Section 14: Trailering 159
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Section 14: Trailering
Statistics show that 90% of all recreational
boats in the United States today
are trailerable. Trailers add another challenge
for boaters, and some additional
risks.
There are three major causes of trailering
accidents:
• Improper trailer maintenance
• Driver error
• Improper loading of the boat on the
trailer
BOAT TRAILERS
A wide variety of trailers are manufactured
to accommodate the large number of boat
types.
• Make sure the boat and trailer fit one
another.
• The trailer must have sufficient
weight-carrying ability to support the
boat, motor, fuel, and all the gear you
plan to add to it.
• A data plate on the left side of the trailer
will display how much weight the trailer
can carry and the size of the tires needed
for the rated load.
• For safety reasons, the capacity of the
trailer should exceed the combined
weight of the trailer, boat, motor, and
gear by at least 15%. Public scales used
to weigh truck loads are a good place to
weigh your trailer rig.
• A larger trailer is always safer and easier
to handle.
The trailer must support the hull so the
load is evenly distributed and so the hull is
not stressed and bent out of shape.
• There should be supports under the
engine, fuel tanks, and batteries.
• Seek professional advice from your boat
manufacturer and dealer to select the correct
trailer for your boat.
Trailer Tires
• Many boat trailers have small-diameter
tires that rotate at a higher speed than
tires on the tow vehicle.
• These smaller tires usually require high
pressure, sometimes as much as 60
pounds per square inch.
• Correct tire pressure is critical. Low pressure
can lead to serious overheating and tire
deterioration.
• Always check tire pressures when the tires
are cold. Don’t forget to check the spare.
Wheel Bearing Protectors
The condition of wheel bearings is critical;
many trailer wheels are small and rotate at
very high speeds.
• Bearing protectors hold waterproof
grease under spring-loaded pressure.
• When installed properly, they help prevent
water from entering wheel bearings.
• Take care when adding grease to bearing
protectors; overfilling may cause seal
failure. Follow manufacturer’s directions.
Safety Chains
Motor vehicle laws require safety chains to
keep the trailer from separating from the
tow vehicle in case of coupler failure.
• They are installed between the trailer and
the tow vehicle and should be crossed
under the trailer tongue, as shown in Figure
14-1.