Boat Trailer Safety Tips
Safety Tips for Your Boat Trailer: Preparing to Hit the Road
Think about it. The anticipation you’re feeling for another outdoor adventure-packed, sun-filled weekend at the lake fishing, waterskiing, tubing and lounging in your boat during happy hour will disappear in an instant if you hit the road, check the rearview mirror and see your boat, along with your boat trailer, zipping freely down the road back the way you came, headed for a devastating crash that will leave it unusable – or worse.
Don’t let that happen!
Sure, that’s a worst-case scenario, but it has happened. You’ve read about it. The point is, all it takes are some smarts, some preparation getting your boat trailer loaded properly and adherence to some safety tips to be sure you get safely and smoothly to the cabin or resort without incident or hassles of any kind.
The tire experts at Treadworld have put together a few posts aimed at keeping you present in the moment during each stage of your boat towing experience. Here we’re pointing out some things to think about as you get your boat and boat trailer ready to leave your driveway and get on the way.
Check…and Double-Check Your Coupler
When you lower the trailer coupler onto the vehicle's hitch ball and lock the safety pin, make sure your coupler is in good shape, and you have a good connection. Bent, rusted and corroded parts are unacceptable from a safety perspective and should be replaced.
Crisscross Your Boat Trailer Safety Chains
Connect boat safety trailer cables or boat safety trailer chains to the frame of your towing vehicle in a crisscross pattern under the trailer tongue. They should be slack enough to compensate for turns, but taut enough to avoid trailing on the ground. Should your hitch fail for some reason, the crossed chains are intended to catch and support the loose trailer tongue until you can fix it.
Check that All Trailer Lights Are WorkingThis is the heading
Plug the trailer lighting cable to your tow vehicle, then run a full check to make certain running lights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazards lights on both the boat trailer and the tow vehicle are in working order. Use your trailer lights at all times, even during the day.
Check Your Boat Trailer Tires
Check pressure of your trailer tires to be certain they are properly inflated to maximum PSI (pounds per square inch) since PSI that is too low or too high can lead to blowouts on the road. Be alert for signs of wear, cracking on the tread surface or bulges in the sidewall, which are signs it’s time to start looking for replacement trailer tires. Clean your tires with soap and water if they’re dirty.
Distribute the Load Evenly in the Boat for a Balanced Haul
Whether you have a large boat trailer or a small boat trailer, it’s important that you keep the load distributed evenly and securely packed so it won’t shift during your trip. Balanced boat weight is important. Too much weight in the front or the back will put undue pressure on tires and can also cause dangerous fishtailing.
Secure Boat Tie-Downs to Keep Your Boat from Shifting during Transport
Inspect your tie-downs for any rips or wear, then attach them so as to keep your boat, and load, secure while you’re on the road.
Check Your Mirrors
Adjust your mirrors accordingly so you can see your vehicle, your trailer and traffic behind you, especially during turns so you won’t turn the corner too tight. If necessary, get extended side-view mirrors.
Life’s Hard. Let Treadworld Help Make It Easier!
Just follow these trailer and boat safety tips to help get you on the road and keep you there running smoothly and safely. And if you’re not sure you have the best trailer tires, or you’re looking for replacement trailer tires or boat trailer wheels and tires, count on us here at Treadworld help. We have the trailer tires you want, in a wide range of styles and a huge selection of sizes. All our RubberMaster Trailer Tires are manufactured to strict tolerances from top rubber compounds, then triple-tested for quality, balance and uniformity before being X-rayed to be sure they’re perfect. Easy ordering, fast shipping plus your satisfaction is guaranteed with our no-hassle Ultimate Advantage Warranty. Don’t hesitate to contact our tire experts via live chat or email with any questions you may have, and to get the ideal trailer tires for you—or the perfect ATV tires, UTV tires, lawn and garden tires, and many others—from our comprehensive selection.
