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DO NOT apply the brakes.
DO NOT turn the steering wheel sharply.
After slowing down below 25 mph, gradually turn
the steering wheel just enough to get you back on
the roadway.
Proceed with caution when entering traffic.
Dropping off the shoulder may cause alignment
issues with the trailer axle.
Backing
To back your trailer, keep your hand at the bottom
of the steering wheel. To move the trailer left,
move your hand left. To move the trailer right,
move your hand right. Break very slowly if your
tow vehicle and trailer starts to jackknife, or is not
headed where you want it, STOP. Pull forward to
straighten out, and then start again.
Breakdowns & Accidents
Get off the road If something goes wrong, and
immediately park your tow vehicle in a safe place,
as far away from the road as possible. Turn on your
emergency flashers. Get all the occupants out of
the vehicle and away from the roadway.
If you must continue on the road to reach a
safe place off the road, turn on your emergency
flashers, slow down and proceed with caution.
Do not hesitate to drive on a flat tire if it is
necessary to reach a safe place completely off the
roadway. Drive slowly, since the scraping tire and
wheel could cause a fire.
Getting In and Out of the Water
The handling of your boat and trailer at the ramp
requires practice, skill and patience. With care and
attention to the following tips, you can launch and
load your boat with relative ease.
Always prepare the boat for launching before you
get to the ramp. Stop in a launching prep area near
the ramp that does not block traffic and remove
your tie-downs, tilt up your engine or drive unit,
replace your transom drain plugs, etc.
Do not disconnect the wiring harness, winch cable
or optional boat bow safety chain until you are by
the water, ready to launch.
On the Road
SKEETER recommends all people wear safety
restraints at all times while towing with any
vehicle. Going too fast is a major cause of vehicle
trailer accidents. At a minimum, observe the
posted speed limits. Slow down for curves,
bad weather, hazardous road conditions and
expressway exits. A road hazard that could be
avoided at 45 or 50 mph, may not be avoided at
55mph.
Stopping/Following Distance
Your tow vehicle and trailer are heavier and longer
that your tow vehicle alone. This means it will
take you longer to stop. Allow at least 4 seconds
between you and the vehicle in front of you. Start
counting when the back of the vehicle in front
of you passes a fixed object, such as a sign post,
telephone pole, or crack in the road. If the front of
your vehicle reaches the object before the end of
the 4 seconds, slow down to increase the distance.
Then check the following distance again. If you are
driving in bad weather, such as rain, snow or fog.
Use at least a 5 second gap.
Hills
To prevent your tow vehicle’s engine from lugging
when going up hills, shift into lower gears. This
will improve gas mileage and reduce engine
overheating.
Swaying or “fishtailing” happens more often going
downhill. To prevent this from happening, decrease
speed BEFORE going down the hill. If your trailer
has surge brakes, do not shift into lower gears
when going downhill. This can make the trailer
brakes come on the entire time you are going
downhill and may cause your trailer brakes not to
work.
DO NOT ride the brake pedal going downhill. When
you need to slow down, press the brake pedal and
slow down at least 5 mph below the speed limit.
Then let completely off the brake pedal and let the
brakes cool before you press the brake pedal again
if possible or practical.
Passing
Your tow vehicle and trailer are heavier and longer
than your tow vehicle alone and you will need
more time and distance to pass.
Passing by another vehicle in the same or opposite
direction can cause sway or fishtailing. This sway is
greater when your speed is higher. See the SWAY/
FISHTAILING section below on what to do if this
happens.
Sway/Fishtailing
If the trailer starts to sway or fishtail, do not increase
speed. Apply brakes or turn the steering wheel. You could
loose control and have an accident, including a “Jackknife,”
resulting in severe injury or death. Remove your foot from
the accelerator and steer straight ahead while the sway or
fishtailing stops. Pull off the road when safe to do so and
check for the cause.
One or more causes (cross winds, passing vehicles,
quick driver steering actions, improper loading,
excessive speed, etc.) may result in sway.
Check the cargo in your boat to make sure it has
not shifted. Also make sure the trailer is loaded
heavier in the front.
Check that all the tires are properly inflated and all
lug bolts or nuts are tight.
Check the trunk or cargo bed of the tow vehicle to
make sure it is not overloaded.
Drive at a slower speed.
Sway happens most often at higher speeds.
Road Shoulders
Sometimes the trailer is wider then the tow
vehicle. Drive in the center of the lane to allow for
a wider trailer. If wheels of your vehicle or trailer go
off the paved roadway:
Hold the steering wheel firmly. Let off the gas
pedal and slow down below 25 mph.
WARNING
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