Used to skip the pre-fill and just lay tape over the bare bead, figured two coats would bury it fine. Seeing the nose print through after sanding got old fast, so the extra step is worth it now. Setting compound in the nose first keeps the corner tight and saves you a sanding pass.

Had a guy move my project car a few years back and the straps were so loose the thing slid a foot sideways on the trailer. Learned right then to always ask for pics of the hookup points, not just the car sitting pretty. If they won't send them, that tells you plenty already.

Going from cheap 2 ply to 6 ply in snow is night and day for traction lol.