Towing the IRB Trailer
Securing an IRB to a Trailer
When securing an IRB, rope/strapping should reach from an attachment point on the trailer over the vessel to an attachment point on the other side of the trailer and with use of a safety chain. You should check your local SOPs and state/ territory licensing requirements to ensure that your load is secured and that your tow vehicle meets all applicable SOPs and laws.
Towing Preparation
If you are driving the tow vehicle you must hold a current licence appropriate for the vehicle and environment in which you are operating. This licence must meet state/territory requirements and any local SOPS requirements.
The trailer is attached to the towing vehicle by the trailer coupling. The coupling on the front of the trailer drops over a ball on the back of the towbar and then locks down. These two parts must match in size. The class of trailer determines the ball size. The tow ball should be securely attached to the towing vehicle and should be appropriate for the load you are attempting to pull.
The safety chain(s) must be strong enough to hold the trailer should the trailer coupling accidentally disconnect and must meet the relevant Australian Standard.
When hitched the weight of the trailer and load should be distributed between the hitch and the trailer axles. Too much weight on the rear of the trailer will cause the trailer to fishtail (swing from side to side) and may reduce traction or lift the rear wheels of the tow vehicle off the ground. Too much weight on the hitch will cause the rear wheels of the tow vehicle to drag and may make steering difficult.
Rollers and/or pads are used to support the IRB on the trailer. There should be sufficient support to ensure the IRB does not warp. You should make sure that all support surfaces are in contact with the IRB at all times.
Take the following steps when preparing for safe towing:
- Drain accumulated water from the IRB hull
- Lower the trailer coupling onto the ball and lock together securely (check this by pulling upward on the trailer draw bar)
- Connect working trailer lights to towing vehicle and check turn signals, taillights, brake lights and reversing lights are all operating correctly
- Securely attach safety chain(s) from trailer to tow vehicle, ensuring they do not drag on the ground
- Check tie-down straps are holding the IRB securely to the trailer
- Check tyre pressure, wheel nuts and test brakes (if applicable)
- The motor is suitably secured by a tie/strap (when travelling long distances it is recommended to remove the motor from the transom during transport)
Road Handling – Road Trailers
The weight that you are pulling will make your towing vehicle less responsive in many respects. Speeding up, slowing down and all manoeuvres will require more time to accomplish. Leave more room between you and any vehicle in front of you to make sure you can stop should it become necessary. The IRB must be secured with appropriately rated ties or straps and safety chain. For safety reasons, do NOT use octopus (ocky) straps.
- Make sure your rear-view mirrors (internal and external) are large enough to provide an unobstructed rear view on both sides of the vehicle, and extending beyond the towed IRB
- Kerbs and barriers must be given a wide berth when turning corners
When reversing:
- The trailer will turn in the opposite direction to the car; take it slowly and try to avoid oversteering and jack-knifing
- Avoid riding (partially engaging) the clutch in vehicles with a manual transmission
- It is highly recommended that a second person act as a spotter, to assist the vehicle operator, as well as to keep watch for hazards or obstructions which commonly include people who walk behind a reversing vehicle
- Vehicles should also be fitted with a reversing alarm and mirrors capable of providing a clear view behind the towed load
Beach Handling- Beach Trailers
Towing a beach trailer with a vehicle such as an SSV, Tractor or 4WD will require more time and spatial awareness due to the challenges when manoeuvring on the beach. The trailer must be secured to the towing vehicle with a minimum of one safety chain.
Beach trailers are generally lighter weight and can be driven/ pushed into the water to assist with launching an IRB.
Beach trailers handle in a similar manner to road trailers, however, more load may need to be applied to overcome resistance from loose sand.
