PROCEDURES FOR TOWING OF SURF LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT ON TRAILERS

Towing practice
Towing a trailer isn’t really that difficult but does require a great deal more care. Remember, that by the simple action of coupling up your trailer, your vehicle has become heavier and longer. It will be harder to move and very much harder to stop, so don’t forget to allow extra time and space for all maneuvers, including overtaking and turning. For further information operators are advised to refer to SLSQ 4wd and tractor resources.

Vehicle specifications (know your limit)
For many years every vehicle manufacturer has specified the load their vehicles can tow. Typically, this information is included in the vehicle’s handbook and is given as the:

• Maximum weight of a trailer without brakes;
• Maximum weight of a trailer with brakes; and
• Maximum tow ball load.
  

These specifications are essential to the selection process as they represent the absolute limits the vehicle can safely tow.

A tow vehicle has a tow bar and ball. The trailer has a towing coupling that connects with the tow ball to allow sideways and up and down movement of the trailer while it is being towed. A safety chain prevents the trailer coming loose if this mechanism fails accidentally.
The brake and indicator system from the car are connected to the trailer lights, by an electrical socket that can be disconnected when the trailer is not in use. This board can be removable or lights may be fixed to trailer.

Towing speeds
Some vehicle manufacturers impose reduced speed limits when towing. This may be across the board or it may be when the weight of the trailer exceeds a certain limit. Where such limits apply, this typically means that the vehicle is restricted to a maximum of approximately 80km/h, so it’s important to factor this into your purchase decision, particularly if you are intending to tow a trailer long distances.

Winches
Trailers have winches to pull the boat out of the water and back onto the trailer. They can be electrical or mechanical. New winches have straps that are resistant to corrosion. Older winches have galvanised cable which was prone to corrosion. The winch cable has a shackle and eye bolt which connects to the boat, as well as a safety chain to hold the boat on the trailer while being towed.

Trailer fittings
Other trailer fittings include a jockey wheel to help move the boat and trailer around, lights, registration plates, safety chains, rollers and runners to allow the boat to slide off, brakes, grease seals, springs, axle and U bolts this must all be checked prior to towing. Tie down straps keep the boat/RWC on the trailer while towing. Make sure you check with manufactures book as the best place to tie down.

All states and territories require the use of safety chains. Safety chains must be strong enough to hold the trailer should the trailer coupling accidentally disconnect, and comply with the appropriate Australian Standard. Trailers up to 2500 kg ATM are required to have one safety chain while trailers from 2500kg to 3,500 kg must be fitted with two safety chains. The “D” shackle used to connect the safety chain to the vehicle’s tow bar must have a load rating equivalent to that of the safety chain. Safety chains must attach to the main frame of the tow bar, not a removable part such as the tow bar tongue (refer to QLD Transport Towing Guidelines

Load Restraints
It is the responsibility of the vehicle’s driver/operator that all load restraints are to be checked for compliance (must have a tag stating that it meets AS 4380) and effectiveness of restraining the load. This includes all SLS vehicles for use both on and off the beach. For more information see the National Transport Commission Load Restraint Guide (2018).

Maintenance of boat trailers
While boat trailers are generally of fairly simple construction, the environment in which they operate is particularly harsh, and therefore special attention to their maintenance is required.

Salt water in particular is very damaging to virtually every part of a boat trailer so it’s important to wash the trailer with fresh water to remove as much salt as possible before it is stored. Non-galvanized components should be kept painted to protect against rust and the whole trailer should be inspected regularly to identify rust areas so they can be treated before it becomes a major problem.

Springs, shackles, and U bolts should be checked occasionally for damage and security while tyres should be inspected for damage and deterioration every time the trailer is used.

Wheel bearings need frequent attention, as even a small amount of water will cause a very rapid failure. Additionally, wheel bearings can become pitted from standing for long periods and can fail quickly when put back into service. Brake systems are also very prone to water damage so it’s best to avoid immersing the brake assemblies if at all possible. If immersed, they will generally require dismantling and cleaning if they are to work when required. Trailer brake operation should be checked every time the trailer is used and their adjustments should be checked at least annually.

Rollers and slides must be adjusted properly and be in good condition if damage to the boat is to be avoided.

Winch cables are potentially dangerous to the operator if they break so they should be regularly checked for damage, wear and corrosion and replaced if necessary. Winches should be maintained in accordance with their manufacturer’s recommendations.

Salt water also affects electrical equipment and connections so it’s important to check that all lights operate properly each time the trailer is used.

Trailer couplings and safety chains must always be in good working condition.

Final Checks/Steps – Before taking to the road:

• Jockey wheel is stowed;
• Coupling lock mechanism is firmly fixed. Safety connection chains are attached. Brake coupling/wiring is connected. Signal and light wiring has been connected to the car and the operation of the lights has been checked;
• Tyre pressure of car and trailer are adequate. Wheel chocks are removed;
• Craft is secured down to trailer;
• All objects are secured to craft/trailer e.g. RWC seats;
• All removable objects are removed and stowed e.g. RWC lanyard, lifejackets;
• Tow vehicle mirrors have been adjusted;
• Final trailer visual walk around check; and
• Check if front hubs are in free position (if applicable).