posted 07-30-2002 10:58 PM ET (US)        

It would be great to have a trailering forum.

I have found the best fix to reduce one of the most common sources of trailering aggravation is to replace all lights with LED lights. Since I did this 3 years ago for my 17' Montauk, I haven't had to replace any bulbs (no more 5 AM searches for bulbs and extracting rusty screws!). They are much brighter, you don't have to unplug to put in water, and the prices are coming down. I highly recommend that you replace your lights with LED (available at west marine, 4statetruck.com, and possibly your local trailer store)

After a blowout on I-95 going about 65 mph, which tore the plastic fender off my trailer and laid a little rubber on the side of my boat, I had a welding shop make new fenders with 3/16" steel. They don't look very good, but I assume they will do a much better job of protecting my boat.

I have a question about covers. I currently have had one of those blue sundura custom fit trailering covers (available from Overtons, cabellas, etc). I have probably towed 5,000 miles and it has been out in the weather for 3 years. It is beginning to fall apart -- rips, tabs falling off, etc. Has anyone tried the magnum (grey) cover which is 2x as thick? Does it last better? Or any other suggestions? If I have to replace a cover every 3 years, maybe I should get a cheaper one?