Trailering Your Boat By using a trailer, the average boater becomes more mobile, eliminates the usual marina charges and makes routine maintenance easier to perform. In selecting a trailer be certain that the one you choose is capable of handling your boat's weight and length. Each trailer is equipped with a capacity plate which informs you of this necessary information. When determining the load don't forget to include all equipment and gear that will be carried aboard the trailer during a typical tow. As for length, the trailer must adequately support the entire length of your boat including the transom. The trailer must also be capable of being properly adjusted to uniformly support the hull. When shopping for a trailer, either bunk or roller type, first determine how you intend to use the trailer. Generally bunk trailers provide greater long term storage advantages, while roller types best facilitate launching/retrieval, particularly on shallow ramps. Safety Tips. Never exceed your tow hitches rated capacity and always be certain that the trailer hitch is secured to the vehicle's frame and is not merely a light duty hitch secured only to the bumper. Frame connections are much safer, particularly with increasing loads. Always consult your vehicle and trailer owner's manuals for hitch specifications. Be certain that the hitch ball is always matched to the coupler on the trailer tongue. Using a mismatched coupler and ball could result in the trailer disconnecting from the hitch. Always connect the trailer to the hitch with the use of safety chains. The chain size is usually determined by the manufacturer of the trailer, however it is generally specified that the minimum breaking strength of the chain be about 1.5 times the maximum gross trailer weight. Related hardware should also be equally rated. 15