Tips for Backing Up a Boat Trailer
You have ticked off everything on the checklist, ensuring that you are ready to finally embark on the boating trip you’ve been so eagerly waiting for! What next? Just the butterflies in your stomach as you are backing your boat down the ramp into the water. It certainly didn’t have to be this way, right?
At L&M Marine in Stapleton, Alabama, we have put together this guide to help you back up the boat trailer like a pro. Read on to learn more and connect with our staff if you have more concerns or want to browse boats for sale. We also serve our customers in Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.
Practice
Gear yourself up for some practice in a local parking lot with plenty of free space, so you can brush up on your skills to gain the confidence to maneuver in tight spaces.
Set the side mirrors on your vehicle to ensure that you can clearly see the sides of the trailer and any hazards behind you. Add an attachment to provide you with a wide-angle view if required. Make sure to turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers around you that you will be backing up.
When you are towing a trailer, remember that its rear will move the opposite direction of where your vehicle will move. So, if you want the boat trailer to move to the left, steer your wheel to the left and vice versa.
Keep it slow so you can control both the vehicle and the trailer.
Practice your reverse skills by placing cones in the parking lot and try maneuvering around those. If possible, seek the guidance of experts around you. A helping hand can ease your concerns and teach you a trick or two.
Prepare
Check to see if the drain plug is in and the ratchet straps are in the right place.
Before the descent, pull up the trailer so you have enough space on all sides of both the vehicles (the tow vehicle and the trailer). Make sure that the wheels are straight, and the trailer is in alignment with the vehicle.
When It’s Time to Back Up
To start backing up the trailer like a pro, set the steering wheel of your vehicle at the 6:00 position and shift into reverse. You may want to have someone keep an eye on the movement and alert you of an obstacle on the way.
Make use of the mirrors to keep an eye on the sides and to keep the vehicle and trailer aligned.
Continue moving down the ramp in a straight line and stop immediately if you have oversteered the vehicle or the trailer is out of alignment. Correct it by slowly moving forward till you have achieved the right angle you need. Shift into reverse again, once everything is set.
Get back to the descent and repeat the above step to ensure you are backing up like a pro!
At L&M Marine in Stapleton, Alabama, our team is available to address all your concerns regarding using and maintaining a boat. If you want to upgrade your vessel before the next trip, head to our store and browse our latest collection. We are happy to serve our friends in Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.