Tips and Tidbits
Haul your boat like a pro — trailer tips and techniques
Being able to trailer your boat opens a wide range of water options for anglers. And even if your trailer experience is limited to transporting your boat to and from dry storage at the beginning and end of the season, it’s smart to focus on some basic rules to keep things as safe, streamlined and cost-effective as possible.
First, you want to ensure that the trailer you choose is designed to hold your boat. If your boat comes with a trailer, the manufacturers and/or dealer will match both appropriately. If you must buy a trailer separately, however, choosing the right size, with braces that fit snugly around your boat’s hull, is mandatory. For larger boats and larger trailers, a trailer brake system is often required.
Your towing vehicle should also be rated to pull the weight of your boat and trailer. The tongue weight (or the amount of mass the vehicle hitch can handle) is clearly outlined for most vehicles; exceeding tongue weight can compromise steering stability. Too little tongue weight can make a trailer sway as you drive. Your vehicle should have enough horsepower to haul your trailer up a boat ramp (4-wheel drive capability is often preferred). Be sure the size of your hitch ball matches exactly with your trailer.
One common mistake is to neglect checking the air pressure on your trailer’s tires as well as your tow vehicle. You’ll want to ensure those tires are pumped up within the proper pressure (psi) range, which is usually indicated on the walls of the tires. Do this before the trailer carries any loads. Low tire pressure can be dangerous and will cause you to burn more gas when hauling a boat. In addition to checking the air pressure in your tires, be sure to check the tightness of the lug nuts on your trailer wheels before loading and driving.
Most experienced boaters have a system for transporting their gear. It’s not a wise idea to fill the boat with too much heavy equipment on a trailer. Be sure your weight stays within all capacity limits (another fuel efficiency/safety concern). Check to ensure lighter items like fenders, cushions and life preservers are stored in lockers or cinched down; you don’t want loose items rattling around in a boat as you transport it. And of course, be sure all electrical connections and signals are working properly on your trailer.
Your final check should include cinching tie-downs tightly, checking the security of your coupler and safety chains, and locking everything in place. If you trailer your boat with a cover, be sure it is fastened snugly.
You want to make all your preparations and checks in a parking lot, away from a busy boat ramp. That said, taking time to practice loading and launching your boat (when the ramp isn’t busy), will also help you build a comfort level. By staying on top of your safety and efficiency checklist, you’ll be able to take your boat wherever your next adventure leads you.
