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Boat Trailer Towing Safety
IMPORTANT INFORMATION PLEASE READ BEFORE USING YOUR TRAILER
EC Type Approval of Trailers
UK Regulations came into force on 29 April 2009 that apply to all road vehicles and include boat trailers. Timing will depend on whether the trailers are new or existing types, i.e. manufactured to a new or an existing design. Type approval was voluntary from 29 April 2009. For new trailer types it became mandatory from 29 October 2010 and for existing types from 29 October 2012.
It is extremely important that all U bolts nuts/bolts are checked prior to and after initial loading, make sure you carry the tools to be able to carry this process out. You will need 13mm/17mm/19mm/24mm/26mm size spanners and sockets. Wheel nuts must be checked after the first 100km. Please refer to the owners handbook CD for full maintenance instructions, if you do not have a CD please call 01784 450155 we will send you one FOC.
It is extremely important that all U bolts nuts/bolts are checked prior to and after initial loading, make sure you carry the tools to be able to carry this process out. You will need 13mm/17mm/19mm/24mm/26mm size spanners and sockets. Wheel nuts must be checked after the first 100km. Please refer to the owners handbook CD for full maintenance instructions, if you do not have a CD please call 01784 450155 we will send you one FOC.
Unsecured loads are dangerous please read this before using your trailer.
Even if your boat was carefully loaded, if it is not secured and shifts in transit, it presents a risk to road users. Loading and unloading can be extremely time-pressured – with no time to stop. Please carefully consider the risks of unloading an unstable load. Spilled loads can lead to road closures, cause significant delay, congestion and are extremely dangerous.
• If there is a gap between the load (the boat) and the bow support, the load can shift forward under braking, risking the life of the driver and other road users.
• Without the use of the bow support load (the boat) is not contained.
• Boats will move around on rollers if not securely contained or restrained
To secure a load safely you need to make sure it is:
• Restrained – tied firmly down to the trailer.
• Contained – it can't move around (shift) on the trailer.
The only way to do this is with strong webbing straps (lashings) attached directly to the trailer at the correct points how many depends on the load.
If the load shifts or move around on the trailer, STOP do not use contact a professional and agree a safe way to sort it out.
PLANNING YOUR LOAD & JOURNEY
Planning how you secure the load is an important step to keeping safe. Loading plans can help to flag up issues before they become problems.
Things to be considered will vary but could include:
• Whether the driver will witness loading.
• Do I have the correct tools for trailer adjustment
• Who will apply the load restraints and what they should be.
• How the load will be placed on the trailer bed.
• Who will unload the vehicle and what equipment will be required.
• Who the driver should report to on arrival.
• What the driver should do if the load shifts during the journey.
Please remember the driver is responsible for ensuring that the load is loaded so that it does not present a danger to others. It is important that the driver knows how the load has been secured, especially if he has not seen it loaded.
Don't just rely on word of mouth that your trailer has been loaded correctly check then check again.
***Wheel nuts must be checked on the first 100 miles of trailers journey***
DRIVER'S CHECKLIST
Plan your journey and take account of any restrictions that are shown. When you have to use local roads, be aware of the size of your vehicle and the impact it has on the environment.
• Use the highest category road available;
• Look for the signed routes;
• Plan long distance diversions around the restrictions shown on the advisory route map;
• Watch out for other restrictions on main and local roads;
• Always drive to the signs;
• When using local roads, respect those who live there;
• Stay within the speed limit;
• Keep engine noise to a minimum;
• Know the height of your vehicle - is it displayed in your cab? and where appropriate the load;
• Know the plated weight of your vehicle; DO NOT EXCEED THIS
• Watch out for low bridges and look for the warning signs;
• Remember - a low bridge is one with a height of less than 16'6" (5.03m);
• There are many more unsigned bridges with headroom of 16 6" or more. If your vehicle is higher than 16'3" you are advised to seek guidance from the Local Highways Office for routing;
• Only enter a weight restriction area if your destination is on that road, otherwise, find an alternative route. The County Council is trying to implement restrictions on a road-by-road basis to avoid confusion as to the extent of the restricted area;
• Weight restrictions are there for your safety and the public's', most indicate a weak structure, do not breach them;
• Ensure loads are properly secured.
WINCH SAFETY POINTS
• Wear safety non slip footwear, protective leather gloves and a High Viz top when handling the manual winch.
• The weight of the boat you wish to load must not exceed the safe working load (SWL) of the winch. Strap in use with the winch must be in good condition . Check the winch's and straps capacity before use.
• Similarly, the weight of any load you are attempting to pull onto the trailer must not exceed the winch's specified pulling capacity (commonly 1.1 on bunk trailers but more on roller trailers check this.)
• NEVER pull or lift people with a winch.
• Winches and accessories are covered by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and must be serviced/ maintained in good safe working order by competent personnel. A thorough examination of the equipment must be undertaken every 12 months by a competent person and an inspection made every six months. Each must be recorded.
• Examine the equipment for obvious defects such as strap frays or kinks before use and do not use until any defects have been competently replaced or repaired.
• Only people directly involved should be in the vicinity of the winch. Everyone should stay clear of the strap, its attachments and the load being winched. Beware of spinning handles, keep a firm grip on the handle when under load. If the handle is damaged or worn do not use, replace it immediately
• Do not use the strap doubled back on itself or as a sling around the back of the boat this is extremely dangerous..
• If you can't turn the handle the winch is overloaded or damaged. STOP!!
• Always use the boat bow eye, if you do not have one, DO NOT LOAD YOUR BOAT
• If you are unsure how to use the winch STOP!! seek advise before use.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, BE SAFE DON'T TAKE UNNECESSARY CHANCES IF IN DOUBT CALL US FOR ADVISE FREE ON 01784 450155
Boat Trailers Ltd Disclaimer
The information in this guide is intended as a guide. It is as accurate at the time of publication as the editor is able to make it. Neither the Editor nor Boat Trailers Ltd nor any other person or company associated with the production of this guide accepts any responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be in the text.
It is the responsibility of any person wishing to depend on the facts contained in this Boat Trailers Ltd website to check for themselves with original documentation or any updating regulations, instruments or changes in the law.
EC Type Approval of Trailers
UK Regulations came into force on 29 April 2009 that apply to all road vehicles and include boat trailers. Timing will depend on whether the trailers are new or existing types, i.e. manufactured to a new or an existing design. Type approval was voluntary from 29 April 2009. For new trailer types it became mandatory from 29 October 2010 and for existing types from 29 October 2012.
It is extremely important that all U bolts nuts/bolts are checked prior to and after initial loading, make sure you carry the tools to be able to carry this process out. You will need 13mm/17mm/19mm/24mm/26mm size spanners and sockets. Wheel nuts must be checked after the first 100km. Please refer to the owners handbook CD for full maintenance instructions, if you do not have a CD please call 01784 450155 we will send you one FOC.
It is extremely important that all U bolts nuts/bolts are checked prior to and after initial loading, make sure you carry the tools to be able to carry this process out. You will need 13mm/17mm/19mm/24mm/26mm size spanners and sockets. Wheel nuts must be checked after the first 100km. Please refer to the owners handbook CD for full maintenance instructions, if you do not have a CD please call 01784 450155 we will send you one FOC.
Unsecured loads are dangerous please read this before using your trailer.
Even if your boat was carefully loaded, if it is not secured and shifts in transit, it presents a risk to road users. Loading and unloading can be extremely time-pressured – with no time to stop. Please carefully consider the risks of unloading an unstable load. Spilled loads can lead to road closures, cause significant delay, congestion and are extremely dangerous.
• If there is a gap between the load (the boat) and the bow support, the load can shift forward under braking, risking the life of the driver and other road users.
• Without the use of the bow support load (the boat) is not contained.
• Boats will move around on rollers if not securely contained or restrained
To secure a load safely you need to make sure it is:
• Restrained – tied firmly down to the trailer.
• Contained – it can't move around (shift) on the trailer.
The only way to do this is with strong webbing straps (lashings) attached directly to the trailer at the correct points how many depends on the load.
If the load shifts or move around on the trailer, STOP do not use contact a professional and agree a safe way to sort it out.
PLANNING YOUR LOAD & JOURNEY
Planning how you secure the load is an important step to keeping safe. Loading plans can help to flag up issues before they become problems.
Things to be considered will vary but could include:
• Whether the driver will witness loading.
• Do I have the correct tools for trailer adjustment
• Who will apply the load restraints and what they should be.
• How the load will be placed on the trailer bed.
• Who will unload the vehicle and what equipment will be required.
• Who the driver should report to on arrival.
• What the driver should do if the load shifts during the journey.
Please remember the driver is responsible for ensuring that the load is loaded so that it does not present a danger to others. It is important that the driver knows how the load has been secured, especially if he has not seen it loaded.
Don't just rely on word of mouth that your trailer has been loaded correctly check then check again.
***Wheel nuts must be checked on the first 100 miles of trailers journey***
DRIVER'S CHECKLIST
Plan your journey and take account of any restrictions that are shown. When you have to use local roads, be aware of the size of your vehicle and the impact it has on the environment.
• Use the highest category road available;
• Look for the signed routes;
• Plan long distance diversions around the restrictions shown on the advisory route map;
• Watch out for other restrictions on main and local roads;
• Always drive to the signs;
• When using local roads, respect those who live there;
• Stay within the speed limit;
• Keep engine noise to a minimum;
• Know the height of your vehicle - is it displayed in your cab? and where appropriate the load;
• Know the plated weight of your vehicle; DO NOT EXCEED THIS
• Watch out for low bridges and look for the warning signs;
• Remember - a low bridge is one with a height of less than 16'6" (5.03m);
• There are many more unsigned bridges with headroom of 16 6" or more. If your vehicle is higher than 16'3" you are advised to seek guidance from the Local Highways Office for routing;
• Only enter a weight restriction area if your destination is on that road, otherwise, find an alternative route. The County Council is trying to implement restrictions on a road-by-road basis to avoid confusion as to the extent of the restricted area;
• Weight restrictions are there for your safety and the public's', most indicate a weak structure, do not breach them;
• Ensure loads are properly secured.
WINCH SAFETY POINTS
• Wear safety non slip footwear, protective leather gloves and a High Viz top when handling the manual winch.
• The weight of the boat you wish to load must not exceed the safe working load (SWL) of the winch. Strap in use with the winch must be in good condition . Check the winch's and straps capacity before use.
• Similarly, the weight of any load you are attempting to pull onto the trailer must not exceed the winch's specified pulling capacity (commonly 1.1 on bunk trailers but more on roller trailers check this.)
• NEVER pull or lift people with a winch.
• Winches and accessories are covered by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and must be serviced/ maintained in good safe working order by competent personnel. A thorough examination of the equipment must be undertaken every 12 months by a competent person and an inspection made every six months. Each must be recorded.
• Examine the equipment for obvious defects such as strap frays or kinks before use and do not use until any defects have been competently replaced or repaired.
• Only people directly involved should be in the vicinity of the winch. Everyone should stay clear of the strap, its attachments and the load being winched. Beware of spinning handles, keep a firm grip on the handle when under load. If the handle is damaged or worn do not use, replace it immediately
• Do not use the strap doubled back on itself or as a sling around the back of the boat this is extremely dangerous..
• If you can't turn the handle the winch is overloaded or damaged. STOP!!
• Always use the boat bow eye, if you do not have one, DO NOT LOAD YOUR BOAT
• If you are unsure how to use the winch STOP!! seek advise before use.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, BE SAFE DON'T TAKE UNNECESSARY CHANCES IF IN DOUBT CALL US FOR ADVISE FREE ON 01784 450155
Boat Trailers Ltd Disclaimer
The information in this guide is intended as a guide. It is as accurate at the time of publication as the editor is able to make it. Neither the Editor nor Boat Trailers Ltd nor any other person or company associated with the production of this guide accepts any responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be in the text.
It is the responsibility of any person wishing to depend on the facts contained in this Boat Trailers Ltd website to check for themselves with original documentation or any updating regulations, instruments or changes in the law.
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