Boat Trailer Towing Tips
Trailering Boats is More than Hitching Up and Driving Down the Road
Safely towing a boat trailer to the launch depends on a number of things including tow vehicle ratings, safe trailer loading, and using good trailer towing technique.
Many boaters operating vessels under 28 feet (8.5 meters) in length access the water by towing their boat there on a trailer. Successfully reaching the launch ramp depends on using the right hitching system, proper consideration of tow vehicle ratings, safe trailer loading, and using good trailer towing technique. Many of the hints found in this article are derived from recommendations made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Hitching Systems - The two most common systems used to tow boat trailers are weight-carrying and weight-distributing hitches. The weight a trailer tongue places on the hitch determines the type of system that should be selected. Weight-distributing or load equalizing hitches are commonly used for trailer tongue weights that exceed 250 pounds (113 kilograms) or 15% of the overall trailer weight. Hitch systems are normally bolted or welded to the tow vehicle frame, use a ball coupling device and should have provisions for using safety chains. Hints for hitch safety:
- Lubricate the hitch coupling for longer life
- Never use a ball hitch that is too small for the trailer coupling
- Ensure safety chains are long enough to allow for turns, but are not long enough to drag on the ground
- Cross safety chains under the trailer tongue. This will keep the trailer tongue from hitting the ground if the hitch becomes uncoupled
Tow Vehicle and Trailer Weight Ratings - Towing a boat trailer safely depends on properly matching the capability of the tow vehicle to the boat being towed and matching the capacity of the trailer to the boat being carried. These are the weight ratings that need to be considered before towing a boat trailer and are provided by manufacturers:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - This is the overall weight a vehicle can carry when fully loaded
- Trailer Weight Rating or Towing Capacity of Tow Vehicle - Tow vehicle capability is dependent on many factors. Some are engine displacement and torque, GVWR, vehicle length, and the individual ratings of components like wheels, tires, and axles. Many manufacturers provide this information and offer towing equipment packages for their vehicles. Camping Life Magazine offers an on-line database of trailer weight ratings for tow vehicles sold in North America.
- Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) - Maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle, trailer, boat, fuel, equipment and passengers comnbined
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - The maximum weight that can be carried by a single axle
- Tongue Weight - The amount of weight that the trailer tongue places on the tow vehicle
Safe Trailer Loading - Controlling the boat trailer during towing depends on properly distributing the weight the trailer is carrying. A few things to consider:
- Keep the center of gravity as low as possible
- Distribute weight evenly along the length of the boat trailer. Approximately 60% of the weight should be forward of the axle within tongue weight limits
- Distribute weight evenly from side to side. Side mounted fuel or water tanks can affect balance
- Tow vehicle and trailer should be parallel to the ground during movement
- The boat should be secured to the trailer with ratchet style straps at the bow and stern and the bow eye should be attached to the trailer winch
Trailer Towing Techniques - Here are a few hints on how to tow a boat trailer safely:
- Allow for more time to accelerate, pass and brake. Greater vehicle length and weight slow acceleration and increase braking distance
- Make wider turns. Corners, curbs and curves will require greater clearance for trailer wheels
- Operate at moderate speeds to reduce sway and allow for adequate reaction time
- Avoid sudden starts, stops or turns that can cause trailer instability or swaying
- When backing, place the hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and the trailer will turn in the direction of hand's movement
- Practice towing and backing a boat trailer in a vacant parking lot before nearing a launch ramp
- Do not allow passengers to ride in a boat being towed on a street or highway
- Downshift when going up or down hills
- Try to avoid parking on hills
These are a few safety tips that could be useful while towing a boat trailer. Exercising a little caution, maintaining the tow vehicle and trailer properly and being careful at the launch ramp will ensure getting out on the water safely and enjoying a great boating getaway.
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