LARSON Bass - Trailering Guidelines

TRAILERING AND LAUNCHING
SECTION
8
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co. 8 - 6 l Bass
TRAILERING GUIDELINES
Follow these guidelines when trailering:
• Before driving, make sure the
vehicle maintenance and
trailer maintenance are
current. This is very important
because towing puts
additional stress on the tow
vehicle.
• Make sure the wheel lug nuts/
bolts on the tow vehicle and
trailer are tightened to the
correct torque.
• Be sure the hitch, coupler,
draw bar and other equipment
that connect the trailer and the
tow vehicle are properly secured and adjusted.
• Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
• Verify that the brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are operating correctly.
• 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.
• Make sure the hitch ball and trailer coupler are the same size and bolts
and nuts are tightly secured.
• The coupler must be completely over the ball, and the latching mechanism
must be locked down.
• Make sure the safety chains are properly crisscrossed and connected.
They should not touch the road but should have enough slack to make
turns. If the ball were to break, the trailer would follow in a straight line and
prevent the coupler from dragging on the road. Make sure the trailer
emergency brake cable or chain is also installed to the tow vehicle frame.
• Ensure the breakaway system lanyard is connected to the tow vehicle and
not to the safety chains or ball mount.
NOTE — Make sure the towing vehicle and trailer are in compliance with all state
and local laws. Contact your state motor vehicle bureau for laws governing the
towing of trailers.
KC-0046C-A