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July 09, 2016 - 1:00 PM
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - RCMP in B.C. are warning drivers to make sure trailers are properly cared for when they take their boats out to the water.
Police have posted a list of tips for people towing boats, including ensuring the boat is properly attached to the trailer, making sure the trailer is properly attached to the trailer hitch, and equipment and cargo is secure.
RCMP warn people must change their driving habits when they are towing a boat. Stopping distances increase and the ability to accelerate decreases, police say.
The list also includes tips about proper care and use of a trailer.
While he doesn’t know of many accidents there are involving boat trailers, Kamloops Sailing Association commodore John Drayton agrees trailer care is important.
“In my observation, wiring and lighting is always a problem,” he says. “Lights are frequently getting into the water when boats are being launched.”
He says that can lead to broken signal and brake lights, or corroded wiring.
Drayton also says people need to be aware of tongue weight, which refers to how much weight is on the tongue of the trailer and hitch.
“I don’t think people pay attention to tongue weight,” he says. “Just having (the boat) back by eight or 12 inches from its ordinary resting spot can have phenomenal impact on the tongue weight.”
This can lead to wobbly trailers and dangerous situations, Drayton says.
Have a look at the B.C. RCMP list of tips on proper towing of a boat or trailer here.
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