How to Pull a Boat Trailer
Most recreational boaters own trailerable boats that they tow from their homes to the water. Towing a boat trailer requires a bit more patience, skill and care than regular driving if it is to be done safely. When towing a trailer, reduce your speed because of the extra weight on the vehicle and expect it to take a bit longer to get to your destination.
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Things You'll Need
- Vehicle with sufficient towing capacity
- Boat mounted on a trailer
- Wheel chocks
- Tie-down straps
- Locking pin
- Spotter
Instructions
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Before You Leave
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1
Chock the trailer wheels. Attach the tie-down straps across the boat and tighten them securely. Use the jack wheel to raise the trailer tongue until it is higher than the hitch ball on your vehicle. If at all possible, perform these actions on flat ground.
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2
Begin slowly backing your vehicle toward the trailer. Your spotter should tell you when the hitch ball is directly below the trailer latch. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
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3
Using the jack wheel, lower the trailer tongue until the latch engages the hitch ball. Throw the latch into the closed position and secure it with the locking pin. Swing the jack wheel into it's closed position and check that the spring loaded pin has engaged the latch plate on the side of trailer tongue.
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4
Connect the trailer wiring harness to your vehicle. Cross the safety chains under the trailer tongue and slip the "S" hooks into the towing rings on your vehicle. Remove the wheel chocks. Stow them in your vehicle or aboard the boat.
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5
Start your vehicle and pull forward slowly. You are testing to ensure the trailer is properly hitched. With the vehicle still running, test your turn signals, brakes and headlights to ensure that all of the trailer lights are working properly. Your spotter should call out to you as you test each light. If all are working properly, you are ready to depart.
Highway operation
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6
Enter the highway slowly. Be sure there is plenty time for you to pull onto the road. If you have any doubts about how close approaching traffic is, wait until the "coast is clear." This is not a time to become impatient.
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7
Accelerate gradually and smoothly. At the beginning of the trip, don't worry about driving at the posted speed limit. Drive a bit slower until you begin to get the feel of how your vehicle and trailer are behaving together.
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8
Maintain adequate following distance between you and any vehicle ahead. At minimum, you should be one combined vehicle and trailer length behind for each 10 mph of speed. If you are traveling at 50 mph, that means at least five lengths. You can never have too much distance between you and the car ahead. Allow extra time if you decide to pass. It will take your vehicle longer to accelerate because of the additional weight of the boat and trailer.
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9
Continue driving. When executing turns, signal well in advance, slow down gradually and make gentle sweeping turns. This helps ensure the boat and trailer stay in your lane. Use your mirrors and check frequently that the trailer is directly behind your vehicle. The key here is to make smooth moves. Sharp turns and sudden braking may cause the trailer to jackknife.
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10
Continue driving until you reach your destination. Plan on this first trip taking extra time. Don't hurry and be extra cautious, and you will do just fine.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have never towed a boat trailer before, pick a time when traffic is especially light. If possible, find a large deserted parking lot and practice starting, turning, braking and stopping. Try to drive during daylight hours when visibility is greatest. Drive slowly and take your time. Towing a boat trailer is an acquired skill that requires patience and a cool demeanor.
