Picking up a boat trailer is an exciting step toward enjoying your time on the water, but it’s important to ensure everything is prepared in advance. To help you have a smooth and hassle-free experience, we’ve put together a checklist of things you need to check before coming to our dealership to pick up your boat trailer.
1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Can Handle the Load
First and foremost, your towing vehicle needs to be equipped to handle the trailer's weight. Knowing the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is key. Here’s a simple breakdown to help:
Compact Trucks: Can typically tow around 5,000 lbs.
Midsize Trucks: Capable of towing between 7,000 and 8,000 lbs.
Full-Size Trucks: Can tow up to around 13,000 lbs.
3/4 Ton Trucks: Able to tow up to 20,000 lbs.
You can usually find your vehicle’s GVWR in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door frame. It’s crucial to check this rating before purchasing a boat trailer to avoid towing with an undersized vehicle.
2. Have the Correct Ball Size
Not all tow balls are the same, and you need to make sure your ball size matches your trailer's weight capacity.
Trailers under 7,000 lbs: Use a 2" tow ball.
Trailers over 7,000 lbs: Use a 2 5/16" tow ball.
Having the wrong ball size can result in serious towing hazards, so be sure to check this before arriving.
3. Set the Right Ball Height
Proper ball height is essential to ensure your trailer rides flat behind your towing vehicle. Here’s a guide:
For trailers under 6,500 lbs: The ball height should be 24" above the ground.
For trailers between 6,500 and 15,000 lbs: The ball height should be closer to 27".
For trailers over 15,000 lbs: The ideal height falls between 25" and 29".
Remember, when the hitch is first attached, the tow ball will sink by about 2 inches. Adding the boat will cause another 1.5 inches of drop. A level trailer is safer and easier to tow, so getting this measurement right is key.
4. Electrical Connection
Before heading to our lot, ensure your vehicle’s electrical connections are set up correctly for the trailer's braking system.
Surge Brakes: You’ll need a 7-pin to flat 5 adapter.
Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Brakes: Require a 7-pin connector.
Having the right adapter or connector will ensure that your trailer brakes function as intended.
5. Retorque Your Lug Nuts
To keep your trailer safe and secure on the road, it's essential to retorque the lug nuts after your first few drives. Here’s what you should do:
After 10 miles, use a 3/4" lug wrench to retorque the lug nuts.
Check them again at 25 miles.
And finally, check once more at 50 miles.
This simple step will help prevent any issues with wheel security during your trip.
6. Be Prepared for Payment
When you come to pick up your trailer, please note our accepted payment options and any associated fees:
Cashier's Check or Personal Check: No additional fees.
Credit or Debit Card: A 2.99% surcharge will apply.
ACH Payment: A 1% fee will be added.
Being ready with your payment method will help make the pickup process smooth and efficient.
7. Licensing Your Trailer
To apply for your trailer’s license plate, we will need a few key documents:
A photo of your Washington Driver's License.
You will also need to pay Pierce County sales tax if you're picking up from our Pierce County location.
For out-of-state buyers, please provide a recent utility bill from the same address and be prepared to sign some additional paperwork.
8. Delivery Options
If you can’t make it to our dealership, we offer delivery services for your convenience:
Within 2 hours of the dealership: We charge $3 per mile to deliver it directly to your location.
Further distances: We can arrange for a shipper to deliver the trailer.
Shipping to Alaska or Hawaii: You’ll need to set up shipping through AML or Sampson Tug and Barge. We will provide the dimensions of the trailer to assist with this process.
9. Trailer Fitting
Our trailers come stock to fit most boats, but some adjustments may be needed to fit your specific boat perfectly. Before you leave, we’ll provide you with a printed guide on how to adjust your trailer. Additionally, we work with several mobile providers who can assist with these fittings for a separate fee.
With these preparations taken care of, you’ll be ready to hit the road confidently with your new trailer. If you have any questions about any of these details, feel free to contact us ahead of time, and we’ll be happy to help!
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