How to Tow a Boat Trailer

Boat ownership can be rewarding as it allows you to get out on the water without having to rent a boat at the local marina. When living in an area where the water freezes in winter, or if you do not have a permanent dock for your boat, it is necessary to tow your boat on a trailer from storage to the water. To safely tow a boat on a trailer, it is important to know the ways that driving with a trailer differs and how to safely get the boat in the water.

Things You'll Need

• Tie-downs
• Rope
• Tire blocks

Instructions

1. Fill the tires of the trailer before towing, ensuring they are at their factory-recommended psi.

2. Place the socket of the trailer over the ball of the vehicle's tow hitch and turn the trailer's crank to lower the ball over the socket.

3. Brake the vehicle farther away from the required stopping point than you normally would, as the trailer should not be aggressively braked if not necessary.

4. Drive slowly when backing up, using mirrors to monitor and ensure the trailer is traveling in the intended direction.

5. Turn the top of the wheel in the direction opposite the direction you need the trailer to go to back the trailer around a corner.

6. Place tire blocks behind the wheels of the trailer when on the incline at the boat launch, to prevent rolling, then raise the ball off the socket and pull the truck forward.

7. Tie the rope around the trailer and the tow hitch. Approximately 10 to 20 feet of rope is ideal.

8. Pull the truck forward until the rope is nearly taut, then remove the tire stops.

9. Back up the vehicle until the boat is in deep enough water for it to float. Using the rope to complete the tow into the water prevents the car from having to drive too close to the water line.

References

• Discover Boating: Towing & Trailering