Boat Trailer Towing Tips

Trailering Boats is More than Hitching Up and Driving Down the Road

© Alan Sorum

Boat Trailer Winch, Alan Sorum

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:

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:

Safe Trailer Loading - Controlling the boat trailer during towing depends on properly distributing the weight the trailer is carrying. A few things to consider:

Trailer Towing Techniques - Here are a few hints on how to tow a boat trailer safely:

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.


The copyright of the article Boat Trailer Towing Tips in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Boat Trailer Towing Tips must be granted by the author in writing.


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