Canadian Yachting — June 2017

60 C a n a d i a n Y a c h t i n g JUNE 2017

By: John Gullick,
Boating Safety Specialist and Contributing Writer

This article is the third in a three-part series that includes the
following:

1. The Tow Vehicle - Canadian Yachting April 2017


2. Choosing the Hitch and Trailer - Canadian Yachting
   May 2017


3. Trailer Maintenance, Towing the Trailer, and Launching
   and Retrieving the Boat

TRAILER MAINTENANCE
While your tow vehicle is more likely to be maintained on a reg-
ular basis, especially if you use it as an ongoing means of trans-
portation, trailer maintenance is often neglected. As such, a
pre-season inspection and maintenance is a must, followed by
pre-departure checks every time it is used. Conduct a final post-
season inspection and maintenance check before laying the boat
and trailer up for the winter.

Regular maintenance will ensure years of reliable and safe
trailering experiences.

THE PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
The first check of your tow vehicle should confirm the following:

• All oil levels are up


• Tires are in good shape and their pressure is correct,
  including the spare


• All hoses and belts are in good shape and the clamps
  and belts are tight


• The battery is in good shape with tight connections


• All lights and turn signals are working


• There is nothing loose in the back of your truck, SUV,
  or CUV

Note:Towing a trailer puts a greater load on the transmis-
sion, thus causing more heat build-up. Inadequate cooling is the
cause of the majority of automatic transmission failures. It is
therefore recommended that a transmission cooler be added,
especially if towing loads greater than 500kg (1,100 lbs.) for any
substantial distance.

After checking your trailer, confirm the following for your
truck:

• Bunks or rollers are adjusted properly, including the
  bow stop


• Transom and bow tie-down straps are tight


• Bow winch strap is tight and the bow is against stop


• Safety items and other gear in the boat are secure and
  distributed evenly


• Tires are in good shape and their pressure is correct,
  including the spare


• Wheel nuts are tight and bearings are well lubricated,
  ensure there are no leaks


• Outboard or outdrive is tilted up and locked


• Engine brace is in place and secure


• Springs are OK and not overloaded


• Everything is tight and secure


• All cooking and heating fuel lines have been turned off
  at the source


• You have the drain plug for the boat - if you are going to
  launch as soon as you arrive at your destination, ensure
  it is in place and secure

Finally, confirm the following for the connection between

trailer and tow vehicle:

• Ball is tight and lubricated and the correct size for the
  coupler


• Receiver is secured to the hitch and the lock pin is
  secure


• Coupler latch is closed and the lock pin is secure


• Correct tongue weight, trailer, and tow vehicle level - if
  not, redistribute load in the boat


• Safety chains are crossed and correctly hooked in place


• Electrical connections are tight and the lights and turn
  signals are working


• Breakaway cable for the trailer brakes is attached


• Brakes are working


• Tongue jack is up and locked


• Rearview mirrors are adjusted properly


• Wheel chocks removed and placed in the vehicle for use
  again at your destination


• Did I mention the drain plug?

Checking all these items before you depart will take about 15

minutes but can help ensure a safe trip and save hours of prob-

lem solving later on.

TRAILERING - PART 3

Trailer Maintenance

Towing the Trailer, and Launching

and Retrieving the Boat