Trailering; Hitch; Trailering Checklist - Yamaha AR210 Owner's/Operator's Manual

TRAILERING

WARNING
Avoid accident and injury from
improper trailering:
The trailer must be matched for
the boat's weight and hull.
The towing vehicle must have the
capacity of pulling the load.
Pulling a load that exceeds the
towing capacity may cause loss
of control.
Be sure the boat is secured to the
trailer and the trailer is properly
hitched to the towing vehicle
before towing.
Read all literature supplied with
your trailer and any warning and
caution labels on your trailer.
A trailer is provided as standard equip-
ment with your boat. If you need to
obtain another trailer, choose one that
is manufactured to carry a boat of the
size and weight of your boat. Check the
certification label on the left forward
side of the trailer. This label is required
to show the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR), which is the load car-
rying capacity of the trailer plus the
trailer's weight. Be sure that the total
weight of your boat, any cargo, and the
trailer weight itself does not exceed the
GVWR.

HITCH

The trailer hitch ball must match the
size of the socket on the trailer hitch
coupler. Hitches are divided into class-
es that specify the gross trailer weight
(GTW) and the maximum tongue
weight. Always use a hitch rated for the
same or higher class. Use a bolted-on
or welded-on hitch; clamp-on bumper
hitches are not recommended. Be sure
the trailer hitch's release handle is
latched with the lock pin installed
before towing.
Use safety chains between the towing
vehicle and the trailer so the trailer will
not detach completely from the towing
vehicle if it accidentally comes loose
from the hitch ball. Crisscross the
chains under the trailer tongue so the
tongue will not hit the road surface if it
falls loose. Rig the chains as tightly as
possible while allowing just enough
slack to permit tight turns.
Be sure the tongue weight (vertical
weight on the hitch point) is correct.
Generally, 5% to 10% of the combined
weight of the boat and trailer should be
on the tongue. Too much or too little
weight can cause difficult steering or
trailer swaying.

TRAILERING CHECKLIST

Check your state laws to be sure
your trailer meets all regulations,
such as proper licensing, brake,
axle load, and safety chain require-
ments.
Check trailer for any loose fasteners
or damaged parts.
Check tires for proper inflation.
3-27
O
PERATION
3