Trailering a jet ski successfully involves careful preparation, precise execution, and a healthy dose of common sense. In essence, it requires securely attaching the jet ski to a suitable trailer, distributing the weight properly, ensuring all safety mechanisms are functional, and driving responsibly to the launch ramp and back. This guide will walk you through each step, from choosing the right trailer to safely navigating the road.
Choosing the Right Trailer and Jet Ski for Your Needs
Before you even think about hooking up, you need to ensure you have the correct equipment. This starts with understanding the relationship between your jet ski and its trailer.
Matching Trailer to Jet Ski
The first critical step is selecting a trailer rated for the weight and size of your jet ski. Overloading a trailer is not only dangerous but also illegal in many jurisdictions. Check your jet ski’s owner’s manual for its dry weight, then add the weight of fuel, accessories, and any gear you plan to transport. This combined weight must be less than the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is clearly marked on the trailer itself.
Single jet ski trailers are common, but if you plan to transport two or more, you’ll need a multi-ski trailer with sufficient capacity. Consider the trailer’s material as well:
- Galvanized steel is strong and durable, offering good rust resistance.
- Aluminum is lighter and corrosion-resistant, but may be more expensive.
Essential Trailer Features
Beyond weight capacity, consider these features:
- Adjustable bunks or rollers: These support the jet ski’s hull and should be adjustable to fit your specific model. Bunks provide broader support, while rollers make launching and loading easier.
- Winch and strap: A reliable winch with a sturdy strap is crucial for pulling the jet ski onto the trailer. Ensure the strap is in good condition, free of fraying or tears.
- Safety chains: These connect the trailer to your tow vehicle and prevent separation in case of hitch failure. Cross them underneath the trailer tongue for added security.
- Lights and wiring: Functioning lights are essential for safe towing, especially at night. Check the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights before each trip. Corroded wiring is a common problem, so inspect it regularly.
Preparing Your Jet Ski for Trailering
Preparation is key to a smooth and safe journey. Before you even approach the trailer, there are several things you should double-check on your jet ski.
Pre-Trip Inspection
Conduct a thorough inspection of your jet ski before each trip:
- Fuel level: Ensure you have enough fuel for your planned activity, but avoid overfilling the tank, especially in hot weather, as fuel can expand.
- Battery: Check the battery connections and ensure it’s fully charged.
- Engine fluids: Inspect the oil and coolant levels.
- Drain plugs: Make sure the drain plugs are properly installed to prevent water from entering the hull. Many forget this critical step!
- Secure loose items: Remove any loose items from the jet ski, such as personal belongings, anchors, or ropes, that could become projectiles during transport.
Securing the Jet Ski to the Trailer
Once you’ve completed the pre-trip inspection, it’s time to attach the jet ski to the trailer.
- Positioning: Carefully guide the jet ski onto the trailer, ensuring it’s centered and aligned with the bunks or rollers. This may require slowly backing the trailer into the water at the launch ramp.
- Winching: Use the winch to pull the jet ski fully onto the trailer. Maintain steady tension on the winch cable or strap while cranking.
- Securing: Once the jet ski is in place, secure it with tie-down straps. Use at least two straps, one at the front and one at the rear, to prevent movement during transport. Cinch them down tightly and double-check that they are securely fastened.
- Final Check: Before hitting the road, give everything a final check. Make sure the winch cable/strap, tie-down straps, safety chains, and lights are all secure and functioning correctly.
Safe Towing Practices
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution and awareness. It’s significantly different from driving a passenger car, so make adjustments.
Adjusting Your Driving Style
- Speed: Reduce your speed when towing. The recommended speed limit for vehicles towing trailers is often lower than the posted speed limit. Consult local regulations.
- Braking: Allow for longer braking distances. The added weight of the trailer increases your stopping distance, so anticipate traffic conditions and brake earlier than you normally would.
- Turning: Make wider turns. The trailer will track slightly inside the path of your tow vehicle, so compensate by making wider turns to avoid hitting curbs or other obstacles.
- Lane changes: Avoid sudden lane changes. Gradual, deliberate lane changes are safer when towing a trailer.
- Following distance: Increase your following distance. Leave more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow for adequate braking distance.
Regular Checks During Travel
During long trips, pull over periodically to inspect your trailer and jet ski:
- Tire pressure: Check the tire pressure on both your tow vehicle and the trailer. Underinflated tires can overheat and cause blowouts.
- Wheel bearings: Feel the wheel hubs for excessive heat. Overheated bearings indicate a lack of lubrication or other issues.
- Straps and chains: Re-tighten the tie-down straps and safety chains as needed. They may loosen during transport.
- Lights: Verify that the lights are still functioning properly.
Launching and Retrieving Your Jet Ski
Launching and retrieving your jet ski requires a methodical approach.
Launching Procedures
- Preparation: Before backing down the ramp, disconnect the lights from your tow vehicle to prevent them from short-circuiting. Remove the tie-down straps, but leave the winch cable/strap attached.
- Backing Down: Slowly back the trailer into the water until the jet ski is partially afloat.
- Release: Release the winch cable/strap and gently push the jet ski off the trailer.
- Parking: Park your tow vehicle in a designated parking area, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct the ramp for other users.
Retrieval Procedures
- Approach: Carefully guide the jet ski onto the trailer, aligning it with the bunks or rollers.
- Winching: Use the winch to pull the jet ski fully onto the trailer.
- Securing: Attach the tie-down straps and tighten them securely.
- Draining: Pull the trailer out of the water and allow the jet ski to drain. Reconnect the trailer lights.
- Final Check: Perform a final check of all connections before driving away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about trailering a jet ski:
FAQ 1: What is the best way to protect my jet ski during transport?
The best way to protect your jet ski is to use a quality jet ski cover designed for trailering. These covers are made from durable, water-resistant materials that protect the hull from scratches, dents, and debris. Ensure the cover is properly fitted and secured to prevent it from flapping in the wind.
FAQ 2: How often should I service my trailer’s wheel bearings?
It’s generally recommended to repack your trailer’s wheel bearings at least once a year, or more frequently if you frequently launch in saltwater. Saltwater can accelerate corrosion and damage to the bearings.
FAQ 3: What is tongue weight, and why is it important?
Tongue weight is the amount of weight the trailer tongue exerts on the tow vehicle’s hitch. Ideally, it should be around 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Too little or too much tongue weight can cause handling problems, such as sway.
FAQ 4: Can I use a regular car to tow a jet ski?
It depends. Check your car’s towing capacity, which is listed in your owner’s manual. If your car’s towing capacity is greater than the combined weight of the jet ski and trailer, then you can tow it. However, be mindful of the driving considerations outlined previously.
FAQ 5: What should I do if my trailer starts to sway?
If your trailer starts to sway, do not brake suddenly. Instead, gently ease off the accelerator and allow the speed to decrease. If possible, steer slightly in the direction of the sway to help stabilize the trailer. Consider using a weight distribution hitch if swaying is a recurring problem.
FAQ 6: Are there any legal requirements for trailering a jet ski?
Yes. Legal requirements vary by state or region, but they typically include:
- Proper trailer registration and licensing.
- Working lights and brakes.
- Safety chains.
- Adherence to speed limits.
- Specific width and height restrictions.
Check your local regulations before traveling.
FAQ 7: How do I prevent rust and corrosion on my trailer?
Rinse your trailer with fresh water after each use, especially if launching in saltwater. Apply a corrosion inhibitor to exposed metal parts. Store the trailer in a dry place, preferably indoors, when not in use.
FAQ 8: What type of hitch do I need for a jet ski trailer?
Most jet ski trailers use a ball hitch, typically a 2-inch ball. Ensure the ball hitch is properly sized and securely attached to your tow vehicle’s receiver.
FAQ 9: How do I adjust the bunks or rollers on my trailer?
Loosen the mounting bolts on the bunks or rollers and adjust their position until they provide even support for the jet ski’s hull. The bunks or rollers should be in contact with the hull across its entire length.
FAQ 10: What is the best way to store my jet ski on the trailer during the off-season?
Cover the jet ski with a breathable cover to protect it from the elements. Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Lubricate any moving parts on the trailer.
FAQ 11: Should I use trailer brakes for a jet ski trailer?
It depends on the weight of the trailer and local regulations. Many smaller jet ski trailers don’t require brakes. However, if your trailer weighs over a certain threshold (often around 3,000 pounds), brakes are typically required.
FAQ 12: What should I do if I get a flat tire on my trailer?
Pull over to a safe location and change the tire. Make sure you have a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. If you’re not comfortable changing the tire yourself, call a roadside assistance service. Remember to check your spare tire’s condition and inflation periodically.
By following these guidelines and addressing potential issues proactively, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable jet ski trailering experience. Remember, safety always comes first!