Check your boat trailer and campers before heading out this weekend to ensure you arrive to your destination safely. With the increase in vehicles on the road pulling recreational vehicles, the Wisconsin State Patrol is offering tips to help you keep your trailer in check.

“There’s a lot of boats and trailers being hauled, especially up to Door County and Kewaunee this weekend for the holidays,” said Wisconsin State Trooper Jamie Kahkola, “so remember that you’re responsible to show your trailer is in good mechanical order.”
 

One of the most common incidents involving trailers is flat tires. Ensure that your tires are properly filled and are not too worn before traveling. Having to change a flat roadside can be difficult since trailers need to be jacked up higher for repair, plus it’s important to travel with the necessary tools to fix the flat if you get one.
 

Trailers should not be overloaded and items should be tied down with sturdy straps. Kahkola recommends checking that loose items, like boat seat cushions and coolers, are secured as they can easily fly off on the highway. Most importantly, don’t forget to check your safety chains. 
 

“A lot of the time drivers hauling boats or trailers are cited is for safety chain violations, you know, not having two safety chains or not having them crisscrossed,” added Kahkola, “so check those safety chains and remember to have enough slack to allow you to turn properly, especially in construction zones.”
 

For more information on traveling with recreational vehicles, visit the WisDOT website.