Road handling
The weight that you are pulling will make your towing vehicle less responsive in many respects.

Speeding up, slowing down and all maneuvers will require more time to accomplish. Leave more room between you and a vehicle in front of you to make sure you can stop should they brake suddenly.

Make sure your side view mirrors are large enough to provide an unobstructed rear view on both sides of the vehicle.

Remember that your turning radius is much greater than usual. Curbs and barriers must be given a wide berth when turning corners.

Backing up
Backing up with a trailer can be somewhat tricky, but with practice you should be able to accomplish the task in a minimum amount of time.

The trailer will turn in the opposite direction of the car; take it slowly and try to avoid oversteering. Prior to operating on the open road, practice turning, backing up, etc. on a level, empty parking lot.

Following these simple steps as well as observing all local traffic laws will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip!

The majority of recreational boats in the United States are trailered to and from the water.

Your boat trailer is only one part of the entire boating package that includes the boat, trailer, hitch and towing vehicle. Neglecting the trailer's maintenance can result in damage to your boat, your towing vehicle or both.

Know your load capacity
The trailer must have a load capacity adequate to carry the boat, motor, fuel and all equipment that may be carried in the boat when it's being pulled by a trailer. The law classifies trailers by the maximum amount they may weigh when fully loaded.

For maximum safety and best performance, you should never exceed 85% of a trailer's total capacity.

What's doing the work?
Another very important factor to consider is the vehicle that will be doing the towing. It also must meet certain performance standards such as engine power, engine cooling, transmission cooling, wiring, brakes, battery, suspension, alternator, axle ratio, tires, and wheels in order to tow the boat and trailer. You should consult your dealer for advice.

Each tow vehicle also has a maximum weight that it may pull by law. Again, you should not pull more than 85% of the vehicle's limit.

Preparing to tow safely
Before you leave your driveway, follow this checklist to ensure that a fun day on the water isn't ruined by a trailer mishap.

• Never carry gasoline tanks in the trunk of the tow vehicle.
  
• Drain accumulated water from the boat's bilge.
  
• Lower the tongue socket onto the ball on the trailer hitch and lock together securely.
  
• Connect trailer lights to towing vehicle and check turn signals, brake lights and backup lights.
  
• Attach safety chains from trailer to tow vehicle securely in a criss-cross fashion.
  
• Check tie-down straps and winch and cable.
  
• Check tire pressure, lug nuts and test brakes.
  
• Remove drain plug in the boat so any remaining water can drain.
  
• Make sure wheel bearings run free and are properly lubricated.
  
• Don't forget the keys to the boat.