BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Step 1

Before attaching your trailer to the vehicle, make sure that the trailer is properly balanced and level.

Step 2

Position the vehicle or trailer so that the hitch ball is directly below the trailer’s coupler, then slowly lower the trailer.

Step 3

Securely fasten the tongue coupler and lock the trailer latch using a cotter pin or lock.

Step 4

Using tie down straps, securely fasten the boat to the trailer.

Step 5

Attach the winch cable and/or winch safety chain to the bow eye of the boat (if so equipped).

Step 6

Ensure that the trailer’s safety chains are securely fastened to the hitch. Chains should be long enough to accommodate tight turns but short enough so that the tongue of the trailer cannot touch the road if it becomes dislodged from the hitch. When attaching your two, strong safety chains to the hitch, criss-cross them. If criss-crossed, the safety chains will be able to help hold the coupler in place if the trailer ever became disconnected from the hitch during transportation.

Step 7

Fasten the trailer’s lighting harness to your vehicle.