8stars's Blog

There are a number of trailer hitch accessories that make the hitches easier to operate safely. Some accessories, like trailer hitch balls, ball mounts and hitch receivers are necessary for the hitch to be usable. Other trailer hitch accessories, like hitch locks are convenient and make the hitches easier to use and maintain.

The hitch ball is the part of the trailer hitch that the cargo is attached to. Hitch balls are usually made of chrome or another strong metal. Bigger, heavier hitch balls can bear more weight than smaller ones. Hitch balls are removable and can be changed if another size is needed.

The hitch ball is usually connected to a ball mount. The ball mount is a hollow metal square that slides into the trailer hitch receiver opening. Trailer hitch ball mounts come in a variety of sizes to fit different trailer hitch receiver openings. Some ball mounts are curved to let the user attach the ball lower or higher than the trailer hitch opening to accommodate trailers with different socket heights. Other ball mounts are extra long and come in handy when hauling horse trailers and other irregularly shaped trailers.

Trailer hitch receivers are similar to bumpers. They are horizontal bars fastened to the rear of the truck. They have an opening that accommodates the ball mount. Once the ball mount is locked in the receiver opening, the trailer hitch can be attached to its cargo.

Trailer hitch locks are similar to hitch covers except that they can be locked into place and only taken off with a key. These are useful for security and can keep water and debris out of the hitch receiver opening.

Some trailer hitch accessories are needed for the hitch to work properly, while others merely make it easier and more convenient to use the hitch.

A boat trailer is something that can be very handy. This ensures that you do not have to hire a boat storage service on the water front but take your boat with you and park it on your private property when you are not using the boat. This is especially true when you are living inland far from the water front and cannot go out frequently to check on the boat or clean and carry out regular maintenance work. There are many boat trailer accessories that you can add to your boat trailer to make the transition from your home along with your boat to the water, a mite more comfortable.

There are some boat trailer accessories that you could use to secure the boat on the trailer if you are planning to use the boat trailer as your storage place instead of hiring a wet slip at the harbor to store the boat when it is not in use. One of the mail accessories for a boat trailer is the winch. This is a particular mechanism that makes hoisting the boat up out of the water and placing it onto the boat trailer.

The winch also doubles up as a locking device holding the boat fast to the trailer ready for the ride home or from the home. Ratcheting hooks or similar devices are also particularly useful to latch the boat down the trailer. These hooks enable you to tie the boat down with rope across the top and from behind, ensuring it stays on the trailer until you want to take it off.

A hitch is another important accessory that fastens it to your towing vehicle. A proper hitch will ensure that the boat does not break away and roll back down the road. You may be able to stop in time and prevent the boat from getting severely damaged in the event of a boat trailer hitch breaking loose, but many boats have gotten badly damaged for want of a good quality hitch. A good hitch will have a locking device to ensure no one can unhitch the trailer from your vehicle and tow it away while you have stopped off for a bite to eat or a drink in a motel or someplace.

Though the trailer comes with its own set of rollers you might consider an add on roller that allows for a smooth loading and unloading of the boat. These rollers are fitted on to the rear of the boat trailer and give it that much needed smooth hoist to get the boat onto the trailer rollers. Roller accessories prevent scratched and denting of boas during loading and unloading.

Last but not the least; get yourself some good chains and a set of tools. You will also need some traps to protect the trailer when you are on the boat in the water. Once you have all these accessories you are ready to take your boat with you where ever you go.

One of the goals in every trip with your trailer is to get there and back without any problems. If you stick to a simple check list before you leave, you can eliminate many problems that might occur.

If you have been on an air flight recently you probably saw the pilot walking around the plane. He's not a mechanic, but he knows what to look for before every trip. You can do the same thing and you do not need to be a trailer specialist.

It was once said that an expert is anyone who lives 50 miles away, or more recently if you stayed in a Holiday Inn Express! So if you tow your trailer more than 50 miles, you to can be an expert at keeping problems away from your trip.

Before every trip and at every gas stop, walk around your trailer and look for the obvious. Is the coupler on correctly, are the chains or cables connected, is the boat or cargo tied down.

1. Verify that the coupler or actuator is properly seated on the hitch ball. Make sure the latch is closed and the safety pin is in place .Some couplers/actuators provide a place to pin or lock the latch, newer designs have a safety pin that actually locks the coupler latch in place regardless of what happens to the latch.
2. Check the wiring and light connections. Check all the lights on the tow vehicle and the trailer. Turn on the running lights, turn signals, warning flashers and brake lights. All lights should be bright and work in tandem with the tow vehicle. Replace any non working lamps before you leave on your trip.
3. Check each tire for the proper pressure. Look for excessive wear or cracks in the rubber. Most tire problems stem from under inflation. Trailer tires typically require 40 lbs, 50 lbs or even higher air pressure. Many people assume that the trailer tires use the same pressure as auto tires at 28-36 lbs, not so. On the sidewall of the tire, you can find the recommended pressure. Now is the time to buy a $3.00 tire gauge and keep it in the tow vehicle. Remember to check the spare tire on the trailer. Tires loose pressure over time, so check often. Properly inflated tires will save you money over the life of the trailer.
4. Check all tie down straps if towing a boat. A heavy boat can bounce up and down on the trailer and create problems. Pictures of boats sitting in the middle of the highway are numerous on the internet. If you do not have a safety chain on the front bow eye and are relying totally on the winch strap, install a safety chain today. It should go from the bow eye to the base of the bow stand. If you are towing an enclosed trailer check all the doors and windows. Are they closed and locked? If towing a boat or open trailer, is everything tied down to keep it from blowing out?
5. Check the license plate. Is it current? Is the plate securely attached to the trailer?
6. Check all the u-bolts and fasteners. Make sure none appear loose.
7. Is your trailer being towed in a level position? An un-level trailer can lead to fishtailing, excessive tire wear, reduced braking power and damage to the trailer.
8. Re-load the wheel hub bearings with grease. Most trailers today come with some form of grease injection system for the hubs and bearings. The names SuperLube, PosiLube, and SureLube, refer to a "reload" system that fills the hub cavity with new grease as it pushes out the old grease. Buddy Bearings and Trailer Buddy refer to "cap fill" systems. For information and maintenance steps on these systems, click here.
9. Finally, just before you are about to start the tow vehicle and drive away, turn off the ignition key, get out of the vehicle and check the coupler one more time! You would be surprised how many trailers come off the hitch ball because the trailer is not properly attached. If you do a lot of towing, it is possible to think you checked the coupler, when in fact you are remembering some other time you checked it. Distractions like cell phones, kids, spouses and neighbors, it is easy to walk away from an unfinished coupler to hitch ball.

If going on a long trip, repeat your check list at each gas stop. Just like the pilots do for every leg of their flight.

You spend a lot of time making sure your personal watercraft is in tiptop shape. When it is, you reap the benefits of an enjoyable day on the water. Are you giving the same care to the trailer that carries your jet ski around?

It's just as important to maintain your jet ski trailer as it is your PWC, jet ski, or sea doo. Proper and safe transport of your personal watercraft is dependent on a proper and safe trailer. Any malfunction with your transport apparatus can cause severe damage to your expensive watercraft. It can also cause damage to those near a wayward jet ski that's unloosed itself from a faulty trailer.

Cleanliness is a simple but prime factor in jet ski and jet ski trailer maintenance. It's advisable to wash down your jet ski or any other PWC after use, before placement on a trailer. The trailer requires hosing down after each launch, and before each reloading of your watercraft. Any dirt, grime, and salt will run-off from your sea doo and trailer with these washings. This prevents corrosive effects on the paint and parts of this equipment.

The best preventative maintenance for a wave runner or other personal watercraft trailer is a walk-a-round check. Before you begin your trek to the water, inspect your trailer thoroughly. An organized check doesn't take a lot of time. It could save you money and grief. It's best to find small problems before they become expensive big problems.

Here are some things to look for when checking your jet ski trailer:

* Check your hazard lights and brake lights to make sure they're illuminating properly. It's wise to disconnect your trailer lights during pre-launch of your personal watercraft. This prevents shorting out of the electrical system and burning out of light bulbs. Keep some spare bulbs in your glove compartment.

* Check to make sure there are no openings around the sealed light system. Also, check that the light lens coverings are not cracked; make sure they're clean as well.

* Is the wiring housed within the frame and free from exposure to the elements? You don't want any electrical problems due to water exposure.

* Check the tires of your PWC trailer. Are they in good shape or do you need a wheel upgrade? Check for proper inflation of tires, and the spare trailer tire, if you have one. Ensure that trailer wheel lug nuts are tight enough. See that wheel bearings are maintained and greased, and that tire rims are not warped.

* Perform an axle inspection for signs of metal fatigue, rust, and general wear and tear. You can get a galvanized axle upgrade as an extra level of protection if your budget allows.

* During off-season storage, prevent your tires from going flat or from corroding by taking them off the trailer. Store them inside somewhere. You can use cement blocks or a jack to hold your trailer in a secure position. Just make sure you park it on a level spot.

* Check the suspension on your jet ski trailer. You don't want your PWC rocking and rolling down the highway due to an inadequate suspension system.

* Check the alignment of your jet ski trailer. This ensures smooth, safe transport of your sea doo, or jet ski. It also ensures less wear and tear on your tires.

* Check for cracks in the welds of the metal. Check for cracks in plastic parts of the trailer such as the fenders.

* Remove rust from any parts as soon as possible. Prime, and paint any areas that are victims of corrosion.

* Ensure that the load the personal watercraft trailer is carrying is under the maximum load carrying capacity. Excessive weight, beyond the trailers capacity, is harmful and dangerous.

* Check the winch mechanism after each use. This piece takes a lot of stress and it must be in proper working condition every time.

* Do not perform any PWC trailer alterations if it's still under warranty. You risk losing your warranty coverage if you perform modification work on your trailer.

Preventative maintenance of your PWC trailer will save you money and headaches. It will get you to the beach on time so you can enjoy sun, sand, and spray, as you ride the surf.

Here’s a logical question: Why would someone who lost their home need money to spend 70 nights in a hotel? Not just any hotel, but a hotel in Hawaii that costs more than $100 per night?

Once again, the United States government is giving money away, and scammers are cashing in to the tune of $1.4 billion, according to the Government Accountability Office, or GAO. Federal investigators have found that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, handed out funds left and right to people who neither needed nor deserved it.

In one instance, a GAO undercover agent applied for money from FEMA, and was granted $2,358, despite the fact that the same agent used a bogus address. What makes this negligence so despicable is that FEMA still paid out the money “even after FEMA learned from its inspector that the undercover applicant did not live at the address,” according to an Associated Press article written by Larry Margasak.

This is another example of the gross incompetence that is the United States government. Though completely getting rid of FEMA may not be the solution, a thorough revamping of the agency is sorely needed. It’s nearly a year since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, and yet there are stories every week—if not every day—that talk about how many people in states such as Mississippi still haven’t received any assistance. While these people wallow in misery, FEMA trailers sit unused because of technicalities. If this government really gave a damn about its citizens, this wouldn’t be allowed to happen.

FEMA—in a pathetic attempt to defend itself—“said it has identified more than 1,500 cases of potential fraud after Katrina and [Hurricane] Rita and has referred those cases to the Homeland Security inspector general.” Those cases, according to the agency, add up to “$16.8 million in improperly awarded disaster relief money and has started efforts to collect the money.”

Money that was scammed was also spent on such items as adult movies. According to GAO, FEMA-issued credit credits were used to purchase Girls Gone Wild videos in Santa Monica, CA, a world away from the tragedy that is America’s Gulf Coast. One scammer even used a FEMA-issued credit card to pay for a divorce lawyer’s services in Houston.

One of the worst cases of fraud was that “one man apparently used FEMA assistance money for a sex change operation.” Imagine this illogical argument: A person loses a home, but wants to get a sex change, maybe because it may somehow help to relieve the pain. Does that seriously sound like someone whose life was changed forever by a natural disaster?

Here’s a new flash for the idiots in Washington in charge of running our government: Throwing money at a problem doesn’t always solve the problem. As a matter of fact, it won’t solve the problem in many cases. It’s a shame, however, that most Americans will only look at this widespread fraud and think that it is business as usual.

Getting rid of FEMA won’t solve the problem. Maybe the next time someone wants to get a sex change and decides to use disaster relief funding, there should be a stiff penalty to change their mind. The government should enforce the law.

Here’s an idea: If someone scams the government and gets caught, it should be considered a felony and that person should be thrown in jail. Throwing money at the problem will not solve the government incompetence, but a stiff jail sentence may be a good start to keep swindlers from taking advantage of the government’s ever-present bureaucratic bungling. After that, maybe the government can come crawling out from that rock it is hiding under and reform FEMA, because it is in need of a serious makeover.

High school history class taught us that the United States government has a system of checks and balances that keeps the government from spiraling into a corrupt state of worthlessness. It seems at this moment that the checks are going out, but the balances are lagging far behind.

SOURCE Margasak, Larry. “Emergency aid after Katrina bough football tickets, week in Caribbean.” AP article re-published in Waterbury Republican-American, June 14, 2006.

If you have always wanted to own an RV but the cost scared you off, travel trailers may be the option you are looking for. The prices can start as low as $20,000 for a brand new (but basic) trailer and the ultra deluxe travel trailers can be purchased for under $100,000. This is much less than most of the motorized RVs you will find on the road. Here is some information about travel trailers that you might find helpful in your search for the perfect recreational vehicle:

Length: These trailers usually range in length from about 15 feet to around 30 feet with some exceptions. Length is an important consideration based on where you will be using your travel trailer and also storing it.

Features: The most basic trailer will have a small kitchen area with a cook top and a sink and small refrigerator. As you get into the pricier models you may find a full stove and a large fridge and maybe even a dishwasher. Most travel trailers don’t have bedding for more than 2 to 4 people but they usually offer a queen size bed. Bath area may just be a shower and a toilet or it may have a small tub and sink as well. The higher-end models will have more entertainment options as well including stereos, DVD players and large televisions. The price you pay for travel trailers really can make a difference in the features available to you.

Towing: In order to tow travel trailers you will need to make sure that your vehicle is rated to carry the extra weight of the trailer when it is loaded and the gas tank is full. For some of the longer trailers you will need a truck or SUV, but some of the smaller trailers may be pulled by a small truck or mid-size car. The tow hitch and stabilizers you use should also be rated for the weight of the trailer.

Maneuverability: Find out about any special regulations on towing travel trailers in the locations where you will be using the trailer. You should also test yourself before you buy, on moving the trailer around. Most travel trailers have safety features to help prevent swaying but it is still different than driving a car without towing something behind it.

A towable RV is a great option for those who are just starting in the RV market and are not sure if they want something really big, but they want something comfortable. They are good for weekend trips or cross-country camping expeditions. Families with young children and older couples enjoying retirement will find things to appeal to them. Take a look!

Have you ever wanted to know the secrets to meeting beautiful singles? Or the secret to scoring that perfect date? The answer is a lot simpler than you may think. Dating single women and men has never been more easy, thanks to the internet. It is now possible to meet and establish a relationship with someone half-way across the globe from the comfort of your own home. The traditional practices of dating have been surpassed by today’s standards of more practical and easier ways of dating. However, old etiquettes and traditional rules should definitely not be easily forgotten. Along with all the new features of the millennium dating style, comes these important adult date tips:

1. Meeting on the internet has brought a sense of insecurity to many online singles where trusting can often create a real dilemma in your vital decision making. There is nothing more important than establishing a trusting and honest relationship with your potential encounters. The most important of all adult dating tips is that you should take your time, get to know and feel comfortable with your new online romance.
2. Establish a personality check. Find out as much as possible about your person of interest. Don’t be afraid to snoop around and ask personal questions to see who that person has met online. Unlike traditional means, asking friends about a person won’t be possible, so try to find out as much information through other site members. This does sound like you will be conducting an investigation, however you have to be sure that the person you are meeting is genuine and not a “psycho”. Another good handy tip is to find out the person’s real name and do a little Google searching for that name. You’ll be surprised at what you can find through search engines. For example, Google can often reveal some personal information that person has made public in the past.
3. The Information technology revolution has opened the doors to so many different and wonderful ways of communicating. For those that have never heard of webcam, MSN chat and Skype, we highly recommend you invest a little time and money into these technologies. They will enable you to meet and see each other in cyberspace before you decide to take the real plunge and meet face to face. Again, it must be stressed, spend as much time as possible on live chat until you feel it is safe to see that person “in the flesh”. Also, don’t be shy to ask if you can see other family members on the webcam. Knowing your potential partner’s entourage is definitely a bonus.
4. The time has come to meet face to face, so where or how exactly do you plan to meet this person? Out of all the adult dating tips, it is important to ask the person what he / she is going to wear. This is not because you want to know what type of clothing brand they like, but such information will help you stakeout the person (from a distance) before you decide to meet. You can spy on the person from a distance and decide whether or not to approach them. If it isn’t the same person you expected, then you can abort your meet and explain it to them in an email or by phone.
5. So you’ve decided to take the plunge and meet, have you thought about the actual meeting place and time? A dark, obscure alley at 9 pm is probably not the ideal place. Make plans for a busy place, such as a café, restaurant or even a nightclub. Maybe even bring a friend with you just to feel safe, that does not include your parents or grandparents. The rest is pretty much up to you. You may decide to have a casual “fling” or a deep meaningful relationship. Either way, always play it SAFE and carry some protection, “never leave home without it”.

So there you have it, the most important adult dating tips you will ever need to know before taking those first steps in online cyber dating. You can never be too sure who you are going to encounter, however you can go by these basic and essential recommendations to minimise your risks and maximise your joyful experience. Good luck!