Towing your Boat or Trailer

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Lake of the Ozarks provides many opportunities for towing a boat or trailer, but towing requires a higher level of caution, skill and attention from the driver. Here are some towing safety tips that will help ensure that you and your boat/trailer arrive safely!

Certified Trailers  - Make sure your boat trailer is certified by The National Marine Manufacturers Association.   When your trailer is still at the manufacturers, it will undergo a safety inspection to ensure that it is in compliance in the areas of identification plates, capacity ratings, couplings, safety chains, lighting, winches, brakes, registration procedures and conspicuity systems.  To see a complete list, please visit the NMMA Certified Trailers Manufacturer's Page.

Tips when getting started - If this is your first time to tow a trailer/boat, the first thing you will need to consider is the towing capacity of  your vehicle.   This information should be available in your vehicle's owners manual.  Most standard trucks and SUVs  will be suitable for towing up to 25 ft, but consult your vehicle owner's manual to be certain of the limits and restrictions.  You will also want to check your owners manual for the "dry" weight of your boat and add several hundred pounds to compensate for the fuel and gear that you will be adding to the boat.

Bring a friend - If your boat is 25ft or great, you will need some helping hands.  Be sure to bring a friend that can help guide your boat and assist with launch the boat and retrieving it.  Don't be afraid to ask for help as you learn, you more than likely will find a helpful boater near by that can assist you.

State Laws for Towing - Be sure to check your state laws and requirements of the weight and beam of your boat before towing.



Checklist before you Tow - Here is a short check list that you can check before you leave for your first
or next boating trip!!

  1. Coupler, hitch and hitch ball are of the same size
  2. Coupler and safety chains are safely secured to hitch of tow vehicle
  3. Fastners are tightened properly
  4. Boat is securely tied down
  5. Wheel lug nuts are properly tightened
  6. Wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained
  7. Load is within maximum load carrying capacity
  8. Tires are properly inflated
  9. Trailer lights are working properly
  10. Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and working

Last but not least, you will want to maintain your boat trailer.  The trailer, hub and lights are immersed in water every time put your boat in and again when you take it out.  
  • Inspect the bearings to ensure they are not dry.
  • Have a friend stand behind the trailer to check the taillights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.
  • Rinse your trailer with fresh water after each use to help extend the life of your hubs and lights.
  • Consider investing in a spare wheel.
These are just a few tips to help you have an enjoyable boating/towing experience.  If you are looking for a vehicle with adequate power to pull your boat, check out the large inventory of New or at Pre-Owned vehicles at Lake of the Ozarks.   Come on in and experience the Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC way of doing business!!   

We look forward to meeting you!!
The Team at Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC


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513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO  65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4197
Service:  573.317.4189
Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

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