Towing & Trailering

Great tips for when towing or trailering

Trailering can add new dimensions to the sense of freedom that comes with boating and that’s one of the reason’s it is so popular. With a trailerable boat you’re free to boat just about anywhere:  lakes, rivers, bays or inlets. Trailering is great way to explore different waterways throughout the country. Using a boat trailer is also the most affordable way to store a boat. Our boating safety tips can help you learn all about towing and boat trailer maintenance.

Look for New Zealand manufactured product

While there is not an official Trailer Manufacturers Association in New Zealand, it is preferable to buy a locally manufactured trailer of a well known brand. All trailers in New Zealand are required to meet current warrant of fitness standards as laid down by the New Zealand Transport Agency. It should be remembered that boat trailers are required to operate under very tough conditions so a ready supply of spare parts is a very important consideration, something which can become a problem if the trailer has been manufactured outside New Zealand.

Getting Started

If you’ve never trailered a boat, there are several things you need to consider. First is the towing capacity of your car, truck or SUV. You can find this information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or from speaking with the vehicle’s dealers. Generally, small family sedans under 2000cc engine capacity are not suitable for towing, although a small, aluminium fishing boat may not present a problem, provided you have appropriate towing equipment installed on the car. A recommendation as a guide from New Zealand Transport Agency is that the laden weight of an unbraked trailer should not exceed ¾ of that of the unladen weight of the towing vehicle, and then only if the tow vehicle’s brakes are in excellent condition. The second consideration which is applicable to those who may be contemplating the purchase of a larger/heavier rig, is the class of drivers licence required to be legally able to tow such a vessel. Holders of a Class 1 Drivers Licence are only allowed operate a combined weight of the tow vehicle and laden trailer up to 4500 kg. Combined loads in excess of this will require a class 2, or over, Drivers Licence.

Weighing In

With the foregoing in mind determine the “dry weight” of your boat and trailer. That’s the weight of the boat, less fuel and gear. Make sure when you’re assessing your vehicle’s towing capacity; you add several hundred pounds to the dry weight of the boat and trailer, to account for those extras. Remember that as the weight of the boat and trailer increases, the regulations as to whether the trailer will require brakes will alter, and also the type of brakes may become an issue.

Muscle Power

As the weight, length and width (beam) of a given boat increase, so does the muscle power needed to launch and retrieve it. A small boat may be easy for one person to handle at the ramp, but larger boats, generally those more than 6m, may require additional hands. Don’t be afraid to ask for help at the ramp if you need it. Trailer boaters are always happy to help.

Basic Trailering Checklist

Never tow your boat trailer before you check to be sure:

• Coupling hitch and tow ball are of the same size
• Coupling and safety chains are safely secured to tow bar of tow vehicle
• All fasteners are properly tightened
• Boat is securely tied down to trailer (winch line is not a tie down)
• Wheel nuts are properly tightened
• Wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained
• Load is within maximum load carrying capacity
• Tyres are properly inflated
• All trailer lighting is working properly
• Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and working (if trailer is so equipped)
• Be sure to check requirements regarding brakes and any additional equipment that may be required

Boat Trailer Maintenance

Trailer hubs and lights get dunked twice every time you go boating. You need to pamper them as you would your boat – this is an essential element of boat trailer maintenance. Do an occasional inspection of wheel bearings in between warrants of fitness by jacking each wheel off the ground and spinning them listening for any rumbling and or vibration. A visual inspection can also be advisable by popping off the grease  cap with a screwdriver. If the bearings are dry, add grease. At this time it would be advisable to inspect the braking system (if fitted) especially the condition of the brake pads. It’s simple. Conduct routine maintenance by having a friend or family member occasionally stand behind your trailer and make sure the brake lights, taillights and turn signals are in good working order. As with your boat, a thorough freshwater wash down of your trailer after each use will extend the life of your hubs and lights. It’s also a great boat maintenance idea to invest in a spare wheel, just in case.

Remember, when buying a trailer boat, the trailer is just as important as the boat itself so give the trailer a thorough inspection.

For more information, visit NZTA’s page on safe loading and towing.

The videos below provides a good overview of how to connect and drive with a trailer