69% of trailering mishaps involved errors made during close quarter maneuvering and backing. The causes ranged from ?
no spotter placement, poor placement, spotter inattention, and poor comms between spotter and driver.
Trailer tongue weight (TW) is the amount of downward weight on the tongue. The tongue weight should be
10 to 15% of the total trailer weight.
Too much tail weight may cause the trailer to oscillate or weave back and forth
Too much tongue weight can damage the hitch, lower the rear and raise the front of the vehicle, causing vehicle mishandling .
Hitches are rated as Class I, II, III, IV, and V.
Class V has the greatest towing capacity and is required for SAFE boat trailering.
Two suggestions to prevent mismatched hitch and ball are to?
standardize the hitch/ball combination to one size or to color code the hitch and ball.
Too much weight on the hitch will cause the rear of the tow vehicle to sag making steering more difficult;
much on the the rear of the trailer will cause it to “fishtail” and may reduce traction of the tow vehicle.
A motor support bar puts the load on the trailer and relieves any stress on the transom.
avoid too much stress on the transom with a support bar that fits on the last roller of the trailer
The safety chains on the towing mechanism
should be crisscrossed under the coupler and attached to the tow vehicle’s frame.
attaching the chain to the vehicles frame make sure that the open end of the hook goes up and through the hole, not just down through it, to prevent the hook from simply bouncing out.
Trailer wheel bearings or axle bearings should be
greased every six months and before long trips
If the bearing is adjusted too tight or is running without grease it can get VERY hot!
what is the number one cause of mechanical failure?
- Tire, rim, hub failure
- Structure failure
- Breaks and bearings
- Winch and cable
- straps
Structural Failure:
The following are the root causes of mishaps due to structural failure ?
- Failure to wash and rinse the saltwater from the trailer.
- Failure to avoid obstacles in the road that could be avoided.
- Failure to reduce speed
- Failure to tighten hardware and fasteners on the trailer.
- Failure to properly secure and attach safety chains.
Tire, Rim and Hub Failure:
Correct inflation ensures a safe and stable ride
Tires and hubs require quarterly inspection and maintenance
Winch cables should be?
Cables should not be used if the operator detects frays, cuts etc. Electrical connections should be cleaned regularly.
Operating a tow vehicle/ trailer combination is at a
minimum
a two-person evolution,
Highway Driving
Stopping distance is increased, visibility is reduced/restricted, safe lane change distance is increased, sudden movements of tow/trailer
are amplified, and faster reaction time required.
Preventative Maintenance (PMS)
Tires, brakes and hub assemblies require quarterly inspection and maintenance.
Launch/ Recovery - Includes “damage to the towing vehicle”, and “damage to the boat.” Vehicles have been damaged by?
not setting the parking brake allowing the vehicle to roll down the ramp, leaving the doors open striking the ramp walls, and ignoring weather/ramp conditions.
Generally, the use of emergency lights and sirens is not necessary for response purposes. However, in those locations where adequate response capabilities can only be provided by trailering a boat, lights and sirens may be authorized by the station’s operational commander.
Exceeding local traffic regulations (speed limit, traffic lights, etc.) is prohibited.