trailer lights
- Safety chains
- Hitch connection
- Wheel bearings
- Spare tire
- Boat straps and winch
It doesn’t take long, and it could save your entire weekend.
We’re Here When the Unexpected Happens
Nobody plans for a breakdown on the way to the lake, but they happen every day.
Whether you’re towing a fishing boat, pontoon, bass boat, or a couple of jet skis, Tiger Paw Towing is here to help. We’ll get you, your vehicle, and your trailer safely off the road so you can worry less about the breakdown and focus on getting back to your day.
Hopefully, you’ll never need us, but if you do, we’ll be ready.
