TRAILERING

Trailering is something most boaters have to do, if you’re not fortunate enough to live on the water or keep your boat at a marina. So, it’s necessary to have a safe trailer—one that fits your boat well, and is maintained and ready to tow—and that includes your tow vehicle, which is easily half the equation. How well do you know trailering safety and good towing practices?

1. What is the function of hydraulic surge trailer brakes?

A. To help your rig stop when trailering by providing braking to the trailer wheels.

B. To add complexity and maintenance to the boat trailer.

C. To cause other boaters’

jealousy and angst.

D. To meet state towing regulations where trailer brakes are required.

E. A and D

F. None of the above

2. What is the common color code for simple trailer wiring in the US?

A. Red for positive, black for

negative.

B. Green for left turn/brake, yellow for right turn/ brake, brown for clearance lights, white for ground.

C. Purple for ground, red for left turn, green for right turn.

D. None of the above

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of plastic bunk covers (often called “bunk slicks”) on a boat trailer?

A. They make it easier to launch and retrieve the boat when it’s difficult to back the trailer in deep enough to wet the bunks. B. They can protect the boat hull from potential damage.

C. They can keep sand, pebbles, salt and other debris that usually lurks in bunk carpeting from scratching the hull.

D. A and C

E. All of the above

4. What are some of the differences between a factory-installed

(OEM) hitch versus an aftermarket hitch?

A. Factory hitches are custom-designed for the vehicle at the same time the vehicle is designed, so the vehicle and hitch are better matched than a vehicle fitted with an aftermarket hitch. B. Aftermarket hitches are oftentimes rated for higher loads than factory hitches. Therefore, you must be very careful when calculating the load you are able to tow to not exceed the vehicle’s factory tow rating, even if the hitch rating is higher.

C. Factory hitches are usually hidden better behind the bumper.

D. When buying an aftermarket hitch, you usually can’t factor the cost into the vehicle loan; you have to pay for it separately. E. A and B

F. All of the above

5. You’re only towing your boat a couple dozen miles to the dealership for service; however, before leaving, you notice that your secondary (emergency) bow chain is broken and won’t connect to the boat’s bow eye properly. What should you do?

A. Go anyway; the emergency bow-eye chain is used only when towing long distances.

B. Fix the broken chain; even in a short trip, you could encounter an emergency stop situation.

C. Tie a rope from the winch stand to the bow eye. D. None of the above

6. Name some emergency breakdown tools and supplies to bring on any road trip when towing your boat.

A. Spare tie-downs, a tow strap or chain, coupler repair parts, extra safety chain.

B. Flashlight/work light, rope, hand tools, a grease gun, a spare hub with bearings, and a spare tire. C. Floor jack and a lug wrench that fits the trailer wheels.

D. Copy of your insurance policy and contact information, and a GPS.

E. All of the above

7. Checking the trailer before a trip should include:

A. Bunks and bunk supports for rot, rust, broken welds and brackets/bolts. B. Trailer lights for proper operation.

C. Running gear, including springs, axle and frame for rust, broken welds, and broken, loose or missing bolts; tires for age and weather, checking on sidewalls and uneven wear on treads. D. See if your family has loaded all the water toys in the boat.

E. A, B and C

F. All of the above

1. E. Trailer brakes help stop the combined tow vehicle and trailer, and they are required in most cases, especially for larger trailers in most states.

2. B. This is the common color code for trailer wiring. It’s easy to remember: Yellow for left turn/brake because the yellow line on the road is on your left; green for right turn/brake because the grass is on the shoulder/right side of the road.

3. E.

4. F.

5. B. The bow chain should be used on all towing trips, regardless of distance.

6. E. All of these are excellent tools and supplies to help you in a problem situation on the road.

7. E. A, B and C are all trailer checks that should be part of your pre-departure checklist.

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