Boating Basics - How to Properly Hitch a Trailer

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  • Опубліковано 4 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 127

  • @billyjin2062
    @billyjin2062 4 роки тому +79

    I don't even have a boat and I'm watching this lol

    • @Hoax711
      @Hoax711 4 роки тому

      Same! Gotta support Gene!

    • @benlandry6373
      @benlandry6373 4 роки тому +1

      Gene is such a quality guy and makes such good content his videos are great regardless of the topic

    • @stumpydlugi8723
      @stumpydlugi8723 4 роки тому

      Get a boat then billy

    • @Leotheconstructionguy
      @Leotheconstructionguy 3 роки тому +1

      Atleast if you ever have to tow any trailer now you know lol 😂

    • @LennytheHeart
      @LennytheHeart Рік тому

      I’m a rapper watching this lol

  • @YhormTheSmall
    @YhormTheSmall 3 роки тому +25

    I'm about to go buy a boat in an hour and I'm here so I don't look like an idiot infront of this older gentleman lmao

    • @Dealer6G
      @Dealer6G 2 місяці тому

      it's 3am bought a boat yesterday and here so I don't look dumb lol.

  • @mattwaters6987
    @mattwaters6987 Рік тому +5

    Your the first person to explain why to cross the safety chains. Simple and to the point. Makes sense to me. Thanks for sharing this. Much appreciated! 😊

  • @countryboyoutdoors7963
    @countryboyoutdoors7963 4 роки тому +8

    Thank you for this video, Gene. It means a lot to me because of an incident with the daughter of a couple we became friends with while stationed in Germany. We came back to Georgia, and they came back to Virginia. One summer day a few years ago, their daughter was driving with her little girl in the back seat behind a trailer. Little did she know the young man towing the trailer had no clue what he was doing. First, he had put a 2 1/2 inch receiver on a 2 inch ball, and the latch was latched but not locked. Second, the trailer had no safety chains, and last but not least, the trailer was loaded with cinder blocks BEHIND the axles. When he hit a series of bumps, of course the receiver unlatched completely and the tongue came off the ball. With no safety chains, it was on its own. The load being behind the axles, the trailer naturally flipped and the tongue of the trailer came through her windshield on her side. The worst part, she did not die at the scene, but was on life support. Her parents were forced to make the horrendous decision to let her go. I say this to maybe somehow show how important it is to hook up a trailer the right way. Please people, please take this serious. She didn't have to die. Our friends are raising her daughter now, and she is a wonderful young lady, but she will never know the love of her real mother. It's just not worth it to save a few minutes.

    • @Flukemaster
      @Flukemaster  4 роки тому

      That’s horrible man. You’re right though. It’s something the be taken seriously

  • @drewstuntz9052
    @drewstuntz9052 4 роки тому +14

    Growing up on a farm I’ve been hooking up trailers my whole life and I actually learned something from this. Thanks Gene!!

  • @luigirodriguez45
    @luigirodriguez45 24 дні тому

    Just got my new truck. I can't wait! Thanks for the video, man. I enjoyed watching it. Very helpful.

  • @markfryar450
    @markfryar450 Місяць тому

    Because of this guy i was able to hook up my trailer correct and move my lawnmower safely for the first time

  • @brianhershberger4429
    @brianhershberger4429 4 роки тому +6

    I've had my boat come off the hitch twice, (it's a pretty old trailer 2004) ; once in traffic and once pulling out of a parking lot. Both times met with mixed results. Fortunately both times no one was hurt and no outside physical damage. However there is the issue of the spot one my seat cushion from when I lost control of innards LOL, This is a much needed video so thanks very much. Here's hoping we never have it happen again. You are a wonderful teacher my friend. I've learned so much from you, Thank you.

  • @janesmith4645
    @janesmith4645 3 роки тому +10

    Excellent advice and well-presented! I especially appreciate the fact that you explain how this all works and why you do what you do. I'd gotten instructions on hitching up my pop-up camper, but never before knew why I was doing what I was doing. Now that it makes sense, I'll remember it better!

  • @johnfahrlender2277
    @johnfahrlender2277 3 роки тому +1

    Saved my day with this video today. Couldn't get it to catch 90 degrees. Took a break,watched the video and it worked!!! Thanks

  • @christopherpettersen2359
    @christopherpettersen2359 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for sharing this information. I just started towing a boat and had an unpleasant experience. No damage or injuries, but not pleasant.
    Appreciate the information.

  • @brianmuth5364
    @brianmuth5364 4 роки тому +3

    Thanks. Been towing for years and never knew about crossing the chains. Very helpful, you are appreciated.

  • @osvaldoumana4494
    @osvaldoumana4494 3 роки тому +1

    getting my trailer ready for my kayak.....and i am trying to get as much information as i can..... thanks a lot for ALL the fishing tips and now for these great video on how to avoid losing your trailer..... thank you...thank you...!!!!

  • @davidbrewer6873
    @davidbrewer6873 4 роки тому +1

    5:00 this morning on the way to the lake, sparks, grinding, even a bit of flame. Wished I watched this video yesterday. From now on I'll use a lock instead of a pin and criss-cross. Thanks.

  • @future62
    @future62 Місяць тому

    Internet is amazing, thanks so much for this super quick and informative video.

  • @RhinoJoeOutdoors
    @RhinoJoeOutdoors 4 роки тому +2

    Pulling a trailer can be daunting if new at it. Glad to see this old school basic Flukemaster video!

  • @LittleBouchet
    @LittleBouchet 2 роки тому +4

    Excellent! Some good points I never thought of before. Also, I'll give the rest of you a little tip! Never load your trailer where the tongue is too light. I hit a rough railroad crossing once and instead of hitting the ground the tongue bounced up and slammed into the back of my tailgate. Tough lesson. Safety chains saved it from going into traffic. Still not a cheap fix.

  • @chronocross7174
    @chronocross7174 3 роки тому +1

    I am getting a boat and trailer and learning all of this new, thank you.

  • @papaduck2443
    @papaduck2443 4 роки тому

    I did not know about the 3 in 1 trailer lube but I am definitely getting some! Gene, this was a great video. Did I know all this stuff? Yes! Even though I have never had a trailer come off, I watched a guy in an oncoming lane have it happen with a big ol'camper about a 1/4 mile ahead of me and I just pulled over and waited. It was scary just to see it happen! This video is great because it keeps us reminded to be diligent in our safety protocal when towing any kind of load. The best accidents are the ones that dont happen. Thanks again for the reminder Fluke! Love your channel! God bless you!

  • @XandolfTheCray
    @XandolfTheCray 4 місяці тому

    Thanks for this video mate. I'm picking up my first trailer & jetski today! This helped :)

  • @larryclemens1850
    @larryclemens1850 6 місяців тому

    Tip about noseing was useful and not shown on other videos I watched. Thank you.

  • @raymondromero4558
    @raymondromero4558 2 роки тому +1

    I'm a smartass and asshole at the same time man, my pops was a bad teacher to me but I just shut up and listened so somethings stuck.
    From this video I learned something I learned about catching the tounge with the chains crossed ! Thanks bud I really learned a Error I've been doing for quite sometime now. That can be a massive accident at high speeds I've seen u joints brake and axle drop and flip trucks over ...

  • @Ijuswannafish
    @Ijuswannafish 3 роки тому

    Easiest method I promise you. I just tried it and it worked like a charm.

  • @MrTkeddo
    @MrTkeddo 2 роки тому +1

    Hey thanks for the video we are trailer rookies in the U.K. and I’ve learnt a lot from UA-cam tips , when we picked up the trailer it was a bit noisy which made the trip home a white knuckle ride 😱 I found out later that I was supposed to strip the paint off the tow all before use but I wasn’t sure if you grease the towball or not but your video has answered that question, many thanks 👍

  • @christinehill2648
    @christinehill2648 2 місяці тому

    Thank you! You made it really easy to comprehend, straight forward too:)

  • @damirhasic4104
    @damirhasic4104 9 місяців тому +1

    GReat work thankyou

  • @restingsmirkface
    @restingsmirkface Рік тому +1

    I've always heard to cross your chains... I've NEVER heard an explanation as to WHY
    Now I'll always picture the center catching the ground and terrible things happening - I'll never forget, and never try it "some other way". Thank you!

  • @mgomez5606
    @mgomez5606 Рік тому

    I have never towed any trailer my whole life but may have to soon since we may move up state. TY for video.

  • @victorhugomanriquevazquez4974
    @victorhugomanriquevazquez4974 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you, your video really help me, blessings

  • @jersey4755
    @jersey4755 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you for sharing this!

  • @billbertagnoli4226
    @billbertagnoli4226 11 днів тому

    Happened to me on I 75 in
    Northern Michigan. Heading
    To the UP to camp and fish.
    Looked back saw the bow
    Going up and down. Managed
    To slow down and save the whole rig. Dinged my tailgate
    Pretty good.😢

  • @adamheil3002
    @adamheil3002 8 місяців тому

    Very helpful video!

  • @zaydenadler1717
    @zaydenadler1717 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you!/very down to earth and REAL!

  • @misschris325
    @misschris325 Рік тому +1

    I'm gearing up for a solo, long-haul with a friend's trailer. I was so sure I knew what to do, but if looks and feels awkward- it's a little older than what I'm used to. Essentially, the idea is the same but I guess I'm a little nervous

  • @NANCYB004
    @NANCYB004 2 роки тому

    I Learned Alot from your Video Thank you

  • @mattwalshv1153
    @mattwalshv1153 3 роки тому +1

    Very informative! Appreciate it.

  • @johngutierrez9225
    @johngutierrez9225 4 роки тому

    Great vid for an aspiring boat owner

  • @diRecTorUNBEKNOWNST
    @diRecTorUNBEKNOWNST 3 роки тому +1

    4:53 Safety chains crossed, this why i came here thanks for explaination

  • @philpnavock3090
    @philpnavock3090 4 роки тому

    This was good for me I just got a little trailer when this video came out perfect timing

  • @dennishorne2515
    @dennishorne2515 2 роки тому

    Hugely helpful!! I’m not very familiar with this stuff so thx so much buddy 👏🏽🙌🏾

  • @phantomcruizer
    @phantomcruizer 2 роки тому

    Excellent video!
    Thanks for posting 😎

  • @staveman11
    @staveman11 4 роки тому +3

    Another tip, use some dielectric grease on you wire plug. Makes it nice hooking and unhooking and makes a better connection.

    • @okiehunting2864
      @okiehunting2864 4 роки тому

      Do you live on a dirt road? If so any issues?

    • @staveman11
      @staveman11 4 роки тому +1

      Okie Hunting I am in the sawmill business. I have been using this stuff on all my trailer plugs for years. I go through mud and very dusty conditions regularly. I just get a small tube of it at NAPA and put it directly where the wire connections make contact with each other. Like across the face of the round plug. It doesn’t take much. I do it about 2 times a year. It makes plugging and unplugging much easier.

  • @lcagee
    @lcagee 3 роки тому +3

    Let me add my 2 nickles. (Inflation). If you buy a used boat, and need to trailer it home, do this. After driving a few miles, pull over and feel your wheel hubs. If they are warm or hot, take it to a garage before getting on the interstate. This little test may help prevent your wheel from falling off on I75. Wheel bearings fail, especially on boat trailers.

  • @atticussfinch9001
    @atticussfinch9001 Місяць тому

    Good video… thank you.

  • @eyadjaber9155
    @eyadjaber9155 16 днів тому

    Thanks for all.

  • @l337pwnage
    @l337pwnage 2 роки тому +4

    You have safety latches on your safety chains, so how they are hooked really doesn't matter. The theory goes that, without safety latches, hooking them up backwards reduces the chance of the safety hooks bouncing out of the holes they are hooked in. I believe this applies more to horizontal holes than vertical holes, like what you have.
    To simulate the theory, hook everything up, then quickly slap up on the bottom of the hook to simulate a hard bump and see if they bounce out.

  • @BlueRidgeMarine
    @BlueRidgeMarine 4 роки тому +3

    Putting a small bar magnet on the trailer tounge ( glue it for aluminum) And you have a place to store your lock or pin. Its always there when you need it. Best-Fishes Fluke Master.

  • @nelsonchavez1838
    @nelsonchavez1838 Рік тому

    Great video, I will buy a 10x5 utility trailer for my truck soon and this this really really helps! thank you good sir.

  • @calebthompson4104
    @calebthompson4104 4 роки тому +16

    Second suggestion: You should always criss- cross your safety chains.

    • @MatanuskaHIGH
      @MatanuskaHIGH 3 роки тому

      Does this also apply to retractable cable chains? Mine retract the slack and are built into the trailer system for my boat. I’ve always cross crossed chains to take up slack but haven’t been with these new retractable cable style.

    • @l337pwnage
      @l337pwnage 2 роки тому +1

      @@MatanuskaHIGH I haven't seen what you have, but static chain slack isn't the only reason to cross them. One is the idea that the hitch will land in the crossed chains, that may or may not happen, but, it's a consideration.
      The other is the the geometry of how the chains move when cornering.
      For some trailers & vehicle combinations, the effect is minimal, for others, the effect is extreme where the geometry of crossing the chains reduces the play in them because the distance between opposite connecting points does not change as much as the distance between the same side connection points does when cornering.
      For boat trailers, maybe not a common issue, but, and this is my opinion, crossing works well on all trailers I've seen, even if it has a negligible affect on some trailers, so I just do it for all.

  • @davejackson4475
    @davejackson4475 3 роки тому

    Good advice. I had my horsebox unhitch whilst driving and fortunately was just before stopping at the lights and didn’t damage my Jeep or the trailer, just bent the electric socket back. I’m installing chains and a lock pin on the hitch so this can’t happen again!

  • @chrischambers6805
    @chrischambers6805 Рік тому

    Great advice. Thanks!

  • @jimleone449
    @jimleone449 Рік тому

    Helpful - thank you!

  • @markstivers3383
    @markstivers3383 4 роки тому +1

    OK Gene, I’ve spent every waking moment for months, trying to find you an acceptable replacement for your favorite Carolina/Mojo rig weights. My last suggestion had a liner, and was politely rejected. This time, I hope to do better: Phenix Vengeance Finesse Slider Weights. I fully expect your response, if any, will be that you’ve been using them all summer... Anyhow, stay healthy!

  • @blueaardvark1717
    @blueaardvark1717 4 дні тому

    I just had a 8 foot trailer come off after 23 years pulling trailers too dammm lucky no damage

  • @derekrolf4371
    @derekrolf4371 3 роки тому

    Great video, thanks!

  • @djloungemonkey
    @djloungemonkey 3 роки тому

    Love the video. But ive always been taught to hook the chain hooks upside-down so if the trailer does come off and it some how bounces the hook up it pulls the hook in tight instead of out of the hole.

  • @jamesmoeller9366
    @jamesmoeller9366 Рік тому

    Fluke,
    I put the lock on the dash…
    If I see it, it ain’t installed!
    😂😂😂 BRDT (been there done that)

  • @jeffh4505
    @jeffh4505 4 роки тому +6

    And test your lights every time you hook up.

    • @MatanuskaHIGH
      @MatanuskaHIGH 3 роки тому +1

      That’s part of my routine. I find if I do exactly the same routine everytime I don’t forget anything and always check lights as they might work one day and not the next which happened to my truck before. Idk why it stopped the adapter for Chevy works in the new Tahoe but now stopped working in my truck although the brake lights on truck work etc.

  • @TheAzurTim
    @TheAzurTim 9 місяців тому

    First time i drove trailer is with my friends car, it was firewood bandsaw and splitter, two ton maschine.
    Hitch decided to give up and drop down from weight (golf 6) and that thing came below car and slamed me from behind.
    Broke my friends car, and my confidence to ever drive anything connected to car

  • @davidshultz4986
    @davidshultz4986 Рік тому

    Always tighten that ball hitch nut . I got a small utility trailer rewired and took it for a drive heard a weird sound and looked back trailer came off hitch that god for trailer hook up chains thank God I was on a country road goin slow but not to fast

  • @notsure8327
    @notsure8327 4 роки тому +1

    Feel your hubs when you stop for gas on long trips. If your hubs are ever WAY hot, you have a bad bearing and you’re better off learning it at the gas station than at 70mph.

  • @mannyfishing1816
    @mannyfishing1816 4 роки тому

    Great video

  • @TappadaraWest
    @TappadaraWest 4 роки тому

    Awesome Gene !

  • @zackmorehouse
    @zackmorehouse 4 роки тому

    Go dawgs and nice tundra!

  • @_The_Seeker_
    @_The_Seeker_ 4 місяці тому

    I lacked both mother and father growing up, I need to learn these otherwise i’ll get eaten up by the old heads at work.

  • @khanyadlamini6038
    @khanyadlamini6038 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much

  • @MrHmongrice
    @MrHmongrice 5 місяців тому

    What's the typical height from ground to the ball receiver? What's the most common ball receiver for boat trailers? 2"?

  • @toostoned4you186
    @toostoned4you186 4 роки тому

    I don't even have a boat man 😂 but word.... jus learned how to do it

  • @ericgrajeda2671
    @ericgrajeda2671 Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing ur experience on towing and where did u buy the Hitch lub gel to stop it from squeak. Equally important will hate and get nervous also if I heard all the time down the road. I believe it's much quite. However I see the chain drag on the road all the time would it be safe to criss cross until it not to loose...

  • @MaryOKC
    @MaryOKC 4 місяці тому

    I dropped the latch and thought it was hitched but I didn’t set the ball and first bump it popped right off even though I locked the latch down. I’m thinking maybe instead of the 2” ball I should get the slightly bigger 2.25” ball ?? I was fortunate my trailer tongue hit a road rubber mat while still in the camp ground.

  • @JCunningham21
    @JCunningham21 Рік тому

    I always though crossing the chains was so they didn't drag on the ground. Every trailer Iv seen the chains were to long to not cross them with out them dragging. Maybe thats to make you cross them to support the to tongue.

  • @rickcarroll7797
    @rickcarroll7797 3 роки тому

    I saw a u-haul fall off and do the fishtail thing on GA-400 about two weeks ago... His hitch had come out of the receiver... i dont know if he forgot the pin or if he forgot the safety pin on it or what... but it was very scary to see that thing fishtailing all over the freeway...

  • @thomasellis7782
    @thomasellis7782 26 днів тому

    No one has answered this question. Does the trailer tongue need to be level does or matter if its slightly elevated or?

  • @jethrowomber
    @jethrowomber 4 роки тому

    Yeah be sure to check the nut on the underside of the latch. If it's not tight enough, it will pop off.

  • @mikereinken1760
    @mikereinken1760 3 роки тому

    Get iron Jaws trailer hitch safety it's a fantastic product I have one they work great

    • @Flukemaster
      @Flukemaster  3 роки тому

      Mike, that thing looks awesome.

  • @gastonfromhollywood
    @gastonfromhollywood 2 роки тому

    Is it other more easy ways more automatically attachment?
    This is antique way

  • @buljo5150
    @buljo5150 2 місяці тому

    Make sure that latch is down and locked. I forgot once while in conversation like he said and it did $3500 dollars worth of damage to the back of my suv. Expensive mistake. Also watch a video on load placement on trailers. Placing heavy weight on the farthest point back of the trailer will cause massive fishtailing.

  • @larry8904
    @larry8904 Рік тому +1

    In my opinion, you did not connect your chains correctly. Yes, you cross them, but yours are so long that the tongue would still hit the pavement. Try it by lowering the coupler onto the chains.
    The correct installation is to pass the hooks completely through the holes in the hitch, and then pull the correct slack out and connect the hooks directly into one of the links, open side down.

  • @oscarortega6781
    @oscarortega6781 2 роки тому

    Will the stock hitch of my 2015 tahoe be enough

  • @JCunningham21
    @JCunningham21 Рік тому

    try to hit you trail brakes if if comes unhooked. That should keep it from hitting your truck.

  • @josephsalazar2465
    @josephsalazar2465 4 роки тому +1

    I'm new to fishing, and haven't caught anything yet. Been out 3 times here in the Nashville, TN area. Still learning, and I appreciate your videos. I go back and watch some from 2012, as I did earlier today. One question if I may, that is off topic. Is your video flipped? If not, you have you flag hung the wrong way. Sorry, I know, it's just the OCD in me and my 23 yrs of service. I couldn't stop staring at the flag. Now I'll sit back and wait for the haters!

  • @ZeddZul
    @ZeddZul 3 роки тому +1

    Fish!

  • @ladytrader7230
    @ladytrader7230 3 роки тому

    My trailer bangs when I take off..Claude?

  • @rhin0shark2
    @rhin0shark2 2 роки тому

    Did you pop before you locked and dropped it

  • @gnargnar4976
    @gnargnar4976 4 роки тому

    4:22 Proof that even Gene Jenson is able to pop it and lock it

  • @LtDanLostNuts
    @LtDanLostNuts Рік тому

    Thank you! Very informative video and way more detailed than auto zones video about this

  • @LOBINAPR1
    @LOBINAPR1 4 роки тому

    Gene, where can we buy the darn lubricant? I'm looking locally and can't find it! Thanks!🎣🎣🎣

  • @JDMarshall-og9vb
    @JDMarshall-og9vb 7 місяців тому

    Motorcycle chain wax does the same Thing
    But the trailer hitch Lube probably a little bit cheaper.

  • @greenpighunter6930
    @greenpighunter6930 4 роки тому

    I hate when my trailer jumps off the ball. It makes backing down the boat ramp very difficult and people stare. Like they've never heard metal dragging across pavement. What is this 2 & 1/4" ball you speak of Gene?😁 Oh yeah and don't slam on the brakes, ease to a stop.

  • @Jaco-b9f
    @Jaco-b9f 4 місяці тому

    ......he said balls😂

  • @jessecase5174
    @jessecase5174 4 роки тому

    nice

  • @facelaw674
    @facelaw674 3 роки тому

    Where did u get that grease at

  • @williamtell5554
    @williamtell5554 2 роки тому

    Good video, but i wish the camera covers the product of discussion the whole time so we can see clearly how it works instead of the person the whole time.

  • @bms2550
    @bms2550 Рік тому

    Ditch that “locking-pin” for a grade 8, 5/8” bolt…

  • @colesavage9219
    @colesavage9219 4 роки тому

    where’s the boat fishing vids??

  • @fryeguy9939
    @fryeguy9939 4 роки тому

    Yeah ... That was pretty basic ... The only thing new is spraying the ball and hitch .... I like to put a ball in the hitch with grease for winter and put a couple of plastic bags on to keep it dry during winter ... Maybe I'll use that spray instead 😉😉

  • @pastofino6375
    @pastofino6375 4 роки тому

    🙂

  • @kevinfraser6302
    @kevinfraser6302 2 місяці тому

    What who greased the ball on a hitch sorry man but that’s a huge no no

  • @ghorn3136
    @ghorn3136 Рік тому

    If you are going to make a video pretending to “teach” others…. you should be certain of your comments. Your heavy duty ball for your bro-in-laws trailer is NOT a 2-1/4” ball.

  • @fjidsewff
    @fjidsewff 3 роки тому

    We are in the middle of a color revolution. Look up what led to the Balkans conflict.