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C. TRAILER BALANCE IMPORTANT
Sway in boat trailers is usually caused by a tail heavy load. Smooth trailing
calls for a 60 - 75 pound minimum downward pressure on the tongue. If your
trailer sways, shift movable gear forward in the boat.
Sway may also be caused by an overly heavy load in the towing car. Helper
springs will keep the rear of the automobile higher by compensating for added
gear and trailer tongue weight.
Non-adjustable metal helper springs will prevent the towing car's rear from
dipping. Pneumatic "air-lift" springs offer the added advantage of flexibility
of support to meet varying load requirements, and when deflated will prevent
rough rides when your automobile is not being used for towing.
D. HOW TO RIG AND MAINTAIN YOUR TRAILER
All modern boat trailers are fitted with adjustable supporting rollers and/or
bunk pads. For the protection of your boat, be certain these supports conform
to the hull's design. To maintain the curvature of your boat, the bunks should
run longitudinally and your boat's keel should be supporting 95% of the boat's
weight. The bunks must conform to the contour of the bottom of the boat. Once
adjusted, you need not alter them again.
Tie-downs should be drawn snugly so that on rough roads the boat and its gear
load remain in constant contact with trailer bed and hull supports. We
recommend carrying one extra mounted and inflated tire. Inflate trailer tires
to recommended pressures, which are usually double or more than that
recommended for automobile tire pressures.
Trailer wheel bearings should be greased every 2,000 miles or after use in salt
water. After launching, particularly from a sandy beach or in salt water areas,
flush the wheel hubs and underbody of the trailer with fresh water.
For safety, install side view mirrors on your car, since the loaded trailer may
obscure your vision in the regular rear view mirror. Auto supply stores and
marine dealers carry telescoping side view mirrors that may be extended when
trailering.
