​Boat Playing Classroom

Trailer Tips

Positioning a Boat

When positioning a boat on a trailer, ensure that the boat's keel is firmly in contact with the center rollers of the trailer. The boat's hull must not come into contact with any metal on the trailer. The rollers or runners on both sides of the trailer should be moved as far to the sides as possible and maintain firm contact with both sides of the boat's bottom.

If the rollers and runners on the trailer are correctly adjusted, but the boat is skewed and not sitting smoothly on the trailer, check the boat's ballast. Improper ballast can cause the boat to tilt on the trailer. In this case, move any items stored on the boat.

After the boat is on the trailer, make sure the trailer winch rope is clipped to the anchor hole on the bow and the safety chain is locked to the bow. At the stern, tie the boat to the trailer with ropes.

Before long trips or driving over rough roads, we recommend using multiple ropes to securely tie the boat to the trailer.
 

Moving the Trailer

When moving a trailer on level ground, lower the front wheels to make it easier to push. Once the trailer is attached to the towbar at the rear of your vehicle, raise the front wheels.
 

Connecting the Trailer

1. Lift the front of the trailer and place the front hitch directly onto the ball at the end of the towbar at the rear of your vehicle.
2. Pull up the side lever of the hitch and slide the hitch down until it completely covers the ball at the end of the towbar.
3. Release the hitch lever to lock the hitch to the towbar.

Check the trailer hitch for lubrication at least every six months. If you notice any lubrication missing from the hitch lever or the contact surface between the hitch and the towbar ball, apply a lubricant (grease or butter).

Safety Chains

After connecting the trailer to your vehicle, remember to use the safety chain with the D-ring attached to the front of the trailer to secure the trailer to the vehicle. This will prevent the trailer from becoming completely uncontrollable if the hitch becomes loose.

Towing

Before towing, ensure that all moving objects on your boat are secure. This includes ensuring that doors, windows, and lids on containers like refrigerators are securely closed; that all items are securely secured or packed in containers; that any awnings on the boat are lowered and tied down; and that chairs are locked or tied down securely.

When reversing, you can disable the trailer's anti-lock device to prevent the trailer's brakes from locking. Remember to disable the anti-lock device after completing the reverse.

A trailer with a loaded boat with its center of gravity too far forward or too far aft can be dangerous. The optimal weight balance is to ensure that the force (weight) of the trailer hitch pressing on the vehicle's tow bar is approximately 5-10% of the combined weight of the boat and trailer.