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Show Lets && Cuu! TRAILER SAFETY FOR MOBILE BOATMEN The amphibious branch of boating boat-ing simply involves gelling a boat trailer that is properly matched to your boat, hitching it to the family car and going wherever road meets water. But when you join the ranks of the "highway sailors," think twice about safety. To start with, both your car and trailer should exceed minimum safety standards. Besides owning the right equipment, you need periodic maintenance to insure proper performance, advises the fcvinrude News Service. If you arc going to tow a load of over 2,000 pounds (including weight of trailer, boat, motor and gear), give some thought to heavy duty springs and, perhaps, load levelers on your car. You should try to keep the weight of the trailer vehicle less than the weight of the car. The weight of the boat, motor and gear should not exceed the rated capacity of the trailer. In fact, it's wise to stay 100 pounds below maximum. No matter what size the boat, it is well to select a good frame hitch. This means one that attaches to the automobile frame, not simply the bumper. They are not expensive and can bring a great deal of peace of mind. There should always be a reasonable reason-able weight on the trailer tongue, the portion of the trailer that attaches to the car. It should be 5 to 10 per cent of the weight of the total load. About 100 pounds is the average. Too much weight on the tongue causes the car to squat. Too little will cause trailer sway. Adequate tire pressure on both car and trailer are important safety factors. You should always check your car's tire pressure and keep it at recommended levels. Generally, trailer tire pressures are greater than that of auto tires. A typical trailer tire, carrying a 700 pound load, would have a rating of 50 pounds. Your trailer owner's manual man-ual will give this information, or it will be imprinted on the tire. Under-inflated tires can cause dangerous trailer sway and lack of control. They also have a tendency to wear excessively. Check for proper lubrication in the wheel bearings. Always check to see that you have the proper wiring harness and that directional and stop lights work properly. Keep good brakes on your automobile, and also on the trailer if it is large enough to require them. When passing, remember to allow for the length of the trailer, and that your acceleration will be much less than without the trailer. Don't cut corners sharply, or your trailer will be bouncing over curbs. Make sure the safety chains are attached and the tic-downs secure. C Continue to think twice about safety. Remember, With a trailer there arc two of you! |