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Step 1
Ensure the boat trailer is connected properly and securely to the towing vehicle. The tongue socket should be locked together with the trailer hitch. In order to be secure, the coupler, hitch and hitch ball should all be the same size. Any additional fasteners and safety lines should be tightly secured between the towing vehicle and the boat trailer. Safety lines should be connected in a criss-cross manner when securing the trailer to the towing vehicle.
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Step 2
Test the brakes of the boat trailer. Make sure that you can adequately stop with the trailer attached to the towing vehicle. The brakes should be able to stop the trailer easily.
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Step 3
Pay special attention in inspecting the tires of the boat trailer. The tires should be fully inflated and have little or no sign of wear. The lug nuts should be tightened, and the wheel bearings should be properly adjusted and lubricated.
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Step 4
Check to see if all the trailer lights are working properly. When the trailer is connected to the towing vehicle, the brake lights, turn signals and backup lights should all be working correctly.
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Step 5
Inspect the load that is being carried by the boat trailer. The load should not be more than the maximum load capacity for the trailer.
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Step 6
Use the Internet to check and see what additional requirements in regard to your boat trailer are mandated by state regulations.
