Posted: 08 May 2009 at 8:30pm | IP Logged

For the first time I had to call Boat US Trailer Assist to send out service to put spare tire on my trailer. I was sitting on the road. When I called I told the lady on the phone I had a 28' boat weighing around 10,000 lbs with trailer. That I had a triaxle trailer with center tire flat. I waited for over an hr for the tow truck. When he finally got there he pulls up and gets out and shrugs his shoulders when he saw my boat. I ask him where was his jack. He said I just got this one and I looked at it and the jack was a little mini 1 ton floor jack that was about 2' long with a handle about 12". I ask him how did he think he could raise up the boat and trailer with that. so he finally got the lift under part of the trailer and raise it about 12". then he took the little jack and was able to raise the axle high enough to get tire off and replace it. It took over an hr of him trying to figure out how to do this. so by now I have waited over 2 1/2 hrs to get my spare installed. I assumed the lady that took all my information would have sent that to the towing company so they would know what to bring to lift the boat to change tire. I sure hope service will be better for others if they get this towing company.

art

Posted: 09 May 2009 at 7:26am | IP Logged

...but just think about the cash you saved by having the Boat US Trailer Assist! That could have been a more costly day for you. By the way, your boat is gorgeous.

Posted: 09 May 2009 at 7:54am | IP Logged

Hey Harrisrd123---I am not saying anything about Boat US. I am talking about the dumb towing company.

Thanks for the the compliment. I do try to keep the boat looking good. I polish it every month.

art

Posted: 09 May 2009 at 8:19am | IP Logged

No prob. Yes, that's how I interpreted your post. Unfortunately not all towing companies have the best drivers or service. I was just looking at the bright side of your experience. lol

I experienced an on-water tow in the Outer Banks (NC). That one tow has paid for my subscription for the next 5 years! This program is the best, by far, and anyone who thinks they don't need it should really consider it.

Enjoy the season and happy boating!

Posted: 09 May 2009 at 10:57am | IP Logged

Yeah. I know what you mean Harrisrd. I pay $14 for trailer assist a year. The cost of the tow company was $75. So that paid for the next 5 years also. Boat US does have a good program. I have been with them now for 10 years. I never have used them on the water yet.

Thanks

art

Posted: 10 May 2009 at 5:51pm | IP Logged

hey boatingncst8fan--I know what you mean about waiting, but I have tried using a bottle jack and I can't get it under the axle. It really takes a large floor jack, especially if it is the middle axle with flat tire. I just don't have room to carry a large floor jack or I would.

art

Posted: 18 May 2009 at 3:53pm | IP Logged

hey Harvey,

Boat us assist did send me a service report application to my email. I filled it out explaining about the poor service from the towing company. I got a notice from the manager telling me this is not the way they expect the companies on their list to service their members. He said they are making a note in the file about this company. He said he was sorry about the poor service.

art

Posted: 05 July 2009 at 11:42pm | IP Logged

beautiful!

Posted: 01 September 2009 at 2:14pm | IP Logged

I think someone else said it, but carry some 2X8 lumber and pull one of the other wheels onto it to raise the trailer high enough to get a jack under the axle.  I once had a van at work that was like that - I had a flat and had to find a log alongside the road to drive on to change the tire.

Another option on a trailer is to jack the frame high enough to change the tire.  Put blocks under the bottle jack.

Also - Be prepared.  Check all this out in advance.  Be sure you have what you need to change a flat tire and know how to do it.