As Gas Prices Soar, ShoreLand'r Offers Trailering Tips to Maximize Fuel Economy

IDA GROVE, Iowa, May 21, 2004 -- With gas prices hitting all-time highs, this summer's travel season looks as if it will be spent closer to home. To combat these higher gas prices, the folks at ShoreLand'r Trailers offer a list of trailering tips that will help get the most out of your gas money.

Rick Heeren, international sales manager for ShoreLand'r Trailers said, "I'm not going to cut back on my plans to hit the road this summer. I still plan on driving to my favorite fishing spots; I just plan on maximizing my fuel economy by following some easy trailering tips. Other boaters can increase their tow vehicle's gas mileage by following these same tips."

   *  Check tire pressure on the vehicle and trailer.  Low tire pressure can
      drag both the vehicle and trailer reducing fuel mileage.  Low tire
      pressure can also lead to heat-caused tire failures.

   *  Proper tongue weight is a must.  Proper tongue weight should be
      between 5 to 7 percent of the total tow package, which will include
      the weight of the boat, all loaded gear and the trailer weight.  This
      helps the trailer tow properly by reducing swaying.

   *  Proper adjustment of your boat to the trailer.  Make sure the boat is
      level on the trailer and the trailer/boat is level when hooked to the
      vehicle.  In adjusting the boat on the trailer, V-frame trailers allow
      for the lowest adjustment of the boat to the trailer and at the same
      time enables easy loading and unloading of the boat without any damage
      to the trailer or boat.  Proper boat and trailer adjustment also
      reduces wind resistance.

   *  Match vehicle's tow rating to trailer weight.  When towing, make sure
      the tow vehicle is capable of towing the boat and trailer package by
      checking the vehicle's tow rating in the owner's manual.  Using a
      2,000-lb. tow package to tow a 3,000-lb. boat and trailer package will
      reduce fuel mileage and is unsafe.

   *  Invest in a boat cover.  To further reduce wind resistance, invest in
      a boat cover.  This will reduce the wind drag when towing down the
      highway. Local marine dealers can be helpful in locating and fitting
      the right cover.  A cover also protects the boat from the elements.

   *  Double-check bearing protectors.  Most trailers come with bearing
      protectors to keep the hubs properly lubed.  These need to be checked
      regularly to make sure they are full of grease.  Most bearing
      protectors can be tested by simply pressing the spring-loaded piston.
      If the hub has adequate grease, it will rock back and forth slightly,
      but it will not fully compress.  Refer to the trailer owner's manual
      for specific instructions.

   *  Watch your speed.  When towing, accelerate slowly and steadily from
      complete stops.  Maintain constant speeds -- if the speed limit is
      55 mph, maintain this speed.  In interstate driving where the posted
      speed limit is 65 to 75 mph, Heeren recommends driving 5 mph slower
      than the posted speed limit.

Iowa-based ShoreLand'r Trailers, which produced its 1-millionth trailer in 1998, makes boating, ATV, motorcycle, PWC, agricultural and utility trailers. For more trailering tips, visit www.shorelandr.com.