Towing friends boat damage

[Captain Caveman]

I check often when I hookup my trailers by cranking up the tongue jack and make sure the couples doesn't come off.....make it a habit ! Especially one new to you trailers.

Great idea.

 

[Jeff J]

I tow trailers that are not mine to adjust. I frequently run into 2 different situations with safety chains. The first is too long which is easy to fix by twisting the chain a couple of times. The other is too short. Usually long enough to connect but too short to cross. Occasionally they won’t reach to connect (I think those were cables).

Actually, there are three. Some trailer manufacturers route the wire harness through the left safety chain which limits what can be done with it. One of my trailers is that way…I need to fix it. The chains are long enough to cross but the lights cannot be connected if I do.

 

[airshot]

Back when I worked at a marine dealer, I often towed trailers that were not mine. I carried a couple lengths of chain and quick connects along with a pigtail extension just in case. Used them often as there is no standard for lengths of chains or pigtails. However, if a coupler needs adjusted to keep from coming off the ball, it gets adjusted or I don't pull it, no matter whose trailer it is.

 

[Toyelectroman]

Well as most of you said, his insurance will not cover the repair to my truck, not really surprised. He will pay out of pocket for the repair, luckily my truck still has a steel tailgate, so they can repair instead of replace

 

[Captain Caveman]

Well as most of you said, his insurance will not cover the repair to my truck, not really surprised. He will pay out of pocket for the repair, luckily my truck still has a steel tailgate, so they can repair instead of replace

That's too bad but not surprising. He did the right thing in terms of offering to pay. No matter how smooth this all goes, it still puts a slight strain on the relationship.

Hopefully everything goes well, and you putting this all into a post might save someone else from having an accident. Thanks for posting.

 

[Lou C]

Yep, use the tongue jack to make sure the coupler won't pop off the ball!
I never liked those adjustable U-Haul couplers for the same reason. The make noise all the time it seems.

 

[jimmbo]

It still comes down to the Driver doing the Towing to make sure the Coupling is serviceable and secure before Driving away, as all Liability will rest on him/her

 

[iggyw1]

Well as most of you said, his insurance will not cover the repair to my truck, not really surprised. He will pay out of pocket for the repair, luckily my truck still has a steel tailgate, so they can repair instead of replace

I live in Michigan and even if he wanted to make a claim on his insurance, over here, my insurance fixes my damage and any other party (vehicle) involved would pay for their vehicle, no matter who is at fault. If he is a good friend, make the claim on your insurance and let him just pay the deductible amount if there is any. This would save him some money. A few thousand dollars for repairs is nothing for insurance companies this day & age, so your rates probably would not even go up due to a claim by you on your policy. Either way, you will be inconvenienced because you will not have use of your vehicle while it is at the bump shop.