To get the most out of boating you have to get the most out of your trailer. That's why we've put together this list of tips to make life easier.

On the Road

Before every trip with your trailer, be sure to check:

1. Tires are properly inflated.
2. Coupler is latched and pin/lock in place.
3. Safety chains are secure - always crisscross the chains under the tongue.
4. All lights are working properly.
5. Lug nuts are at the correct torque.
6. Boat is secured to the trailer at bow and transom. Use the bow eye safety chain.

Once you get out on the road:

1. Avoid sudden stops and maneuvers. Leave plenty of room ahead, behind and beside you when on the road.
2. Don't cut corners too tightly. Running over curbs can damage the tire sidewalls tires and damage axles.

At the Ramp

1. Check the boat's drain plug before launching.
2. To avoid scrapes and dings to your vehicle, boat, and trailer, ask for assistance when backing down ramps or parking.
3. When backing a trailer, put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want your trailer to go. Use your mirrors.
4. At the ramp, a good rule of thumb is to back the trailer into the water until the rear of the support system is in the water. For roller trailers, until the rear roller is in the water. For bunk trailers, a couple feet of the bunk system. This helps with centering as you load.

Launch

1. Always evaluate launch/ramp conditions; not every ramp is the same or safe
2. In prime conditions, a roller trailer should only need to be backed in as far as the first set of rollers entering the water
3. In prime conditions, a bunk trailer may need to go in farther, even to the step of the rear fender
4. When confident that conditions are acceptable for unloading, disconnect the winch strap and bow-eye safety chain.

Loading

1. Back trailer into the same water depth used for launching
2. Winch strap and bow eye chains are secure
3. Winch mechanism is on the “On” position
4. Boat is properly seated on the trailer
5. Raise your outboard or stern drive