Trailer Towing Safety Tips

First, the trailer would "fit the boat", allowing equal distribution of the hull weight. The trailer should be long enough to eliminate any overhang of the boat transom but short enough to accommodate a propulsion unit of the boat in its fully extended or "down" position. The trailer should be designed to carry the total weight of the hull, engine, equipment and extra gear normally carried.

Second, a boat which will always be hoisted in and out of the water does not need a trailer as elaborate as the types of trailers used for launching. Shallow sloping shores or unimproved launch sites may call for a "tilting", "breakaway", or extending-tongue trailer. A trailer that meets your boating needs makes launching and retrieving easier and safer.

It is recommended that the coupling hitch on the trailer have a lock or similar device to prevent it from vibrating loose. Periodically lubricate the hitch for longer wear and quieter turns. The trailer must be equipped with at least one, preferably two, safety chains strong enough to control the trailer if the hitch should come loose or break. The chains should be securely attached to the towing vehicle at a place separate from the ball and bracket. The chains should be long enough to allow turning but not long enough to drag on the ground.

Too much weight on the hitch will cause "tail dragging" of the towing vehicle, impair steering and raise the beam of your vehicle's headlights into the eyes of oncoming traffic.

Too little, or negative, weight on the hitch will cause the trailer to sway or "fishtail".

The solution to proper distribution of the load is to adjust the wheel carriage either forward or back. If the carriage cannot be adjusted, relocate movable gear. If this fails to corr3ect the problem, consider another trailer of a different design or consult a trailer specialist who may recommend corrective measures.

Extra caution is necessary when towing any trailer. The heavier the rig, the more time it takes to accelerate, pass, and stop. A long rig requires a larger turning radius. Curbs and obstructions should be given wide clearance. Most boats on trailers obstruct the rear view of the driver. In this case, a rear-view mirror on each side of the towing vehicle is required by law. The trailer boater should be familiar with traffic and highway laws relating to the towing of trailers. contact the local California Highway Patrol office for further information.

If you are unfamiliar with your trailer or haven't towed before, spend some time practicing un a place that is spacious and free of traffic. Take a friend along and practice accelerating, braking, turning, and backing. Learning to back a trailer can be confusing at first. A helpful hint: while grasping the bottom of the steering wheel, move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go. Place some markers out for spacing and practice parking, and if possible, simulate a passing situation so you get an idea of the time and distance required.

Test the brakes before getting on the open road. Watch the trailer rear view mirrors and listen for unusual noises.

After 5 or 10 miles of towing, stop and check the trailer, hitch, chain, tires, lights, wheel bearings and gear in the boat. On a long-distance tow, repeat this inspection about every 100 miles.

• Before you leave home make sure accessories (blower, bilge pump, lights) are in good working condition.
• Prepare the boat for launching in an adjacent parking area (or at the top of an uncrowded ramp). Remove all tie-down straps, disconnect trailer wiring plug from vehicle. Keep winch line connected until just entering the water. This will prevent the boat from coming off the trailer in the event or an emergency stop while launching. Load safety equipment and gear into boat. Check drain plugs.
• Don't let the noise and confusion of a busy ramp rush you. You will make fewer mistakes if you proceed with a careful and deliberate launch.
• Back the trailer to the left if possible. this will allow for better launching visibility.
• If you must leave your vehicle on the ramp, set the transmission in "park" or first gear, set the parking brake, and block the wheels.
• If the launching facility has a floating dock you may wish to secure a line at the boat of the boat and assign someone to stand on the dock while you "float' the boat off the trailer.
• In retrieving your boat, make sure the boat is properly placed on the trailer. If the boat has an outboard engine, or an inboard/outboard (I/O) unit, raise it before placing the boat on the trailer. Pull the trailer up steadily to prevent spinning the wheels.
• Never allow a person to stand in line with the winch cable when it is loaded or is taut.
• Before entering a roadway, make sure lights are connected and working, the tie-down straps or clamps are in place, and the lower I/O unit or outboard is in its trailering position. Double check your hitch and safety chains. Remove or secure gear inside the boat to prevent damage from shifting or to prevent lightweight items from blowing out.

If the lights will be submerged, waterproof light fixtures should be u8sed. Water promotes contact corrosion and may cause the lamp to crack and short out the entire lighting system, so it is a good idea to carry spare lamps. The wire coupling to the towing vehicle should be high enough to stay dry, or be disconnected when the trailer is launched.

Never rely on the trailer hitch for electrical ground connection. Four-pole connectors should be used.

If the wheel bearings are submerged, waterproof bearings and caps should be considered. If water gets into the hub, lubricating grease will wash away and the bearings will eventually burn out or seize, causing damage and creating a safety hazard. Waterproofed bearings should be inspected prior to each boating season and periodically during the season. Non-waterproofed bearings should be checked more often.

Carry a spare set of wheel bearings, seals, and grease.

Special care should be given when traveling with small-diameter wheels on unimproved roads.

Trailers over 3,000 pounds gross weight (combined weight of boat, trailer, and gear) must have a braking system.

If a trailer has electric or other power brakes, the braking system must be operated from the towing vehicle and the two vehicles must be able to stop within 40 feet from 20 M.P.H.

• Just under the bow
• The line of the keel and the planking on each side
• Where the bottom meets the side and where the interior weights are concentrated
• The transom

The essentials for any vehicle used for trailer towing are:

• Adequate power to merge with traffic and climb with a load
• Heavy-duty engine cooling system.
• Properly running transmission, possibly equipped with a transmission cooler.
• Brakes with premium lining.
• Heavy-duty springs or air shocks to strengthen suspension.
• Heavy-duty shock absorbers.

Towing "packages" are available through most automobile dealers and should be considered for towing heavy boats. A towing package includes such things as non-slip differential, heavy-duty cooling system, heavy-duty flasher, oversize battery and alternator, heavy-duty suspension, special wiring, special rear axle ratio and larger tires and wheels.

If a boat cover is used, it should be tailored for the boat. Water can "puddle" on and improperly fitted cover. The weight of puddled water can rip the cover or allow the cover to slip off, funneling the water inside the boat. A top drawstring can pull the cover high to prevent puddling. A bottom drawstring with tie-downs and weights placed along the bottom will keep the cover from whipping in the wind during towing. tires may be covered during storage to eliminate sun damage but covers should be removed during wet weather to prevent damage from dampness.