Trailering Guidelines - Centurion Ri257 Owner's Manual

Section 10

TRAILERING GUIDELINES

Follow these guidelines when trailering:
• Maintain a safe speed as regulated by the trailering laws of the state where you
are traveling.
• Check the trailer and vehicle brakes for proper operation and fluid level prior to
departure.
• Check the trailer for damage prior to departure.
• Once the trailer is secured to the vehicle hitch, stow the trailer jack or lift (if
equipped) so that it will not hit the ground.
• Check the trailer and vehicle tires for proper inflation. Under-inflated tires heat
up rapidly and may cause tire damage or failure.
• Check trailer wheel bearings and lug nuts before each trip.
• Fasten the bow of the boat to the trailer with the bow winch line connected to the
bow eye and bow safety chains (if equipped).
• If travel conditions require, use an additional tie-down strap across the rear of
the boat from side to side to further secure the stern.
• Secure the stern of your boat to the trailer from the stern eyes.
• Check all strapping material for wear.
• Make sure trailer and vehicle running, brake and signal lights are in good
working condition.
• Drive with the vehicle and trailer running lights on.
• Too much or too little tongue weight makes steering difficult and causes the tow
vehicle to sway. Approximately 5% to 10% of boat and trailer weight should be
placed on the tongue.
• Remove any covers or bimini tops (if equipped) that are not designed to stay on
boats at highway speeds.
• Carry a spare tire and wheel for both your trailer and your towing vehicle, along
with tools to change them.
• See the Engine Operator's Manual for engine-related trailering information.
Continuous road shocks may fatigue the boat steering system.
• On extended trips, carry spare wheel bearings, seals and races.
• While traveling, check the wheel hubs every time you stop. If the hub feels
abnormally hot, inspect the bearing before continuing your trip.
• Carry a fire extinguisher in the vehicle.
• Drive slowly over railroad tracks or rough roads.
• Turn carefully while towing a trailer; additional space and distance are needed.
• If you trailer your boat from lake to lake, you may unknowingly introduce a
foreign aquatic species from one lake to the next. Thoroughly clean the boat
below the waterline, remove all weeds and algae, and drain the bilge and
livewells before launching the boat in a new body of water.
• Make sure the hitch ball and trailer coupler are the same size and bolts and nuts
are tightly secured.
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