Trailer Rentals

TIPS FOR BOAT TOWING

1. Florida holds the most recreational boats per capita when compared to the rest of the United States, and as such, there lay regulations for towing boats. In the state of Florida, these laws are designed to help keep everybody safe. Should you not follow these regulations you will be fined for putting people in danger.

2. Speed Limit: Under the law, anyone towing a trailer is limited to 65 miles per hour while within the state of Florida.

3. Length, Width, and Height: Within Florida, you can not have a towing trailer that is longer than 40 feet in length under law. Similarly so, under the law of Florida, the width of the trailer cannot go above 8 feet and 6 inches and its height can not go above 13 1/2 feet. There’s also a regulation within the law that states a vehicle and trailer together can not exceed 65 feet total when combined. An over-diversion permit can be acquired by visiting the Florida State Department of Transportation website and applying for it there. Other permits you can apply for on this site are also a blanket permit and trip permit, however, you can self-issue a trip permit when a load is up to 16 feet wide, 150 feet long, 18 feet high, and 200,000 pounds without needing to contact a permit office.

4. It is advised that you do a full pre-tow safety inspection before you begin trailering.

5. It’s important that your tongue weight is around 10-15% of your load. If it is under this threshold your trailer may sway which can be extremely dangerous. Should you think your trailer or load is swaying it is advised you slow down immediately, pull over, and adjust the load as necessary.

6. Ensuring that the trailer/load is level is important to do before trailering.

7. In order to avoid clipping a curb or any other obstructions on the road, you should make wide turns.

8. When towing a heavy load you’ll find that braking takes longer which will require more distance between you and your desired braking spot. Thus, it’s a good idea to leave extra following room between your vehicle and those in front of you.

9. If a wind blast shoves your rig sideways, you shouldn’t step on the brakes. Instead, you should minimize how much you are accelerating by taking your foot off the accelerator.

10. When you are trailering with a load, you’ll find that your rear-view mirror is useless due to the bow of your boat. Thus, it is advised you use your side-view mirrors instead.

11. Once you arrive at a boat ramp it’s important to inspect your trailer tires.