Remember when backing up, the trailer moves in the direction opposite to
the direction you turn the steering
wheel. Take great care in passing
other vehicles and remember you will
loose speed going up a grade. Allow
extra room before you pull back in. If
you brake for a prolonged period
when going downhill, the braking
power will fade due to heat build up.
Sudden stops can cause the trailer to
“jackknife” if the trailer does not have
brakes or if they are poorly adjusted. If
a loaded trailer weighs more than
1,500 kgs. ( 3,300 lbs.) it must be
equipped with a trailer braking
system. Check provincial regulations
for details.
At the launch ramp, pull over to
one side and get prepared. Take off
the tie downs and boat cover.
Disconnect the electrical system from
the vehicle and make sure a long
line is attached to the boat to assist
with recovery when the boat comes
off the trailer. The time you take to
do all of this will allow the trailer’s
bearings to cool down before they
enter the water. Tilt the outdrive or
outboard engine up. Install the drain
plug. Remove any debris from the
launch ramp and if you are launching a sailboat with the mast installed
check for any overhead wires. Back
slowly down the ramp and if you
must leave the vehicle for any reason, put the shift into park, apply the
parking brakes and use wheel
chocks if necessary. You don’t want
the boat, trailer and car rolling in.
Watch out for children and make
sure the drain plug is installed. I
think I already said that!
When putting the boat back on the
trailer follow the above steps in
reverse. When leaving your trailer
unattended it is a good idea to
remove a wheel and lock it in your
trunk. Add a hitch lock so the trailer
cannot be easily taken away by someone else. If you have dual wheels you
can chain and lock two together or if
you are in a group you can chain and
lock a number of trailers together.
These tips are all about safe and
secure transportation. A bit of preparation can save a lot of grief, give you
peace of mind and help make every
trip a safe return trip. ●
For more great boating safety and handling
information contact Canadian Power & Sail
Squadrons at 1 888 CPS BOAT. Ask for the
Boat Pro Guide ($16). Happy Boating!
What’s Under Your Boat?
The Crown Classic sets the standard in boat trailers with
features like floating Bunk/roller bars for easy loading and
unloading. Trailers come painted of fully galvanized, have
a HD winch and swivel jack. The trailers we offer will
handle from 18 to 38ft. boats.
www.crowntrailers.com
info@crowntrailers.com
The Crown Royal raises the standard in boat trailers to
new heights with features like aluminum checker plate
fenders, aluminum wheels, LED lights and more. All standard and included in the price. All trailers have easi-lube
axil, submergible lighting and hydraulic surge brakes.
CROWN TRAILERS
MIke McClelland
P.O. Box 202, 63 King St., Burford, Ont., N0E 1AO
tel: (519) 449-2117 fax: (519) 449-1490
