never hurts to be safe. most problems occur because as bry said he checked them at every stop alot of people don't. they strap it down jump in and off they go. even if you don't have to normally stop on a trip when ever you tow anything you have to schedule stops just to check everything is tight. i learned the hard way but was lucky. towed a boat home and even though it was only about 20 mi. when i put it in my drivewayand got out of the truck, heard a clunk and next thing i know the front of the boat is pointing at the sky. luckily nothing happenned to the boat and it was in my driveway. i have since done trailering of different things and always make sure to stop and check every so often. good luck paul on your trip and be safe.