Editor's Note- Sean O'Leary and I spent a day in February with Gary Straw of Loadmaster in Port Clinton, Ohio. He not only showed us how his trailers were built, but gave us a good education about sizing the appropriate trailer and demonstrated the old adage; you get what you pay for. Afterwards, we thought it would be a good idea to give you a few tips on towing. This is especially important on the Great Lakes, where there is a lot of fun to be had inland, or where many of us may look to escape the cold in the fall, and trailer either our primary or secondary boat to points south. Shoot us an e-mail at george.sass@boatdigest.com if you have any specific questions about selecting a trailer. We'll be glad to do a little homework for you and point you in the right direction. Happy Boating.
-George Sass Jr.

Before You Start, Understand Tow Ratings This can be a confusing subject, as there are several kinds of ratings and many things to consider when estimating the weight of your tow. Start by referring to your vehicle's operating manual for maximum ratings. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the maximum weight a specific vehicle can tow. When estimating the weight of your tow, be sure to include fuel, water and any additional gear you have stowed aboard. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is most important because it combines the total weight of your tow vehicle, including passengers, fuel, luggage, gear, etc. and the weight of your tow. For your safety and trouble-free towing, do not exceed the ratings listed by your tow vehicle manufacturer. If you're not sure of the weight of either your fully packed vehicle or loaded trailer, arrange to weigh them at a public scale before traveling far from home. Also, a good trailer manufacturer should have this data available and can walk you through the process.

Other Top Towing Tips

Always check tire pressure of both your vehicle and trailer. A tire failure on either could be disastrous.

Tighten all wheel nuts on your vehicle and trailer to the correct torque rating using a torque wrench. Repeat on a regular basis.

Insert a bolt or padlock into the coupler to be sure it's locked and secure. Crisscross and attach the safety chains.

Back your vehicle towards your left so you have a better view of what's behind you. Or, use a spotter to let you know exactly where your trailer is.

Check the condition of the boat ramp and be sure there's plenty of water for a safe launch before you back down.

Make sure your tow is level by adjusting the height of your hitch or installing a different drawbar assembly.

Unplug your wiring harness before you launch to prevent hot light bulbs from burning out.

Check all lights including turn signals and brakes before heading out on the highway.

Anticipate turning corners, taking a much wider turn with your vehicle to prevent your trailer from going up on curbs, in ditches or hitting signs.

Secure all gear and equipment inside the boat before towing to prevent damage.

Don't forget to remove all tie-downs and install the drain plug before launching.

Above all, plan ahead to limit the amount of backing up you have to do. If you find yourself in a tight spot, take your time and go slowly. You can always stop, pull ahead to straighten out, and try again.