3-2
Safety Chains
Safety chains on your boat trailer
provide added insurance that it will not
become completely detached from the
towing vehicle when underway.
Crisscross the chains under the trailer
tongue to prevent the tongue from
dropping to the road if the trailer
separates from the hitch ball. Rig the
chains as tight as possible with just
enough slack to permit tight turns.
Make sure the proper chains are
correctly attached between the towing
vehicle and trailer before and during
each trip.
Figure 3-2. Safety Chains
Tie-Downs
Making sure your boat is held securely in place on the trailer hull supports is extremely
important, especially when underway. Regardless of your trailer make or model, there are
two key areas to consider:
•
Bow Tie-Downs: A bow stop to hold the front of
your boat in place is located on the winch stand.
It should be positioned so that the winch line
pulls straight and is parallel to the trailer frame.
A separate tie-down should then be attached to
hold the boat downward and forward. This may
be accomplished by a line from the bow eye to
an attachment point on the trailer frame or
winch stand.
•
Rear Tie-Downs: It is very important to be sure
the transom of your boat is resting fully and
securely on the supports provided at the rear of
the trailer, and that it remains in place when
parked or underway. Special rear tie-downs are
available for this purpose. Check often to be
sure the rear tie-downs are securely locked in
place and tight enough to prevent any movement
of the boat.
KC-1711.3M
BOW
TIE-DOWN
FRAME
CROSSMEMBER
WINCH
STAND
WINCH
STRAP
BOW
STOP
Figure 3-4. Transom Tie-Down
Figure 3-3. Bow Tie-Down
KC-1691
TRAILER
TOW
VEHICLE
BOTTOM VIEW OF HITCH COUPLING
CRISSCROSS SAFETY CHAINS
®
Summary of Contents for 2002 Response Series
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