![]() When approaching a turn, position your tow vehicle on the outside of the lane to allow the rig to execute a wide turn. Because your trailer’s wheels are drawn closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of your tow vehicle during the maneuver, the trailer's tires will hit or ride up over curbs - or worse - unless you compensate for the extended load by taking the turn wider from the start. Your extended two-piece rig will not corner as sharply as does the vehicle alone. Turning with a boat trailer in tow is different, too. When it comes time to slow for a turn, or stop for a traffic light, toll booth, or traffic, you need to have given yourself enough room ahead to do so without excessive, last-moment braking. That means giving yourself added space when accelerating to pull out into traffic or pass another vehicle, as well as added distance between your vehicle and one ahead of you when underway. ![]() That's why one of the most important considerations to keep in mind while towing a boat is that it will take you longer to accelerate and longer to come to a stop. Know Your DistanceĮven if the trailer is equipped with surge or electric brakes, stopping distances will likely be far longer and you will need to factor in how far it takes to slow or stop your rig on-the-road. The weight factor also contributes to the second difference you will note when towing a trailer: how much harder it is to slow the rig or bring it to a stop. The added weight of the trailered boat makes the rig heavier and therefore harder to get up to speed. The first difference you may notice when towing a boat trailer is how much longer it takes you to accelerate when compared to driving the same vehicle without a load in tow. The extra weight, length, and axle or two combine to make your rig a bigger threat to other drivers, and it's important that you recognize your limitations when towing the family boat. If you've double checked everything, and given the rig a "sea trial" run around the neighborhood and a leg on the highway at freeway speeds, you're clear to take to the road.īut there, you have additional responsibilities as you share the highway with fellow travelers. Need Help? CLICK HERE to find the right boat trailer.Hitting the highway with a boat trailer that has been properly matched with and secured to the vehicle goes a long way toward assuring a trouble-free trip (see video checklist details). WHEN SELECTING YOUR TRAILER BE SURE TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW. This means the combined weight of the boat, trailer and all equipment being towed. LAWS- The state of Florida requires brakes on all axles of any trailer with a G.V.W.R. Tandem axles are safer in case of tire failure. Single axle trailers are lighter in weight and easier to maneuver but have less weight carrying capacity. Leaf springs are less money but don’t have as smooth of a ride. Both models have advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum trailers will experience virtually no corrosion and are a lighter weight and generally considered better for salt water.ĪXLES – There are two types of axles, torsion or leaf spring. Galvanized trailers have a protective coating that normally prevents rust for several years. Choose the proper style, Drive on or Roller.įINISH – Aluminum or Galvanized. Be sure to determine if your trailer will perform adequately at your local ramp(s). Other ramps might have a drop off that will prevent proper launching. ![]() However, some ramps are too shallow to allow adequate submersion for the boat to load properly. TYPE – Many trailers are designed to allow the owner to drive the boat on and off. Remember, when you are towing with a van or camper you don’t want the pulpit over the coupler on the trailer. LENGTH- The length of the boat is from the pulpit (if you have one) to the engine mount. Trailers are manufactured to carry a predetermined weight and should not be overloaded. ![]() WEIGHT- When determining the weight of your boat you need to include the engine(s), fuel, gear and any factory added options that the builder did not include in its boat weight. So whether you own a 10' jet ski or a 40' powerboat, Continental Trailers has a model to fit your needs. With a fleet of 12 trucks delivering daily all over Florida you'll never have to wait long for your trailer. Their manufacturing equipment is the most current available and their staff of experienced, dedicated employees produce top quality products. With state of the art manufacturing facilities in Miami & Clearwater Florida they utilize more than 60,000 s.f. Since 1975 their trailers have been engineered and built to withstand the severe saltwater environment of Florida and the tropics. " It's to your Advantage to buy from Advantage"įor over 40 years Continental Trailers has been a leader and innovator in the boat trailer industry. ![]()
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