After I started traveling a lot for work, I realized that I needed to be ready for anything life threw at me. I didn't want to get stranded on the road without any supplies to my name. I started collecting little things that might help during an emergency, and it was amazing to see how much of a difference it made. When I was stranded a few months later, I was prepared while I waited for the tow truck. This blog is all about preparing for towing services and getting your car ready for emergencies. After all, you never know when you will be faced with trouble.
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Getting Your Car Ready For Emergencies
Tips For Hauling Your Large Boat In Florida
Eetu Ketola
If you recently purchased your first large boat, you need to make sure that you meet all the legal requirements in Florida before you haul your boat down to the water. Florida has specific regulations in place for any trailers that are used to haul larger loads, such as a big sailboat, in order to keep you and the motorist around you safe on the road.
Trailer Brakes
The first thing you need to do is make sure that each wheel of your trailer is equipped with its own set of brakes. You are required by law to have each wheel on your trailer have its own set of brakes when you pull more than 3,000 pounds of weight.
Most larger boats will exceed this weight capacity; your owner's manual that came with your boat should include weight information. If your boat is close to or exceeds 3,000 pounds, you need to make sure your trailer is equipped with working brakes in order to follow the law and in order to keep you and other motorist safe when you are hauling your boat.
You also need to make sure that your brake lights are working correctly. Be sure to test them out before getting on the road.
Tail Lights
Your trailer also needs to be equipped with at least two working tail lights. You need to be able to see these tail lights from at least 1,000 feet away. Be sure to test your tail lights before you set off on the road.
Trailer Hitch & Safety Backups
If your trailer is hitched to your vehicle, you need to make sure that you have some safety back-ups in place as well to keep your trailer attached. You can use chains or cables as a back-up method to secure your trailer to your vehicle.
Trailer Permit
If you are towing an oversized boat, you will need to obtain a permit. Luckily, the state of Florida has made it relatively easy to obtain a permit. You just have to go to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) website and use their Permit Application System (PAS) to apply for a permit.
If you are only going to need to haul your boat a few times a year, you can apply for a trip permit through the PAS. You can get approved online and print out your own permit. If you are going to be hauling your boat on a regular basis, you are going to need to apply for an Annual permit. You can still apply online for an Annual permit; however, the permit itself is sent through the mail system.
Before you haul your new boat to the water in Florida, make sure that your trailer is equipped with the right types of brakes and has working brake lights and tail lights. You also need to make sure you have the appropriate permits to haul your boat; if you get pulled over without the right permits, you could face a large fine.
For professional towing services, contact a company such as Jenwar Towing & Recovery.
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