Trailering big boat home for the first time

[salmonee]

Any advice for trailering a big boat (21') home? First boat and first time trailering something so big.

Also do all boat trailer use the standard 4 pin plug for trailer lights?

 

[CAVU V]

Re: Trailering big boat home for the first time

One thing to remember is that most people driving cars don't understand physics and will cut in front of you decreasing your available room to stop.

If you have surge brakes it should have 5 plugs, the fifth is to lock out the brakes in reverse.

 

[cadunkle]

Re: Trailering big boat home for the first time

I tow a 21' on a dual axle trailer, the whole thing probably weighs in the neighborhood of 4000 lbs. I tow with an lifted '86 F-250. 21' really isn't that big of a load. With minje it can be a handful if I have my bias ply muddin' tires on the truck but with my radials it tows just fine. I reccommend the little convex towing mirrors that stick on so you can keep a better eye on your trailer when in tight streets and backing. In all honesty my trailer isn't a big deal to tow. Backing accurately is actually easier with a longer dual axle trailer than with a short single axle. When launching or backing the tight 90* into my driveway I just put the transfer case in low range and don't have to worry about slipping the clutch, makes life easier and save wear and tear.

If you gotta do some tight turns to get into your parking space I'd recommend stopping at a big empty lot on the way home adn practice a few times to see how the trailer handles, so you don't stop traffic too long. First time into the driveway I got mine on the second shot, after 5-10 mins practice in an empty lot.

Just keep those things in mind and take your time to get a feel for how your truck stops with the new load. Your truck won't stop like it would with a little 16'-18' single axle.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Trailering big boat home for the first time

We just bought our 18.5' Bayliner a few months ago. We live in MN so obviously we haven't used it yet. We picked it up about an hour north of our home and trailered it back. The only other time I trailered a boat was 20 years ago when I was young and dumb (trashed the prop on my girlfriend's Dad's boat who let us use it w/out supervision).

We have an '08 Pilot as our tow vehicle. I did put the round convex mirrors on our side mirrors and they worked great. I also drove the speed limit and dropped it down one gear to avoid going in and out of overdrive on slightly hilly roads. Give yourself plenty of space w/the cars in front of you, as previously mentioned. And of course don't take corners too tight!

Actually our little trip went pretty well. It was snowy and nasty out when I drove it home. We have a relatively steep driveway that was partially covered w/snow and ice; and I had to back it into the third stall of our garage at a pretty significant "side angle". And this was all at NIGHT! I nailed it on the second try...with our neighbor friend standing w/her door open staring at me. The other guy is right, it's not that difficult.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailering big boat home for the first time

best to ask the seller what plug the trailer has on it.

http://www.accessconnect.com/trailer_wiring_diagram.htm

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailering big boat home for the first time

On your trip home, make sure the outdrive/outboard is tilted up so you don't trash it leaving parking lots or backing into your driveway (and then make sure you don't stick it through the back of your garage or your garage door.

 

[salmonee]

Re: Trailering big boat home for the first time

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll take it slow and easy. What major chain stores can you pick up those convex mirror at? Would you just go to a auto parts store?

 

[QC]

Re: Trailering big boat home for the first time

Cadunkle is right!! Find a big parking lot with some room.

Always be careful about entering into ANYWHERE that you might not be able to turn around to get out of. If you can't see for sure, get out and walk ahead and look. Sometimes the only solution if you get stuck is to take the trailer off and reposition the vehicle

Also, verify that your brakes are working properly before you need them!

 

[idrownworms]

Re: Trailering big boat home for the first time

Having well over a million paid miles in a class 8 tractor trailer here are some of my observations.

You cannot have mirrors that are to large both flat (objects appear actual size) and convex ( objects appear smaller but you have a wider angle of view)

The trailer does not follow the same path in a turn as the truck, the trailer will make a smaller turn, this means you have to make a wider turn than normal with the truck to keep from hitting the curb with the trailer.

Backing up a trailer is a skill that takes practice and then more practice and even more practice, but once you learn backing up is second nature

Practice in a big empty lot until your comfortable

On mirrors they make special trailer towing mirrors ( look in the RV section)that you can mount temporary while you have the trailer hooked up

jamie

towing a trailer is like falling off a bike once you learn how you never forget