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Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

We attend the Crash-a-Rama and, surprisingly, learn about trailering. Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Level It
Check to make sure your trailer rides level. If not, raise or lower the tow ball to correct any excessive angle. Also check tire pressure. Make certain tires are fully inflated to the trailer manufacturer’s specs and that tires have equal pressure.
Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Stop Sway
Trailer sway is often the result of improper tongue weight, which should be about 10 percent of the trailer’s total weight. The latter figure is often misjudged. Don’t forget to include the weight of the fuel and/or water in the tanks and all the gear you’ve stowed aboard.
Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Stop Short
Stopping distance is dramatically increased with the weight of a boat and trailer pushing on your vehicle. Adjust both speed and distance to the car in front of you accordingly.
Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Load Right
Balance the load as well as possible, both fore and aft and from side to side. Ideally, 60 percent of the weight should be distributed in the front half of the boat, but be careful not to exceed tongue weight limits.
Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Tow Capacity
A light tow vehicle matched with a heavy trailer boat is a recipe for disaster.
Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Boating Magazine Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Strap It
While you may be tempted to go without them, don’t forget the stern tie-down straps. They’re a last line of defense should the bow come loose and will keep the stern anchored in bumpy conditions.
Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Boating Magazine Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

No Brakes!
If the trailer does begin to sway, avoid the temptation to hit the brakes or correct the sway with a turn of your tow vehicle’s steering wheel. Instead, keep the wheel straight and carefully accelerate until the swaying subsides. Once you regain control, slowly reduce speed.
Josh Letchworth

Crash-a-Rama Trailering Tips

Chain It
Safety chains kept the trailers connected to the tow vehicles in Crash-O-Rama. Always connect your safety chains when towing.
Josh Letchworth
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