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TIPS

Securing your boat

The key reason we need to secure your boat is to stop it falling off the trailer during travel. Forward motion of your car and braking will move your boat around drastically. This is why we need to safely secure your boat to our trailer. To secure it to the boat you need to secure a single point to the front of the trailer, and two points at the back of the trailer. At the front, use the winch to secure your boat in place and attach the backup safety chain. At the back of the boat attach the tie downs we supply you to the tie down brackets. If you cannot see the tie down brackets, they are located at the end of the main channel. 

1.    Secure the front of the boat with the winch and safety chain
2.    Secure the back two points with tie downs
3.    Check for movement in the boat
 
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Preparing for travel

Safe travel is very important and we recommend doing these checks to ensure you remain safe as possible during transit. You will need a high-vis flag and someone to help you check your lights. Before travel you must:
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  1. Secure a high-vis flag to motor
  2. Secure your boat with at least 3 points of contact to your trailer
  3. Attach all safety chains
  4. Rotate the jockey wheel up
  5. Check your brakes and indicators
  6. Carry a spare wheel and a 19mm socket wrench in case of a flat tyre
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Cleaning

Our alloy trailers are designed to be easily cleaned. The open design allows you to easily wash the trailer down. We recommend washing off any salt water after every use as this can lead to corrosion in some components. Almost all the components are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about where the water is going. WARNING: If electrical plug gets wet, ensure it is dry before your next use. 

Places to wash:
1.    Frame
2.    Frame ribs
3.    Tyres
4.    Axle
5.    Winch
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Rules to be familiar with

From: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/about-driving/towing â€‹
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  • On a learner or restricted car licence (Class 1) you can tow a trailer but the combined weight of your vehicle, the trailer and its load must not exceed 4500kg.
  • On a full licence the combined weight of your vehicle, the trailer and its load must not exceed 6000kg.
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​Safe towing guidelines​
  • Refer to the car manufacturer's recommendations before towing a trailer, in particular the weight limits recommended.
  • Refer to the loading limits for the tow bar you are using.
  • Be aware that overloading and uneven loading of car trailers can seriously affect a car's handling.
  • When driving a light vehicle (for example, a car or light truck), you must not tow more than one trailer or vehicle at a time.
  • You must be able to see behind the towed trailer or vehicle. If you can't see behind with your rear-view mirrors, you may need to fit a special mirror.
  • There must be no more than 4 metres between your vehicle and the trailer or vehicle it is towing.
  • The maximum speed for a light vehicle towing a trailer on the open road is 90 km/h.
  • The maximum speed for towing a motorcycle is 30 km/h.
  • You must not tow a motorcycle unless it is mechanically disabled.
  • At night, the back of the trailer/towed vehicle must show a red light.
  • If you're towing a disabled vehicle at night, its headlights must light up the towing connection.
  • Remember, you will be slower and less stable than other traffic when towing. Check behind often to see if other vehicles are held up behind you.
  • If the road is winding or narrow and vehicles can't pass you, stop at a safe place and let them pass.
  • Leave more space than usual between your vehicle and the one in front, so that others can pass you.
  • Remember that the added weight behind you means you will need more space to stop.
  • Increase your following distance from two seconds to four seconds.
  • The towing connection and safety chain or cable that holds the trailer/vehicle must be secured safe and strong.
  • If you are towing another vehicle without a rigid towing system, eg with a rope or a strop, the maximum allowable speed is 50km/h.
  • If you are towing another vehicle with a rigid towing connection the maximum speed is 90km/h.
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