Alabama Boaters Trailering and Launching 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before backing a boat trailer down a launch ramp, what should you do first?
- Load all gear onto the boat at the ramp
- Remove all tie-down straps and disconnect the safety chains (Correct answer)
- Remove transom saver and safety chains but leave tie-downs on
- Load passengers and start the engine at the ramp
Correct answer: Remove all tie-down straps and disconnect the safety chains
All tie-down straps and safety chains must be removed before launching, but the winch strap should stay attached until the boat floats free.
Question 2: What is the recommended tongue weight for a properly loaded boat trailer?
- 5% of total trailer weight
- 10-15% of total loaded trailer weight (Correct answer)
- 25% of total loaded trailer weight
- 30% of total loaded trailer weight
Correct answer: 10-15% of total loaded trailer weight
Proper tongue weight is 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight to ensure stable towing and prevent sway.
Question 3: Which of the following is a sign that your trailer brakes need immediate attention?
- The trailer pulls slightly to the left when braking
- The tow vehicle pulls the trailer without any resistance
- The trailer surges forward into the tow vehicle when braking (Correct answer)
- The brake controller light stays green at all times
Correct answer: The trailer surges forward into the tow vehicle when braking
A trailer surging forward when braking indicates the trailer's surge brakes or electric brakes are not functioning properly.
Question 4: When parking a loaded boat trailer on a steep incline, you should:
- Rely only on the tow vehicle's parking brake
- Turn the wheels into the curb and use wheel chocks (Correct answer)
- Leave the trailer in gear without additional precautions
- Disconnect the trailer from the hitch for safety
Correct answer: Turn the wheels into the curb and use wheel chocks
On steep inclines, turn wheels into the curb and use wheel chocks behind trailer tires to prevent rolling.
Question 5: After retrieving your boat at the ramp, where should you park to drain the bilge and prepare the trailer?
- In the nearest parking spot regardless of location
- Away from the ramp in a designated staging area (Correct answer)
- On the ramp itself with hazard lights on
- At the water's edge with the engine running
Correct answer: Away from the ramp in a designated staging area
Always move to a designated staging area away from the launch ramp so others can use the ramp while you prepare.
Question 6: What should you check on your trailer tires before each towing trip?
- Only the tread depth
- Only the tire pressure
- Pressure, tread depth, sidewall condition, and lug nut torque (Correct answer)
- Only the lug nut torque
Correct answer: Pressure, tread depth, sidewall condition, and lug nut torque
A complete tire inspection includes pressure, tread depth, sidewall cracks, and lug nut torque to prevent blowouts and wheel separation.
Question 7: How far should trailer lights be submerged in water during launching?
- Fully submerged is acceptable if they are waterproof rated
- They should never be submerged; disconnect them before launching (Correct answer)
- Only the tail lights should be submerged
- Submerging up to the license plate light is acceptable
Correct answer: They should never be submerged; disconnect them before launching
Trailer lights should be disconnected or kept out of the water to prevent bulb failure from thermal shock when hot bulbs contact cold water.
Alabama Boaters Trailering and Launching 2
Before backing a boat trailer down a launch ramp, what should you do first?