BOAT TOWING TIPS

*Length, Width and Height: Florida law states that the towing trailer cannot be longer than 4o feet in length. Width of the trailer cannot exceed 8 feet, 6 inches. The height cannot be higher than 13.5 feet. Overall length of the vehicle and trailer combined should not exceed 65 feet. To get an over-dimension permit, visit the Florida State Department of Transportation website. You may apply for a blanket permit or a trip permit. You can self-issue a trip permit for loads up to 16 feet wide, 18 feet high, 150 feet long and 200,000 lbs. without needing to deal with the Permit Office.

* Speed Limit: When towing a trailer, the total speed is limited to 65 miles per hour in the state of Florida.

1. Before trailering, perform a full pre-tow safety inspection of your rig.
2. Tongue weight should be about 10- to 15-percent of your load. If it’s not, the trailer might sway. Swaying is extremely dangerous—if you detect sway in your rig, slow down immediately, pull over, and adjust your load.
3. Make sure your truck’s trailer/load is level and even.
4. Make wide turns to avoid clipping a curb or other obstructions.
5. Leave extra following room between your vehicle and those in front of you. When towing a heavy load, braking distance may be significantly increased.
6. When wind-blast shoves your rig sideways, you can minimize the effect by taking your foot off the accelerator. Do not step on the brakes.
7. Use your side-view mirrors. Your rear-view is useless because all you’ll see in it is the broad bow of your boat.
8. As soon as you arrive at the boat ramp, walk back to the trailer tires and inspect.