3000 Mile Trailer Sailing

I’ll walk you through my trailer prep and journey  from the San Francisco Bay to the Pamlico Sound in North Carolina.

Choosing the Right Route:

The route decision significantly impacts the journey’s success. I opted for the southern route via I-10, I-20 and i-95, favoring its predictability concerning weather conditions—vital for avoiding snow and ice during spring or fall—and relatively mild traffic flow (compared to I-40) My lodging arrangements were quite simple, as I chose to sleep in the boat while utilizing paid shower facilities at large truck stops, which offered more cleanliness compared to chain hotels found along Interstates and Highways.

Vehicle and Trailer Readiness:

The condition of both towing vehicle and trailer can make or break a trailer (sailing) experience. Ensuring the vehicle can not only pull but also stop the trailer in emergencies is critical. Regular maintenance like oil and filter changes should be prioritized before departure. The hitch selection — a class 5 hitch — ensured that towing capacities matched the needs without compromising safety.

Enhancements for a Secure Tow:

Trailer brakes and tires are lifelines in towing operations. Upgrading to disc brakes and investing in high-ply tires ensured both compliance with legal requirements and personal safety standards. The rig was also equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, crucial for maintaining optimal tire health over such a long haul.

Additional Precautions:

Backing up a trailer or changing lanes with an extensive load like a sailboat requires precision and caution. To this end, installing a wireless backup camera significantly aided in these maneuvers, enhancing safety. Furthermore, daytime markers on the trailer contributed to better visibility and maneuverability in diverse driving conditions.

The Necessity of Proper Strapping:

Securing the boat firmly to the trailer cannot be understated. Using adequately sized straps and ratchets, and protective measures like old fire hose sleeves prevented any potential damage to the boat’s gel coat during the vibrations and rigors of the long drive.

Bigger, better, brighter Trailer Lights:

Using daytime markers not only helps you maneuver your trailer by yourself better, it’s also great in crowded parking lots giving you a little extra buffer and makes you more visible.

Some people prefer to drive at night, others prefer driving during the day. There are many pros and cons for both. Ultimately I think it’s personal preference. However if you prefer to drive during the day don’t get caught with a poorly lit trailer. It does may end up getting dark when you might get stuck in traffic. It might start to rain so do light your trailer.