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March 10, 2023 Samantha Tilley

FAQ Friday #13 - Trailers!

Admittedly, we've not specifically been asked about trailers this week, but I've already had numerous "thankyou" replies to our seasonal trailer and towing  reminder email which I sent out today...

I've sent this checklist out at the end of the season previously, but it's equally valid for the start too!
Here are my thoughts on preparing your trailer ready to launch your boat when the time comes.
There’s no real set order to these checks, but imagine your trailer’s been sat on the driveway all winter and now you're ready to get the boat back in the water…
  1. Check your tow vehicle is suitable for towing
  • All the usual pre-journey checks, plus adjusting tyre pressures where required
  • Test your lights
    • Trailer boards are known for working one journey and not the next. And, let’s face it, how many of us don’t realise a rear light is out until someone tells us?
  • Check your trailer is securely connected to your tow vehicle
    • This includes checking the safety chain/cable is securely connected onto a suitable part of the tow vehicle from the trailer. Trailers do sometimes come loose...
  • Check the trailer brakes
    • If your trailer is braked, do the brakes work without binding and getting hot? Check the hubs to ensure your bearings are functioning properly too – hubs should be cool to the touch.
  • Check the jockey wheel and winch for wear and tear.
    • You don't want to get the boat to the slip, only to find the winch has seized and you can't actually launch it!
  • Secure any loose items aboard the boat
    • Including the upholstery! You'd be surprised how many times I've seen loose items hanging on for dear life when boats arrived at Tilley Inflatables...
  • Check your boat is securely attached to your trailer!
    • Your RIB should be tied so that it can’t go forwards, backwards or upwards. We never recommend tying over tubes where possible, but always off the hull. Don’t forget to inspect your rope and ties for wear too. Please - never rely on the winch to hold the boat on the trailer - it's a recipe for disaster!
    Towing laws have relaxed slightly but, just in case, you can check out the full UK towing rules on the government website.
    We do have a few cleaning products ideal for use on trailers too:
    Previous article FAQ Friday #14 - Does RIBstore's own brand RIB tube cleaning product, ToobShine, actually work?
    Next article FAQ Friday #12 - I've bought some 2 part adhesive from you, but only want to mix part of it at a time - how is best to do this?