“Towing a boat might seem simple however it requires more than getting a trailer and hitch,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Insurance, Florida's top independent marine insurance agency.
Improper towing can lead to tipping, unattached cargo and cause serious harm to suspension and braking systems as well as strain to your engine and transmission.
Make sure to avoid common boat towing mistakes before hitting the road. Below are tips from goboatingflorida.com.
Disconnected brake lights
Always check the electrical connector to ensure your brake lights, taillights and switch signals are working. Have someone behind the boat when you tap the brakes and use turn signals to make sure they are working. Keep an additional trailer light bulb inside your vehicle should the light is out. Keeping the electrical wires taut at the right length will stop them from dragging on the ground and disconnecting during turns.
Forgetting about what's in tow
No matter how strong your tow vehicle is, it will likely be less responsive once a trailer is behind it. You will not be able to accelerate, turn or brake as quickly, so be sure to look up the road and provide yourself additional time and space to change lanes or decelerate.
“It's smart to take a practice run before you hit the road,” says Ellsworth Buck, V . p . of Insurance, Florida's largest independent boat insurance agency.
Ignoring your vehicles tow specs
Before you intend a trip, it's essential to know how much your vehicle is rated to tow. Remember it's not only about how much your boat weighs, it also includes just how much gear and fuel you have within the boat. Even if you've checked the load limit, keep track of your tire pressure and temperature gauge. Installing a weight distribution bar system might help lessen the ride and effectively tow as much as your vehicle's max capacity. It's natural to visualize that bigger is much better but check your tongue weight before purchasing the bars. When you have set this up properly the burden bars is going to be parallel using the frame of the trailer. If you see excessive bouncing involving the vehicle and trailer, your setup might be incorrect.
Using the wrong size ball hitch
It's important to make use of the properly rated hitch ball for the towing system. Boat supply store, West Marine, explains, “The coupler mounts and locks over the hitch ball and articulates around the hitch ball. Recreational and lightweight commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1 7/8″, 2″, 2 5/16″ and infrequently, 3″. Lighter trailers generally use smaller hitch balls. The diameter of hitch balls is rather standard, but shank diameters and the hitch ball weight ratings may vary. The rating of the hitch ball is equally as essential as the receiver hitch rating.”
Failing to secure gear
Make certain to secure fishing and ski equipment, life vests, seat cushions and coolers before venturing out. Fasten down anything susceptible to blowing from your boat while traveling down the road.
