Ten Tips for the trailer sailer - don't end up like this!

12:59 AM Sat 11 Jul 2009 GMT

'Of course the owner of a sailing boat wouldn’t do this - would you?' .

So your new sailing boat is a trailer sailer, and you've never towed a trailer before. Not to worry, all you need is a little practice, and here are 10 safety tips so you don't end up like this!

1. Common sense first:
Common sense is an important factor. Is your vehicle's engine strong enough to handle the trailer's weight? The trailer's weight (including the boat) should never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your towing vehicle. Your trailer hitch should be rated for both the towing vehicle's frame and the weight of the trailer being towed.

2. Tyre pressure:
Don't forget to check your vehicle and the trailer's tyre pressure.

3. Nuts and bolts:
Tighten wheel lug nuts/bolts to the correct torque on the vehicle and trailer.

4. More checks:
Check, check, check. Be sure the hitch, coupler, draw bar, and other equipment that connect the trailer and the tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted.

5. Electrical connections:
Make sure that the electrical connections between the vehicle and trailer fall in line and work together smoothly. You'll need a friend to stand guard and check that the back, hazard and brake lights are working, as well as the turn signals.

6. Remember the extra weight:
The extra weight of the trailer will push your vehicle making it hard to stop. (This may be what caused sorry incident in the picture above). So allow extra stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Red light ahead? Start stopping slowly much sooner than you would normally. Practise off-road if you can find a convenient park or parking lot, and all the time, allow for the extra weight behind you. DON'T practise on the beach!

7. Watch the sway:
Trailers may sway even though they have a sway control to prevent them from doing so. If you feel swaying, stop, pull over at a safe spot to check if your boat has shifted. Make sure any equipment in the boat is evenly distributed ALL around, and don't overload.

8. Reversing:
Reversing is counter-intuitive. You're better to practise this little manoeuvre off-road if you can, until you get the hang of it.

9. Passing takes double the distance:
Passing another vehicle on the highway? Don't forget you'll need twice the distance to do this manoeuvre. Your centre rearview mirror might be useless if you're towing a vehicle that blocks the view. If you're towing a big trailer, spend an extra dollar or two and invest in large outside mirrors to keep those blind spots down to nil.

10. Check the route:
Finally, check out your route before you go! Bridges, parkways, tunnels, highways, roads may have restrictions.

by Ruth Manuel-Logan, Examiner.com/Sail-World

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