Boat trailer comes loose - tragic.

qtla9111 wrote:

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:

wing_zealot wrote:

Oasisbob wrote:
Some time ago there was a post about someone who sawa campground neighbor with an unsxafe trailer hook up. Many said best response was to "mind your own busness". This story is a prime example of why unsafe towing is everyone's busness.

You have the absolute right to say anything you want to me. I have the absolute right to ignore you and tell you mind your own business. That's where "everyone's business" ends.

Would expect nothing less from you. Then a phone call to the police to let them know what is heading down their roads. A quick honk and wave as I drive by.

I agree with OasisBob. OTOH, it's human nature to be defensive when approached by a stranger who is telling you that you are not doing something correctly be it following a rule or how your rig is hooked up.

The approach is important. The best way to make an enemy is to start out by saying something stupid like, "you rig isn't hooked up right!". "That truck isn't enough to pull your trailer", "you need to pick up your dog poop". Those approaches never work. You need to be kind, as if it were you on the other side.

When it comes to safety, it doesn't matter what country you live in, your lack of knowledge or ineptness becomes my business. My kids, my family, my neighbors or my community are at risk.

Very much agreed. There are people that don't like my setup. Most will say something to me, usually at the dump station, like: How's that setup work out for you? Do you tow very far? Have you towed that trailer very long? (This happens 2-3 times a year.)

I'll then explain about weighing the trailer, weighting the full setup with everyone and gear loaded, hitch, complain about how hard it is to hit that high-up button on Cat Scales (I have to jump and slap to hit it), along with the limits on the door sticker, how I stay within those, towing at 60mph, etc... They usually huh! a few times and walk away (likely not knowing what they think at that point).

BUT - if I were unaware of the limits, it would be very effective in terms of informing me of them. On the other hand, for those few that have walked up to me and said flat out, "That trailer is too much for your vehicle." They just get a brief look, a shrug, and ignored while I go about my business.