Keep items safe and secure while towing

Spring signals a rebirth of many things, including road trips, vacations and scenic drives. It's also a time when water lovers take boats and sporting apparel out of hibernation to be put into regular use once again. What this means is you're bound to be one of many people with a boat or jet-ski hitched to your bumper or piloting an RV full of camping equipment. The key is arriving at your destination with equipment still in tow and in sound shape.

There are some preparatory steps you can take to make time spent towing equipment that much more safe and enjoyable. With a few simple tools and techniques you ... and your stuff should arrive in one piece. Here are some pointers, courtesy of Amazing GOOP, a line of top-quality adhesives for all kinds of repairs and projects.

TRAILER SAFETY

More damage can be done to equipment, like boats, by improperly transporting them than from regular wear and tear. Your first step is to find a trailer that can accommodate your load adequately. For a boat, it should be long enough to support the entire length of the boat so that it is carried upright as it would float in the water. But, the trailer should be short enough so the engines can extend freely.

Prevent your load from bouncing around by using lower anchors or tying it down. The bow eye on a boat should be secured with a rope, chain or turnbuckle in addition to the winch cable. Additional straps may be required across the beam of the boat.

Before you head out on the highway, be sure your trailer is hitched to your towing vehicle adequately. Bolts should be tightened and in place and you should check that your vehicle has enough power to pull the combined weight of itself and the load you're towing. Your boat or other equipment should also be evenly dispersed across the trailer. An uneven load could result in a trailer that is too heavy in places, which could result in rollovers or pressure on the tires, causing steering difficulty.

Be sure the brake lights, taillights and turn signals of the towed vehicle operate in sync with the vehicle being driven. This is a requirement in all 50 states. You can use brake/signal light accessory kits, which are strapped or magnetically connected to the rear of the vehicle being towed.

FIX-UP PREP WORK

The vibration of towing equipment can result in items shaking or coming loose. Stock a quality adhesive product like Amazing GOOP, which offers different varieties based on required use: Marine, RV and Automotive. Be sure to repair any cracks or flimsy items before embarking, such as making sure trim, mirrors and other items are secure. You can also mend tears in upholstery, reinforce frayed rope, secure reflectors or ensure that portholes or windows are adequately sealed. Using the right product -- one designed to stand up to road vibration, UV rays and contact with water, is key. Amazing GOOP products dry to a flexible, rubbery finish so they won't crack under the stress of use. They also come in UV-resistant varieties and are all water-resistant.

TAKE CARE WHEN DRIVING

Towing equipment requires finesse on the road. Keep in mind that having a trailer behind your towing vehicle will mean you need a larger turning radius. Be mindful of road barriers and items on the side of the road when doing so.

The excess weight can also make breaking more difficult. Therefore, leave a wide gap between your vehicle and the one you're following so you'll have ample time to stop. Slow down your speed to avoid skidding or having the trailer topple over. Remember to also adjust your mirrors so that you have ample view of the road to minimize any blind spots that normally occur. You want to be sure you can safely pass other vehicles and change lanes easily.

When you reach your destination, give the load you've been carrying an inspection to make sure it's arrived in good condition. Use your adhesive product to make any minor repairs to items which may have shaken loose.

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